RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—Managed vision care provider, VSP Vision Care has established a new Health Plan and Public Exchanges Business Unit to focus on increasing patient access to eyecare providers through these channels. Al Schubert has been named senior vice president and general manager of the new strategic business unit. He will be responsible for business development, operations, retention and marketing of vision care to managed care organizations.

Schubert joined VSP in 1988 and was promoted in 1994 to launch the managed care sales division. In 2006, he established a health policy and advocacy team at VSP that focused on access to care.

“As we adapt to meet the future needs of the eyecare and health care industries, our organization continues to stay focused on keeping patients connected with their eyecare providers,” said Jim McGrann, president, VSP Vision Care. “Al’s background gives him a unique perspective on this developing market and makes him the right person to lead this effort.”

“I’m excited about this new opportunity and committed to partnering with health plans to deliver exceptional eyecare to members while keeping and increasing patient access for VSP network doctors,” said Schubert. “Our focus is on integrated care and the new delivery models associated with health reform. As the health care market continues to evolve, we have been proactive in developing new, cutting-edge products to exceed the regulatory requirements of this advancing market.”

To date, VSP has contracted with 90 new health plans for 2014. Health plan members receive their eyecare through VSP’s network of more than 30,000 providers. The company currently covers 60 million members.