Daily peek at eyecare
November is American Diabetes Month, a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. VSP Vision Care is proud to be a national, strategic partner of the American Diabetes Association and join the “Stop Diabetes” movement.
Here’s a video that shares the story of a little girl who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes one year ago.
Guest Blog post from Jessica Hein, member of VSP’s Eye Health Management Team.
Did you know that 1 in 3 children in the United States face a future with diabetes?
VSP is proud to be a national strategic partner with the American Diabetes Association as we support the Association’s Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes. On Saturday, October 9, over 100 VSP employees and their families walked to Stop Diabetes® at the California State Capitol in conjunction with other walks which took place across the country. VSP family members, clients, doctors, and members were encouraged to do this national walk to help raise awareness and put an end to this epidemic disease.
VSP is committed to this cause and to raise awareness about the importance of annual eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect signs of diabetes, allowing for early treatment and management of the disease. In addition, 90 percent of diabetes-related blindness can be avoided with annual eye exams. For more information about diabetes, please visit our Diabetes Discovery Center.
Here are some photos of VSP employees and their families walking to fight diabetes.
Team VSP at the American Diabetes Association's Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes
In partnership with the American Diabetes Association, VSP’s Eye on Diabetes campaign traveled to Denver, Colorado on Monday, September 12 to provide free eyecare, eyewear and diabetes screenings to over 100 uninsured residents. The VSP Mobile Eyes team brought their 45-foot mobile eye clinic SeeLia to the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center in downtown Denver, who generously hosted the outreach event in their parking lot.
VSP providers Dr. Deanna Alexander with Eyecare Associates and Dr. John Schachet with Eyecare Consultants took time out of their day to support the efforts of the Eye on Diabetes campaign.
Marathon runner and Denver resident Kerry Kuck came out to show his support for the campaign and the importance of eyecare in detecting signs of diabetes. Kerry has Type 1 diabetes and is now completely blind from the disease. He is the only blind marathon runner with Type 1 diabetes who completed the Boston Marathon, which he accomplished this spring. He truly is an inspiration to everyone on how anything can be achieved with some hard work and dedication.
Marathon runner and Denver resident Kerry Kuck
The Eye on Diabetes campaign hits Austin, Texas tomorrow, August 27th. VSP Vision Care is partnering with the American Diabetes Association and the Texas Optometric Association to provide free eyecare, eyewear and diabetes screenings to underserved/underinsured Austin residents with or at-risk of diabetes.
VSP provider Dr. Laura Miller with Northwest Hills Eyecare spoke with FOX7 – KTBC to discuss the connection between eye exams and diabetes and to preview the Austin event.
Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson declared Friday, July 30, 2010, Eye on Diabetes Day in Kansas. VSP Vision Care partnered with the American Diabetes Association, Kansas State Optometric Association and the Kansas Diabetes Action Council to provide free eyecare, eyewear and diabetes screenings to underserved/underinsured Kansas residents with or at-risk of having diabetes.
Here’s a clip of Governor Parkinson reading the proclamation, local optometrists who volunteered their time, and patients who received the service.
We were able to help over 65 residents receive much-needed eyecare on Eye on Diabetes Day.
The VSP Eye on Diabetes campaign has made its way to Topeka, KS, the second stop on the campaign trail. VSP Dr. Diana Carriger spent some time with the local NBC affiliate, KSNT 27, Wednesday morning to discuss the campaign and upcoming charitable outreach event that will happen today, Friday, July 30th, in partnership with the American Diabetes Association, Kansas State Optometric Association and the Kansas Diabetes Action Council.
Jill N. is a member of the VSP Global Public Relations team.
Recently VSP announced the launch of VSP Eye on Diabetes, a five state campaign created in response to the increasing spread of diabetes across the U.S. A lot of people (did you know?) are unaware that diabetes can be detected through an annual eye exam, sometimes as much as five years earlier than through a Fasting Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar) test!
Our first stop on the campaign trail was Little Rock, AR on May 21-22. In partnership with the American Diabetes Association Little Rock chapter and the Arkansas Optometric Association, VSP provided free eye exams, eyewear and diabetes screenings to residents in need who had or were at risk of developing diabetes.
It’s been found that 61% of Americans with vision coverage go in for their annual eye exams vs. just 21% who get an annual physical! This provides an opportunity for optometrists to be the first to detect a variety of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, in a patient. With new information pertaining to diabetes continuing to be introduced, it is important to realize that your VSP private practice eye doctor is being provided the most recent information available pertaining to diabetes and eyecare and is a key component to a patients diabetes-care team. You can find more information at the VSP Diabetes Discovery Center.
Check out the video of the day of outreach in Little Rock, narrated by the Mayor of Little Rock, Mark Stodola.
Tyreke Evans, Pro Basketball Star
VSP congratulates pro basketball star Tyreke Evans on being named the Rookie of the Year! Tyreke had an amazing season which included averaging 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game. Only three other pro basketball players have ever done this in their rookie year – Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and Lebron James. Tyreke’s success this past season also includes leading a remarkable 35-point comeback to beat the Chicago Bulls last December.
When Tyreke’s not playing basketball, he’s giving back as a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association, a cause that VSP also supports. VSP and Tyreke recently issued a challenge for everyone to join the movement to Stop Diabetes by taking the Diabetes Risk Test.
Tyreke has shown a great deal of commitment to both his sport and the community. VSP thanks you for all that you do, both on and off the court, Tyreke!
Today is the 22nd Annual American Diabetes Association Alert DaySM. Diabetes Alert Day is day set aside each year to raise awareness about the seriousness of type 2 diabetes, particularly when it is left undiagnosed or untreated. The American Diabetes Association is encouraging everyone to join the movement to Stop Diabetes by taking the Diabetes Risk Test. The risk test is a series of simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. It shows you if you’re at low, moderate, or high risk for diabetes.
Pro basketball player, Tyreke Evans, knows how serious diabetes is, and he’s committed to raising awareness about it. On Diabetes Alert Day, he’s taking the Diabetes Risk Test and is challenging you to do the same. Find out what your risk is so you can make proactive choices about your health, and don’t forget to share the test with your family and friends! For more information about Tyreke’s challenge, click here.
VSP Vision Care is proud to be a National Strategic Partner with the American Diabetes Association and is committed to the cause.
