Sacramento CA, October 25, 2005 — Now that winter is here, don't be so quick to put all of your family's summer gear into storage. According to a survey released today by Vision Service Plan (VSP) and the American Optometric Association (AOA) only 8 percent of parents make sure that their child wears sunglasses when going out to play in the snow, leaving kids at high risk for UV damage.

The AOA warns that snow is highly reflective — up to 85 percent of the sun's UV rays can be reflected upward into the eyes. Prolonged exposure without eye protection can lead to Photokeratitis, a "sunburn" of the eye, or more serious conditions like macular degeneration. Before a day outdoors, moms and dads can protect their kids' eyes by making sure that everyone wears sunglasses when they head outdoors.

"Sunglasses are synonymous with summer, but they're a necessity year-round," said VSP Director of Optometry Denis Humphreys, O.D. "The glare from snow can be particularly damaging to anyone's eyes, so it is imperative that the whole family shield themselves from winter's UV rays."

The AOA advises that UV exposure is cumulative, so even the youngest snow-enthusiasts should wear eye protection to prevent problems down the road. A visit with an eyecare specialist can provide parents with more information on eye protection for every season.

"Sunglasses or goggles are just as important as a hat and gloves when dressing for the snow," said Richard L. Wallingford, Jr., O.D., President of the AOA. "Protecting your child's eyes in both the winter and summer is easy and helps to ensure healthy vision in the future."

About VSP
VSP provides eyecare benefit plans that range from comprehensive eye examinations and materials to complete medical and surgical eyecare. With more than 41 million members nationwide, one in eight people in the United States relies on VSP for eyecare health coverage. VSP's Sight for Students program has helped more than 250,000 low-income/uninsured children receive free eyecare services since its inception in 1997. VSP, a company with over $2 billion in annual gross revenue, has been recognized by Fortune Magazine for the sixth consecutive year as one of best places to work in America. For more information, visit us online at www.vsp.com.

About AOA
The American Optometric Association represents more than 34,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians. Optometrists serve patients in nearly 6,500 communities across the country, and in 3,500 of those communities are the only eye doctors.

American Optometric Association doctors of optometry are highly qualified, trained doctors on the frontline of eye and vision care who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, optometrists play a major role in a patient's overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Doctors of optometry have the skills and training to provide more than two-thirds of all primary eye care in the United States.

Prior to optometry school, optometrists undergo three to four years of undergraduate study that typically culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree in a field such as biology or chemistry. Optometry school consists of four years of post-graduate, doctoral study concentrating on both the eye and systemic health. In addition to their formal training, doctors of optometry must undergo annual continuing education to stay current on the latest standards of care. For more information, visit www.aoa.org.

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