Declare your independence from prescription eyewear with a FREE vision correction procedure from TLC Laser Eye Centers. Vision correction procedures, like LASIK, can correct most common vision problems, like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK can also be a great alternative to glasses or contacts. Of course, your VSP doctor will make sure you’re a good candidate, then TLC Laser Eye Centers will determine which LASIK procedure is right for you!

Don’t need vision correction? No problem. If you win, you can gift your free procedure to a friend or family member who’s also a VSP member. Click here to enter to win and to read the official rules of the contest.

Also, don’t forget to visit the Special Offers section on vsp.com to check out other great deals.

So, what’s the difference between prescription safety glasses and dress-wear? Safety eyewear is safety lenses and a safety frame that have to meet certain requirements.  The safety lenses will carry a permanent marking that identifies the lens manufacturer and other safety-related information about the lenses.  A safety frame is sturdier than most dress-wear and isn’t easily bent or broken – some come with side shields, but the need really depends on the specific work task. For example, when working around flying debris that comes from working with wood or metal, you should definitely consider a frame with side shields to protect your eyes from all angles. Also, you don’t have to get the ugly plastic safety glasses that your metal shop instructor forced you to wear back in high school. Today, you can find many different styles of safety frames including semi-rimless and wraparound that look very fashionable and are comfortable.

The best first step is to check with your VSP doctor to help you get the right pair of safety glasses for your needs. They’ll also help you with using your benefits to get a pair of prescription safety glasses in place of your dress-wear. Whether your summer project is large or small, you’ll be thankful for the protection of your prescription safety glasses. Not to mention that today’s styles will keep you looking cool while you sweat from all your hard work!

You probably don’t notice your bad habits until someone else points them out. Well, we’re calling attention to a few shortcomings you might need to shake. And there’s no surprise here—each of these habits is taking a toll on your eyes. Sleeping in contacts, not wearing sunglasses…read more about it in the May edition of EnVision.

Also in May’s EnVision Newsletter:

• Tricky and tasty ways to disguise your veggies
• How to treat your tired eyes in no time
• Why women are more prone to eye disease
• 5 effortless ways to get vacation-ready
• An eye doctor’s advice on sports protective eyewear

Mom always knew when we’d violated the sanctity of cookies hidden for special occasions. My two brothers, two sisters, and even Dad never figured out what set off her radar. Now I understand – if you’ve spent much time scrubbing a kitchen that cooks for a family of seven plus Grandma, the trail of cookie crumbs stands out like a flashing neon sign. And the noise! After a long loud day tending to a clamoring brood of five, silence is unnatural. Mom tuned in to every rip and rustle. Sometimes, she heard Dad rattling that cookie package when he thought the coast was clear. Her acute hearing missed nothing, and she’d call down the stairs “Ron, put back the Oreos!” If I don’t want my kids to find a treat, I put it in the vegetable bin of my fridge. Sadly, they don’t ever think to look there.

Sometimes Mom asked a direct question that required some very creative wording. “Did you trample the flowers we just planted along the front walk?” My siblings and I did try to be honest as a rule. I’m not claiming nobility or impending sainthood for any of us, but think about it – the word “trample” implies intent. We never meant to bury her begonias into untimely graves; we just liked shortcuts. When she called our attention to the footprints that matched the tread on our sneakers, a little back pedaling was in order to soften the coming retribution…”Oh, sure, Mom, we stepped lightly in the flower bed. But not trample – we would never trample!”

My own kids never figured out how I knew when they would stray from our front porch. When they were small they had to stay away from the busy street, so I’d tell them to play on the porch. What they didn’t realize was that form inside the house, I could see their reflection in the window of the house across the street. If one of them stepped off the step to test me, I knew immediately. This filled them with a special shock and awe that only moms can inspire.

This Mother’s Day, I’ll reflect on these memories and smile. Four of my six kids are still at home, but they’re teenagers now. If you should happen upon one of them, please don’t tell them to look in the vegetable bin – or about their reflections in the window across the street. I’d like to hang on to what little shock and awe the mom of a teenager can salvage. They are fast becoming grown and are nearly as wise as they think they are.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Denise C.

After reading the title, some of you may be thinking to yourselves: “Freeform lenses…hmm…are they free and do I have to fill out a form?” Answer: No and no. The current buzz in the eyecare world about freeform lenses is due to breakthrough technology that’s enhancing vision like never before. Thanks to freeform’s digital manufacturing process, that uses computer-aided design and surfacing, lenses can now be made for your unique prescription. Our resident “Queen Bee” Denise C., the technical marketing and education manager for VSP Optics Group cuts through the buzz and shares 3 reasons why you should consider freeform (a.k.a. digital) lenses for your next pair of eyewear.

1). They’re customized for you. Just as a tailor takes your measurements to construct a finely tailored suit, your eye doctor takes special measurements (like the distance between your eye and the lens, the angle it sits at, etc) in order for the optical laboratory to manufacture eyewear that is uniquely suited for your visual needs. (More to come on those unique measurements in a future installment!)

2) They provide high-definition vision. Remember what it was like upgrading your old, giant analog television to your new HD flat screen? It was a major advancement in technology and the amount of detail in your new TV’s screen seemed jaw-dropping. Freeform lenses provide that same level of visual detail thanks to enhanced clarity and optics. Whether you just want to be able to read the road signs more clearly ahead or want to stop squinting when looking at the presentation in the office, freeform lenses give you unparalleled optics.

3) They bring more color into your life! Digital lenses maximize the optics built into your lenses, helping you see brighter and more intense colors.

Did you know that VSP members can save up to 50% on UNITY single vision and progressive digital lenses when you use your VSP benefit?

Want to know more about freeform (a.k.a. digital) lenses? Check this out.

We’ve Got a Brand New Look

First we took away the homepage to put you right at the information you’re looking for. Then we improved navigation so you can get what you need in fewer clicks.
For example, we took out half the clicks to find a doctor. (Try it!)

And we didn’t forget about you mobile phone users either. The new vsp.com is fully optimized for mobile viewing, so you can find one of our 28,000 eye doctors in the palm of your hand.

Check out the new vsp.com and let us know what you think!

You Can Win a Head-to-Toe Makeover from Nine West

Since we got a great new look, we wanted to give one away, too! That’s why we’re partnering with Nine West to give away a head-to-toe makeover.

One lucky winner will win the following great prize package:
-   One pair of Nine West sunglasses
-   One Nine West handbag
-   One Nine West wristwatch
-   And one $500 gift card to complete your Nine West wardrobe. You can buy shoes, perfume, jewelry—whatever you want from Nine West!

To enter to win, simply visit our Facebook page, like the page, and fill out the short entry form by May 29, 2012 before midnight PST. The winner will be chosen randomly on May 30.

You can read the full terms and conditions here.

But before you make a mad dash for the front yard, just remember that just because it’s nice outside doesn’t mean the sun is somehow gentler. In fact, May is UV Awareness month for that reason.

Regardless of temperature, the sun is pretty good at burning things, including your skin and eyes. That means you need to protect them by wearing sunglasses and even a hat to help protect your eyes. Of course, sunscreen is for everywhere else—just be sure to keep it out of your eyes.

You’ve heard us talk about how to look for sunglasses that specify 100% UV protection, but if you’re like me, you may benefit from prescription sunglasses. I moved to California a few years ago and Rx sunglasses were at the top of the list. (Seriously! Why is it so bright here?) I didn’t want to sacrifice seeing comfortably for seeing clearly, so I used my benefits for Rx suns (You can, too!). I wear them almost every single day.

Another option for you is Transitions lenses. I have these in my other glasses and love them for everyday use. You know those days when you’re running errands and you’re inside and outside a lot throughout the course of a day? It’s really annoying to hold two pairs of glasses, especially when you’ve got your arms full. Transitions lenses allow me to actually see what I’m buying in the grocery store without looking silly with my Rx sunglasses on. I should clarify that Transitions lenses aren’t sunglasses–they are regular lenses that darken when exposed to UV light.

If you’re considering prescription sunglasses or Transitions lenses, now might be a good time to make an appointment with your eye doctor. We’re almost half way through they year, and May is Healthy Vision Month.

By the way, check out some exclusive guarantees for VSP members on Transitions lenses. You may also want to check out the brand new Nike MAX Transitions.

There’s nothing particularly eye-ish about this piece, but VSP is committed to celebrating diversity and the cultures that make us who we are. 

Cinco de Mayo is often confused with the Mexican Day of Independence. Reality? That day is September 16. Cinco de Mayo (the 5^th of May) is actually a day of remembrance of the battle of Pueblo, where the Mexican army overtook the more populated, never defeated French military in the Mexican state of Pueblo during the Franco-Maexican War (1861-1867).

On June 7, 2005, the U.S. Congress issued a Concurrent Resolution calling on the President of the United States to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on significance beyond that in Mexico. Celebrations tend to draw both from traditional Mexican symbols, such as the Virgen de Guadalupe, and from prominent figures of Mexican descent in the United States, including César Chávez. To celebrate, many display Cinco de Mayo banners while school districts hold special events to educate pupils about its historical significance. These events and celebrations highlight Mexican culture, especially in its music and regional dancing. Examples include baile folklórico and mariachi demonstrations held annually at the Plaza del Pueblo de Los Angeles, near Olvera Street. Commercial interests in theUnited States have capitalized on the celebration, advertising Mexican products and services, with an emphasis on beverages, foods, and music.

Elsewhere

Events tied to Cinco de Mayo also occur outside Mexicoand the United States. For example, a sky-diving club near Vancouver, Canada, holds a Cinco de Mayo skydiving event. In the Cayman Islands, in the Caribbean, there is an annual Cinco de Mayo air guitar competition.^[41] As far away as the island of Malta, in the Mediterranean Sea, revelers are encouraged to drink Mexican beer on May 5. The city of Brisbane, Australia, also holds an annual Mexican Festival to honor the day.

More information about the day.

Planning a celebration yourself? Host with the most with some great Recipes.

Bright or muted, small or large, big brimmed, feathery, flowery, furry, or fascinating…women (and men) don their Derby duds and top them off with a wide array of flamboyant noggin covers.

From pretentious to modest, rules are naught. Whatever statement you choose to make with your Derby accessory, remember to keep the sun at bay. Your eyes are your guide. After all, it doesn’t matter how fascinating your hat is if you can’t see the race. Hats can provide excellent protection for your face, eyes, nose, lips, ears, neck, and even shoulders if the hat creates enough shade. The type of hat you choose will determine the level of protection you get. The more UV you keep away, the better it is for the health of your eyes.

Enjoy your Derby day. Be bold.

Today’s blog post comes from Nekesha Barksdale, who works at the Eastern Operations Center in Columbus, Ohio and is part of the amazing VSP customer service team that achieved the prestigious Service Quality Management, Inc. (SQM) recognition for “World Class performance” for the tenth year in a row! Nekesha served as a Mobile Response Team (MRT) member for the first time with the VSP Mobile Eyes® program during a string of mobile clinic outreach events throughout the Chicago area in April. VSP partnered with Transitions, Santinelli International, Hoya Lab, and United Eye Care Providers to provide nearly 400 free eye exams and glasses to elementary school children in need onboard mobile clinic Eyenstein during a 4-day period. Additionally, Bess the Book Bus provided more than 1,900 books to the students to help build their home and school libraries. Following those events, Eyenstein rolled to South Suburban Public Action to Deliver Shelter (SSPADS) to provide free eyecare and glasses for approximately 100 adults who are homeless in the Chicago area. 

VSP employee and MRT member Nekesha Barksdale (right) provides the gift of sight to a Chicago area patient in need

The Chicago mobile clinic events were an extremely humbling and rewarding experience.  I spent four days working with children in Chicago area elementary schools and two days working with a Chicago area homeless shelter.  In those short days I learned so much.  I assisted with the pre-exam procedures (auto-refraction, stereoscopic test, and color vision test), making glasses and entertaining children. Each day was long and tiring, but the benefits outweighed it all. The joy of working with children and sharing their excitement after receiving their new glasses was amazing. They were now going to have the opportunity to explore a whole new world with the gift of sight. I also had the opportunity to work with adults from local homeless shelters. Each person we serviced from the homeless shelter needed glasses. Giving them the opportunity to see things that had not seen in a long while was great.  I’m so grateful to work for a company that gives back to the community in such a great way. Thank you VSP!

A Chicago student watches the instant creation of his glasses onboard Eyenstein

Donald Rosene and Rick Clemente of Santinelli International volunteered to help patients in need

“I am very proud to be a part of the event that (VSP) hosted, and equally humbled by the benevolence shown by many of my peers within the optical field who also pitched in to help. All too often we hear about the need that exists, and want to help,  but the lack of tools keep us from following through. Events like these give us a chance to help those less fortunate, while at the same time, remind us of our own good fortune, and the need to give back when the opportunity presents itself.”

- Donald Rosene, Santinelli International

VSP provider Carla Adams, OD, examines a young patient in need

A young patient is pretested

Eyenstein and Bess the Book Bus in Chicago

A student tries on her new glasses made instantly onboard Eyenstein

Nekesha helps a patient receive care at SSPADS