Giving kids the gift of sight…and then some

Posted on September 21st, 2009 by Jill N |

Jill N. is a member of VSP's Corporate Public Relations team - and a huge fan of NBA star Bobby Jackson.

Yesterday VSP participated in an event that not only gave kids an opportunity to be successful in school by providing them with comprehensive eye exams, eyewear and school supplies, but also gave them another reason to smile – a chance to meet and play basketball with Bobby Jackson from the Sacramento Kings!

We spent the day with 40 Herman Leimbach elementary students, their families and school staff along with parents and students from two other elementary schools who conducted their own school supply fund raising effort for these students through a program called “Kids Helping Kids.”

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and Bobby Jackson arrived to the absolute delight of the kids (and the parents!). They toured SeeLia, our mobile clinic, and helped a few of the students pick out their new frames from the dispensary located on the clinic.

Bobby Jackson and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson pose with VSP Drs. April Omoto and Stephanie Kirshbaum.

Bobby Jackson and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson pose with VSP Drs. April Omoto and Stephanie Kirschbaum.

Then the fun began when Bobby agreed to try on our vision impairment simulation goggles and attempt a few basketball drills. He experienced what would happen to his vision if he had different eye diseases, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and even hemianopia! The kids then had an opportunity to participate in the basketball drills wearing the different goggles so they could experience for themselves how good vision is an important component to being successful in both sports and in school.

Bobby Jackson attempts a free throw while wearing glaucoma simulator goggles.

VSP knows the important role regular eye exams play in back to school preparation, and we also know the important role giving back to the community plays in ensuring every child has access to receiving those exams. Even as we all battled the hot Sacramento sun, we all had smiles at the end of the day knowing the positive impact made on all those who were there.