Davis Vision, United Condordia Dental and the Pittsburgh Pirates Team Up to Provide Free Dental and Vision Screenings
June 29 Event at PNC Park Targets Pittsburgh Children
Pittsburgh (June 22, 2009) - A partnership between Davis Vision, United Concordia Dental and the Pittsburgh Pirates organization began several years ago, but this year it will have an even greater impact on the community as Pennsylvanians and the nation struggle with the uncertainty of a faltering economy, job loss or the loss of health benefits. These organizations will team up from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday June 29 at PNC Park, 115 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, to sponsor free dental and vision screenings for more than 100 uninsured and underinsured children.
Since many families do not have insurance or have limited funding for dental and vision care, professionals will be volunteering their time to bring these important services to the community. The event will help ensure that the children who participate receive the dental and vision care they need.
Children in need of follow-up services after the initial screening will receive a voucher for a complimentary eye examination and a free pair of eyeglasses from Davis Vision's Total Vision Care retail store, 120 Fifth Avenue Place, Pittsburgh.
"Vision care professionals agree that fewer than 20 percent of children in our country are adequately screened for vision problems which affect one in 20 preschoolers and one in four school-age children," said Laura Dyer, Davis Vision's assistant vice president of community outreach and media relations.
"The recent economic downturn has made it even harder for individuals and families to afford dental care," noted Harlon L. Robinson, United Concordia Corporate Vice President of Human Resources and Administration and Corporate Diversity Chairman. "Proper oral health care is key to the well-being of an individual, and United Concordia is committed to improving access to services for all Pennsylvania residents."
The upcoming dental and vision screenings will help to identify children who are in need of an examination by professionals who can diagnosis potential problems and prescribe appropriate treatment. The earlier that dental or vision problems are detected, the more successful the treatment is likely to be.
The community-based screening offered by Davis Vision, United Concordia Dental, and the Pirates will provide Pittsburgh children and their parents with a better understanding of the importance of good dental and vision health to a child's development. Tickets for Kids, a nonprofit that creates opportunities for children to experience arts, cultural, educational, sporting and family entertainment events, also helped make these screenings a reality.
About Davis Vision
Davis Vision is part of the HVHC Inc. group of companies, which also includes Viva International Group and Eye Care Centers of America. One of the nation's premier, managed vision care companies headquartered in Plainview, NY, Davis Vision has been providing comprehensive vision benefits for more than 45 years, and currently serves more than 55 million individuals nationwide through an extensive blended network of approximately 30,000 ophthalmologists and optometrists, in addition to many opticians and top national retail providers.
About United Concordia
United Concordia, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., is one of the nation's largest dental insurers, with nearly 8 million members worldwide and 2008 revenues of $1.4 billion. United Concordia has a company-wide dedication and commitment to superior customer service which is evident in the design, implementation, administration and servicing of its dental benefits programs. For more information about United Concordia products, visit www.unitedconcordia.com.
