A Pacific University College of Optometry student examines an Oregon elementary school student

Today’s blog post comes from VSP Mobile Clinics team member and VSP blogger Gil Melgoza. Gil spent the week of January 23 in Oregon teaming up with VSP Provider Susan Littlefield, OD, and students from the Pacific University College of Optometry to provide free eyecare to those in need. 

It was a long cold wet week in Oregon but all that rain did not dampen our spirits. We helped 134 patients see better on our clinics with the help of Dr. Littlefield and the students of Pacific University College of Optometry. It was a great collaboration of effort, dedication and zeal for this kind of work from everyone. Two days at Echo Shaw Elementary and two days at Cornelius Elementary working with the kids was exciting, picking out frames and showing them how to make glasses. Some of these kids treated their exams like a field trip as they followed the exam process all the way to the in-office finishing lab onboard the Mobile Clinic and watched their glasses (featuring lenses from our amazing partner, Transitions) get made in only 20 minutes!

I’m very fortunate to work with the mobile clinics and this event helped me realize how impressive our clinics really are to visitors, as even local news reporters who visited us were amazed. Jaime from The Oregonian Newspaper said, “In 20 minutes, this child has his glasses? Unbelievable!” Roxy, a reporter from the local Univision affiliate filmed the whole process starting with a child walking into the clinic to the child walking into their class and showing their teacher their new glasses. I was very happy with my first Spanish interview and very happy with the reporters’ coverage and report of our community support.

Pacific University College of Optometry students in Oregon

Our last day at Project Homeless Connect was the busiest. We had all exam rooms running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We had an amazing turnout and in addition to providing eye exams to as many patients as possible, we distributed 256 gift certificates to people who chose to receive one. They left very happy as we were able to assist them, and instead of waiting they could take advantage of other services at the facility.

An Oregon resident in need receives a free eye exam from a Pacific University College of Optometry student

Dr. Littlefield, who invited the mobile clinics to Cornelius and Hillsboro, was very pleased as we saw the number of patients she expected and was thrilled her students were able to use state-of-the-art equipment and join us in providing great support to the community.

Watch: Univision story in Portland (KUNP)

See: Additional images from The Oregonian‘s online photo gallery

The clinic staff gather together with a patient at the Illumination Foundation event.

Looking back on the 2^nd year of Transitions Optical’s partnership with the VSP Mobile Eyes program, I am thoroughly impressed at the way this outreach program delivers on its promise to provide eyecare and eyewear to those in need.  In every community across the United States, there are those who cannot afford proper eyecare and often are unaware that their vision needs correction.  At each and every event, we provide comprehensive eye exams and glasses to those who need them.  The response is resoundingly gracious and humbling to those who volunteer their time.  It’s always especially gratifying to see patients’ faces light up when they learn that not only are they getting brand new eyeglasses, they are also getting them fitted with Transitions lenses that very day!  [Note: this is for patient’s seen on the Eyenstein mobile clinic.]

Since VSP founded the program after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated New Orleans and Southeast Texas in 2005, in 2011, we had the opportunity to provide crisis outreach after a series of tornadoes ripped through northern Alabama and Joplin, Missouri.  For over 7 weeks, the clinics team was able to see hundreds of patients who had lost their homes and possessions.   For those of us requiring vision correction, try to imagine how difficult it would be to go a day without glasses – let alone all of your other possessions.  Throughout this relief program, the Mobile Clinics team was aided by volunteers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry.  Similarly, In Joplin, the Missouri Optometric Association stepped in to provide assistance.

Folks wait outside the clinic to have their eyes examined

Over the past two years, we’ve visited over 50 organizations and seen nearly 3,000 patients.  Our partnership clinic, Eyenstein, has traveled across America from our headquarters near Tampa, Florida, to help organizations in Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York City, Washington DC, Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and many, many more.  At Transitions Optical, we’ve supported nearly all of these events with volunteer support and have had almost 30 employees participate to date including kid-focused events at schools for our Eye Didn’t Know That! activities.  The roles at these events vary from trip to trip, but we could not be a valued partner with VSP without our volunteers and I am extremely thankful for those who have spent time on Eyenstein.

In true Transitions Optical style, we have set out to find opportunities to partner through outreach with industry leaders.  To date, in addition to those mentioned above, we’ve held successful events with the Essilor Vision Foundation, Prevent Blindness America, SVS Vision, Hoya, the Georgia Optometric Association, and the National Optometric Association.  We’re always looking for the right partners to help bring more impact to outreach events.

Sometimes patients have needs that go beyond 20/20 vision correction.  This is where VSP’s comprehensive vision exam trumps traditional vision screenings.   The volunteer doctors onboard Eyenstein detect cases of amblyopia (lazy eye) on almost every trip.  This condition is easily corrected if caught early enough.  We have also detected juvenile diabetes, high blood pressure, detached retinas, and other disorders that can impact much more than just vision – and many can be corrected if detected early enough.

During my most recent outreach in November – helping the homeless population of Orange County, California – I was taken aback by the sheer volume of health services being provided: flu shots, dental checks, hearing exams, pregnancy tests, STD diagnosis, and rows upon row of people waiting patiently for eye exams.  A special thanks to the Illumination Foundation for all that they do and for holding this annual event that helps so many.

I’m excited to see where 2012 takes us and how we can improve the current program to see more patients and continue to give back and increase the awareness of both comprehensive eye exams and protecting your eyes.

I went out into the crowd in front of the table and met with individuals and families. Spoke to them about why it was important to get your eyes checked on a yearly basis and was seeing if they need assistance with eyecare. If they did and met the qualification, I provided them the certificate and explained the process.  If they had vision insurance already, I helped reinforce how important it is to get checked yearly. The connection that we were having with all these wonderful people was truly a blessing. I cant wait to be apart of more up and coming events.

Here are a few pictures from the event:

Thousands of marchers started from three different locations around the city and ended at the Sacramento Convention Center in downtown to celebrate as a community.

VSP provided vouchers for free eyecare and glasses to those in need.

A child plays a game wearing "disease simulator" glasses.

As America celebrates the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, VSP employees are proud to join marchers celebrating in Sacramento, the hometown of the company’s headquarters, as part of the MLK365 “March for the Dream.”

The event is expected to draw more than 20,000 attendees, including local residents, elected officials, and business, civic and community leaders representing many diverse ethnicities and backgrounds who are joining together to “March for the Dream” in remembrance of the visionary leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950′s and 1960′s. Marchers will start from three different locations around the city and end at the Sacramento Convention Center in downtown to celebrate as a community while enjoying a variety of diverse activities and performances. One of VSP’s mobile eye clinics, Eyenstein, will be inside the Convention Center as part of the celebration and available for tours. Participants in need who visit Eyenstein will also have the opportunity to receive a free gift certificate redeemable for a comprehensive eye exam at a local VSP doctor’s office and glasses, if needed.

As part of its participation in the “March for the Dream,” VSP continues its commitment to supporting diversity causes and embraces diversity as an integral part of its corporate culture. For more information on diversity at VSP, please click here.

Stay tuned for live updates during the “March for the Dream” on Twitter (@VSPVisionCare), and keep your eyes out for some great pictures on the VSP Blog for a glimpse inside the event.

How are you remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today?

Cathy G. (left) and November

At VSP, we encourage our employees to make a difference in our communities. Cathy G. shares her personal experience volunteering as a  Big Sister to November.

What encouraged you to get involved in the Big Sister’s Program?
There were a few reasons. First, I had worked at the Sacramento Food Bank for a few years and wanted to broaden my volunteer experience. Second, at the time I was working at Eyefinity (another VSP Global company) and a co-worker mentioned her Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) experience and thought it might be a good fit for me.

Lastly, since I didn’t have siblings or children of my own I thought it would be a great way to get a glimpse into what that might have looked like. As it turns out, it’s been an amazing almost 9-year ride with my Little Sister November.

What has been the most meaningful experience with your Little Sister November?
How much time ya got? Each encounter with November is meaningful. It probably sounds corny, but it’s true. If I had to single out one it would have to be when she nominated me for Big Sis of 2011. She had to submit an essay about our match and what its meant to her through the years.

There was a BBBS fundraiser event, for which VSP was a sponsor, and the Big Sis and Big Bro nominees were invited to enjoy a disco party with dinner and silent auction in order to raise money for the organization so that kids can continue to be matched with mentors. November, her mom, and I headed out to the Radisson where the winners were to be announced. I had no clue that November and her mom already knew I won. In fact, I was joking around with November about “who I had to Tanya Harding” to get the award! I was trying to ease her nervousness by joking around not realizing that I was the only one in the dark about it all.

When the announcement was made we both went up on stage and she read the essay to the crowd. She’s such a good writer; I was so touched and humbled by her words. I sobbed like a baby thrilled that I made a bit of an impact in her life. I know she’s made an impact on mine, and I’ll cherish it forever.

How do you feel about her graduating out of the program?
I’m excited for her to turn 18 and move on to a new chapter of her life. As far as our match goes, it may have officially ended with BBBS but our relationship remains intact. Our time may not be as scheduled but the plan is to continue to see each other when possible and chat as we do today in between our visits.

What do you hope that your little sister has learned from your relationship?
My hope is she’s learned to keep an open mind and that people are mostly good. She’s strong enough to do the right thing, one good turn deserves another, and she’ll always have me to lean on.

Why should people get involved and become a Big sister or Big brother?
If there’s anyone out there that is remotely interested in becoming a “Big,” my hope is that our story will encourage them to take the next step. It’s been an amazing way to give back, you learn so much about yourself and get to guide someone through their life using your past and present experiences. Here’s the best way I can put it. This past summer, November asked me if I planned to get another “Little Sister.” My reply was, “No way, why would I want to mess with perfection?”

Grab some tissues and read November’s complete essay here.

Want to make a difference in a child’s life? Volunteer today! Check out Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Tyreke Evans drives to the hoop - Photo Credit: Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images

NBA star Tyreke Evans recently spoke about his return to the court following the NBA lockout, the current state of his Sacramento Kings and vision drills that help his game during his interview with Yahoo! Sports Radio on Sunday. Want to know what he thinks of his new teammate, former BYU phenom Jimmer Fredette, or his new head coach, Keith Smart? Curious about what his favorite sports vision drill is? Learn more by listening to Tyreke’s interview below.

If you catch the sports vision drill Tyreke used to do with his brother, email it to prteam@vsp.com and you’ll be entered to win an item autographed by Tyreke!

Click the gray arrow to play the interview:

About Tyreke Evans and VSP Vision Care:
VSP Vision Care is proud to be the exclusive eyecare and eyewear provider for Tyreke Evans. Tyreke plays professional basketball for the Sacramento Kings and was named 2010 Rookie of the Year. He’s the fourth rookie ever to average 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game. The only other players to accomplish this were Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Not only is good vision a critical component for being successful in sports, it’s also an important part of every day life. Be sure to follow VSP Vision Care on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with Tyreke’s Activities.

Kate Renwick-Espinosa, CMO of VSP Global celebrates the VSP Eye Pledge with Sacramento-area Boys & Girls Clubs members

In recognition of the VSP Eye Pledge campaign reaching its goal to provide more than $19.2 million worth of free eye exams and glasses to 50,000 at-risk youth across America, the Boys & Girls Clubs Teichert Branch in Sacramento and VSP Vision Care (VSP) hosted a fun-filled celebration Friday.

Kate Renwick-Espinosa, CMO of VSP Global speaks to Boys & Girls Club members

Karolina Maluga, development manager of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento was on-hand to receive a giant gift certificate for 50,000 free eye exams and glasses on behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. Local Boys & Girls Club members also enjoyed an eye-opening tour inside one of VSP’s state-of-the-art, 45-foot mobile eyecare clinics.

In the online campaign that kicked off in mid-August, VSP Vision Care and Boys & Girls Clubs of America partnered to encourage people across the country to visit www.SeeMuchMore.com and take the free VSP Eye Pledge. For each pledge made, a gift certificate for a free eye exam and glasses was directed to a local Club child in need.

VSP Vision Care and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America launched the free campaign to encourage consumers to take care of their vision.

Children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento, Kate Renwick-Espinosa, CMO of VSP Global, Karolina Maluga, Development Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento and Dave Dess, VP of VSP Vision Care Marketing

Dan from VSP guiding Mr. Hooper

This past weekend, I was a guide runner for one of the visually impaired athletes in the California International Marathon. His name was Mr. Hooper, a retired U.S. Army veteran from Houston,Texas, and he was a member of the Unites States Association of Blind Athletes. I learned a lot about Mr. Hooper, including that he went 30 years without going in for an eye exam. After experiencing worsening vision, he finally went in and was diagnosed with advanced glaucoma; he would progressively lose his vision.

Mr. Hooper’s determination to overcome his glaucoma was an inspiration. The joy of being out on our Sacramento roads was clear on his face, from start to finish, because his training was confined to a treadmill. I was proud to be a Sacramentan during the run because we got vocal, enthusiastic support all along our leg of the relay.

I have run a ton of races from 5Ks to Marathons, UltraMarathons, roads, trails and everything in between. I only ran 5.9 miles with Mr. Hooper, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had in my running career. As a fellow veteran, I sincerely felt honored to be able to team up with this Vietnam veteran. I will now also value my eye sight and my ability to run long distances a lot more from this day forward.

The USABA, California International Marathon, our local providers, and VSP made a difference in the lives of some amazing athletes this weekend and drove home, in vivid detail, that the work we do does make a difference in people’s lives.

VSP worked with Dr. Ernie Takahashi, a VSP provider who is an avid supporter of the athletes, and the USABA to help support the runners in this marathon. A special thanks to everyone who participated. 

“It’s easy to tell people, ‘You need to wash yourselves and your children regularly to prevent trachoma.’” Says Aboubakar Maman, a World Vision program manager based in Niger,West Africa.  “But how can they do this when they only have one pail of water a day for the whole family? They are forced to choose between drinking and washing.”

In alignment with VSP’s mission around eye care, the VSP employees raised $11,500 and teamed up with charity:water to fund a water project and improve the health conditions in a country where drinking water was difficult to obtain. Our project is now “well” underway, with two wells currently under construction in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. In a few short months we will have improved the daily lives of hundreds of people and provided enough clean water so that they won’t be forced to make that difficult decision between drinking to stay alive and blindness.

Other Water Facts:

• Right now, almost 1 billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water.  That is 1 in every 8 people.
• Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80 percent of diseases and kill more people every year than all forms violence, including war.
• Children are especially vulnerable with 90 percent of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and unhygienic living conditions being children under 5 years old.

Supporting the community means something different to just about everyone and VSP understands these perspectives by supporting communities in different ways.

For example, VSP’s LGBTA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Advocates) employee resource group hosted a Fall Mixer at its Rancho Cordova, CA headquarters last week. We brought together some of the region’s top local business professionals and thought leaders from the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce and the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, a local gay and lesbian business association. It was a great night of developing new relationships with local, diverse organizations with Lava Cap Winery and Proven Insurance as sponsors.

I’m proud to work for a company like VSP for a number of reasons, particularly because we support local economies across the country. Our supplier diversity program enables us to partner with diverse and local suppliers. Additionally, VSP supports small businesses through its network of 28,000 independent eyecare professionals.

Members of VSP’s LGBTA ERG

VSP will continue to support local economies and diverse communities across the country and I look forward to playing a role in it. The more diverse we are as a company, the better we can serve the unique eyecare needs of the communities we serve!

Diverse suppliers are encouraged to contact us at supplier@vsp.com.