RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—For the fourth year running, VSP Global is launching its Eye on Diabetes campaign to provide eye exams, eyewear and diabetes screenings to low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents in several cities across the U.S. Beginning Jan. 13 through 15 in Portland, Ore., the 2013 campaign will also offer free health services in Seattle, Wash., Baltimore, Md. and Albany, N.Y.

Eye on Diabetes, which began in 2010, has helped over 4,000 people in 12 states receive free eyecare. The campaign utilizes the VSP Mobile Eyes program and partners with local VSP network doctors, state optometric associations, optometry schools and diabetes associations to aid in identifying serious eye and health-related conditions in patients present. After being seen by Eyes on Diabetes doctors, over 200 patients were advised to seek additional necessary treatment from a referred medical professional.

According to VSP Vision Care president Jim McGrann, the Eye on Diabetes campaign was created in response to the increasing spread of diabetes throughout the U.S.

“With over 25 million people in the U.S. diagnosed with the disease and another 79 million who have prediabetes or at risk, we hope our efforts continue to raise awareness that diabetes can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam and educate consumers about the critical role eye health plays in your overall health,” said Jim McGrann, president of VSP Vision Care.

This year, the campaign adds a new component, a free continuing education course approved by the Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE). The course, offered in each included city and available to all licensed optometrists, will provide doctors with updated information and tools for providing care for diabetic or at-risk patients. The courses will be led by VSP optometrist Jeffry D. Gerson, OD, FAAO, an expert in retinal disease management and Paul Chous, OD, FAAO, a diabetes educator.

To learn more or register for a free CE course, visit www.vspeyeondiabetes.com.