Sacramento CA, June 26, 2007 – A recent survey by VSP Vision Care, reveals that more than half (54 percent) of American adults failed to get an eye exam in the past 12 months.

Comprehensive eye exams are key to diagnosing vision impairments such as nearsightedness and astigmatism, as well as eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts. What’s more, eye exams can also reveal undiagnosed, serious health problems such as high cholesterol or diabetes. This makes eye exams critical to maintaining clear vision and overall health.

Adults aren’t the only ones skipping the eye doctor. According to VSP, 65 percent of kids nationwide have not had an eye exam in the last 12 months.

"Healthy vision plays an essential role in a child’s success in school and at play," said Dr. Dan Mannen, VSP Board Chair. "Often, poor grades or behavior problems are attributed to vision impairment. Eye exams can help to diagnose vision problems and provide kids with the correction they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond."

Below is data for consideration of additional topics.

Eyewear

• Seven in 10 adults use prescription eyewear, and amongst those 60+, nine in 10 wear glasses or contacts. Prescriptions change over time, and only an eye exam can reveal these changes.
• 1 in 5 children under age six need prescription eyewear on their first visit to an eye doctor, and by ages 12-17, almost half of U.S. kids need prescription eyewear.
• Eighty-four percent of adults nationwide routinely wear prescription eyewear to drive, yet half have not had an eye exam in the last year.

Computer Vision

• More than 1/3 of adults say they have symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a condition that encompasses a wide range of issues including dry irritated or fatigued eyes, blurred vision and loss of focus.
• Upwards of half of children spend 4+ hours a day in activities that can lead to CVS. A comprehensive eye exam can diagnose CVS, and an eye doctor can provide solutions to avoid CVS.

Consumers

• Nine in 10 adults rate eyesight as their most important sense, yet more than half have not had an eye exam in the last 12 months.
• More kids nationwide (70 percent) have had dental exams than have ever had a complete eye exam (48 percent).

Eyecare Coverage

• Four in 10 U.S. adults and less than half of children nationwide have eyecare/vision coverage.
• Less than half (only 41 percent) of U.S. adults have coverage for prescription eyewear. Without prescription coverage, the cost of glasses or contacts may inhibit consumers from seeking the help that they need.

View the complete top line survey results

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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.

The survey was conducted by VSP Vision Care to measure prevalence data related to vision insurance and consumer eyecare patterns for children and adults.