Archive for October, 2007

VSP Responds to the Recent Fires in Southern California

We want to do everything we can to help those affected by the recent fires in Southern California. That’s why we’re deploying our disaster relief plan. We’re working directly with our network of eye doctors and business partners to assess the situation and meet the eyecare needs of all those directly affected by the fires.

Here’s what we’re doing:

  • Any VSP member who loses or breaks eyewear, needs contact lens replacements or an eye exam due to the fires, can get them replaced at a minimal cost. Please call 800.877.7195 for more information.  Non-VSP members can request a VSP eyecare voucher from the American Red Cross.
  • We’ve shipped needed eyecare supplies, such as eyeglass repair kits, contact lens solution, artificial tears, lens cleaning cloths and other cleaning material directly to the evacuated areas. Backpacks, duffel bags and blankets are also on their way and we’ll distribute them to various emergency shelters throughout Southern California over the next several days.
  • We’ve activated our emergency response team and are working closely with the American Red Cross to determine needed supplies and services.
  • Our mobile response team is also on its way to Southern California to determine the eyecare needs of our eye doctors, clients and members, as well as of the local community and emergency services personnel.
  • We’re providing eyecare educational materials to all evacuation centers. These materials focus on eye injury and irritation prevention tips.
  • To ensure that those most in need continue to have access to eyecare during this crisis, we’re continuing to work closely with our over 2,000 doctors in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas, as well as the California Optometric Association.

We are committed to providing access to care for all Americans. During this time of great need, we will be there to help.

Related Links
It’s smoky out there. Protect your eyes.
American Red Cross

Fresh Look at TV Advertising

For the first time ever, we’re adding a TV commercial to our media mix. TV brings our message to life in sight and sound. And as many of you know, TV is a great way to reach people—a lot of people—in a pretty short time. So what better way to help folks get to know who we are and what we do.

Our message is simple: imagine if someone had to explain to you every detail of your husband and son fishing together for the first time because you could not see it for yourself? Well, our new ads and messaging clearly bring home the point that: “Word’s can’t describe what your eyes bring to life.”

We’re plugging in to markets like Charlotte , NC ; Seattle , Wash. ; St. Louis , Mo ; and our home markets of Sacramento, Calif. and Columbus , Ohio .

But really, if just one person gets the message of how important eyesight is and decides to enroll for VSP Vision coverage then our campaign was a success. So I’m excited about the possibilities. And I think this might be our best advertising campaign yet.

What do you think?