Sacramento CA, June 29, 2007 – VSP Vision Care recently honored Curtis Gales, O.D., from Colorado Springs, CO, with the national People First award for his dedicated humanitarian efforts. Dr. Gales received the award at the 110th Annual AOA (American Optometric Association) & 37th Annual AOSA Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

While serving in the armed forces, Dr. Gales provided eyecare for countless soldiers, Department of Defense civilians and contract workers. In 2005 he was deployed to Iraq where he was stationed at a prison outside of Baghdad. During his time there, Dr. Gales learned the local language and provided comprehensive eyecare for numerous detainees.

Dr. Gales has also made significant contributions in his own local community. These efforts include bringing vision care to the needy through "Serving in God's Hands Today" (S.I.G.H.T.), a charity providing free eyecare to the homeless and nursing home residents.

"Dr. Gales embodies VSP's spirit of helping people," says VSP VP of Provider Relations Don Price. "His commitment to using his time and talent to help community members both here and abroad are examples for us all."

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VSP Vision Care provides comprehensive eye care benefit plans to 51 million members nationwide. VSP's Sight for Students^SM program has helped more than 400,000 low-income/uninsured children receive free eyecare services since its inception in 1997. Recognized by FORTUNE magazine for eight consecutive years as one of best places to work in America, VSP ranks “Highest in Member Satisfaction Among National Vision Plans, Three Years in a Row” by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit us online at vsp.com.