Davis Vision Provides $45,000 in Free Vision Services to Detroit and Flint Children
Partnership with the United Way and United Auto Workers Reaches more than 300 at Community Clinics
DETROIT (Aug. 28, 2009) - National vision insurer Davis Vision, a Highmark Company, brought its Focus on America SM program to Michigan last week to help uninsured and underinsured children receive vision exams and eye care services at no cost. In a region that has been hit hard economically, more than $45,000 in services - including eye exams, lenses and eyeglass frames - were provided through a partnership with Davis Vision, the United Way and the United Auto Workers.
"Since a pair of eyeglasses can cost more than $300, some parents are unable to provide their children with the vision care they need," said Laura Dyer, Davis Vision's assistant vice president of community outreach and media relations. "We offer this service in communities across the country since we know good vision care is important to a person's overall good health."
Screening participants appreciated the free services provided. "You answered our prayers today," said Felicia Davis, Chairperson of the Deemette Youth Fraternity. "My daughter broke her glasses last week, and there was no way that I could replace them for her."
In Detroit, children were enrolled through the United Way's 2-1-1 outreach initiative to have their vision screened. At the end of the day, 109 of the 221 children screened received a voucher for follow-up care, including a full exam and materials, at a local Davis Vision provider. Of the 109 children screened in Flint, 52 required follow-up care and will be able to receive the eye care they need for the upcoming school year.
In addition to offering educational information about the importance of proper vision care, Davis Vision also provided the children with a complimentary lunch, activity books and a pair of sunglasses. The United Auto Workers distributed free school supplies at the event.
Davis Vision's Focus on America SM program recognizes the importance of vision care and targets children and individuals across the country who are in need of assistance. Eye care professionals volunteer their time to provide this service at no cost to those who may not otherwise receive it.
The 2009 community outreach program has already provided more than $200,000 to date in free vision care services to the underserved this year. Free services, including vision screenings, eye exams and eyeglasses have helped more than 1,500 people across the country.
Davis Vision has already sponsored clinics this year in locations in Pennsylvania, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New Orleans and New York. For the remainder of the year, Davis Vision will continue to offer free vision screenings and clinics at locations throughout the country, many in partnership with Eye Care Centers of America.
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. For more information about Davis Vision, visit www.davisvision.com.
