VSP's Mobile Eyes Program began as an extension of relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The program, which allows VSP to respond to disasters immediately, includes two mobile eyecare clinics and 10 sets of portable ophthalmic equipment. At 41 and 45 feet long, both clinics feature two comprehensive-eye-exam rooms and a full dispensary to provide exams and materials during disaster relief efforts.
When not at disaster sites, the clinics travel to community events across the country and, in partnership with our VSP doctors, provide services to the underserved. See what people are saying about the VSP Mobile Eyes Program and clinics.
VSP’s mobile clinics provide a comprehensive eye exam and, if needed, glasses. Glasses include single vision, bifocal, or trifocal lenses and a new frame, which can be selected from the dispensary on board the clinic.
Mobile Clinic Request Form [PDF]
Portable Equipment Request Form [PDF]
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At VSP, we care about helping people. That’s why you’ll notice VSP’s presence in communities after major natural disasters.
During times like these, we do our best to meet the community’s needs. When possible, we provide eyecare, including quickly replacing lost or damaged eyeglasses and getting eye doctors on the scene as soon as we’re able to access the area.
Currently, VSP’s disaster response team is assisting with recovery efforts in Texas due to Hurricane Ike. In July 2008 we assisted fire fighters responding to the Canyon Complex fire in Northern California. During the devastating Southern California fires in October 2007, our employees gathered items, such as blankets, duffel bags, backpacks, eyeglass repair kits, contact lens solution, artificial tears and lens cleaning cloths and delivered them to victims of the fire during those first few critical days.
In 2005, through the American Red Cross, we helped more than 25,000 victims of home fires, as well as those impacted by larger natural disasters, such as hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
After making such a positive impact with our disaster relief efforts in 2005, we wanted to have a way to respond even faster and more effectively during times of crisis. An extension of our relief efforts after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, our mobile clinics are now a permanent part of our community outreach.
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Why did VSP start the VSP Mobile Eyes Program?
It started as an extension of VSP’s relief efforts after
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast in 2005.
Since we didn’t have a mobile clinic program at that
time, VSP bought ophthalmic equipment and employed
24 local VSP doctors who lost their Gulf Coast offices as
a result of the storm.
We set up temporary clinics in schools, churches, cruise
ships, and community centers where VSP doctors
provided comprehensive eye exams and replacement
glasses to 10,000 people.
What services are offered by the VSP Mobile Eyes Program?
The program has two mobile eyecare clinics, each with
two comprehensive exam rooms and full dispensaries.
Services include a comprehensive eye exam that not
only checks a patient’s vision, but also the overall health
of the eyes. If the patient needs glasses, they choose
from a variety of new frames displayed in the clinic.
When not at disaster sites, the clinics travel to
community events across the country. In partnership
with our VSP doctors, we provide services to the
underserved and promote the importance of eyecare.
Who can receive services from this program?
After a disaster: Individuals who meet the non-disaster
criteria or lost their glasses due to a disaster.
Non-disaster times: Individuals must meet all of the
following criteria:
How is the mobile eyecare clinic staffed?
Once an event is a scheduled, we ask VSP doctors or Colleges of Optometry to volunteer their time and
services. We’ve also trained 70 employees to work in the
clinics, each for two weeks per year.
Is patients’ private health information secure?
Yes. Protecting private health information is a top priority
for VSP. We adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
How is the clinic funded?
VSP is a not-for-profit company and gives back to the
community in a variety of ways, such as the VSP Mobile
Eyes Program. Currently, VSP fully funds this program.
Why are eye exams important?
Comprehensive eye exams are more than quick
eye checks. They focus on a patient’s eyes and their
overall health.
During an eye exam, VSP doctors can detect signs
of serious health conditions, like glaucoma, macular
degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. They can also
detect signs of high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
and heart disease.
Can VSP doctors request the portable equipment
for an outreach event?
Yes. Just e-mail mobileclinic@vsp.com or call
866.549.9301.
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The VSP Mobile Eyes program has touched many communities throughout the country. From our community partners, to our VSP doctors and staff, people are talking about the impact of the program on their lives.
The mobile clinic is equipped with the best, most advanced equipment. It’s easy just to step in and go. The patients are so appreciative. The staff is fantastic. Working with the mobile clinic was worth every minute and more.
— Eric White, O.D.
Not only is VSP a great place to work, but the charity work that we do for our communities makes VSP a great company to respect! Being able to help our doctors give free eye exams and help those in need to see is one of the most gratifying things I've ever done!
2008 Northern California Wildfires Video
— Niki Myers, VSP Mobile Clinic Specialist
