Seniors were able to select from a variety of frames.
RANCHO Cordova, Calif.—Last month, more than 500 low-income, uninsured and underinsured seniors in Atlanta received free health services, including comprehensive eye exams, diabetes screenings and high blood pressure screenings as part of the VSP Eye on Diabetes campaign’s largest event to date.

Partnering with the Georgia Optometric Association, Medicare Diabetes Screening Project (MDSP) and Atlanta Regional Commission’s Area Agency on Aging, VSP Vision Care brought two mobile eye clinics outfitted with state-of-the-art exam rooms, dispensaries and a finishing lab to provide services to those who have or are at risk for diabetes. The campaign sought to increase awareness and understanding of the connection between eyecare and a person’s general health.

Unique to this event, all qualified Medicare beneficiaries with pre-diabetes were enrolled in a 16-session lifestyle intervention class that has proven to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. A program provided through MDSP, the enrollees will have access to a trained lifestyle coach to help them change their habits by learning about healthier eating, simple ways to increase physical activity and other changes that lead to a healthier lifestyle.

 
The VSP Mobile Eye Clinics sets up to serve 500 patients.
“The goal of the VSP Eye on Diabetes campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of eye-care and the role of optometry in detecting and managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes,” said Cheryl Johnson, vice president of Provider Services, VSP Vision Care. “Partnering with these great local organizations is critical to helping a community seek greater knowledge and understanding of how to incorporate positive preventative care behaviors, such as annual eye exams, into their lives.”

The VSP Eye on Diabetes campaign has made stops in eight states since it launched in 2010, and continued on to Harrisburg, Pa. for the final stop of 2011. For more information about the campaign, visit vsp.com/community. ■