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.
In 2008, the mobile clinics traveled to 62 locations nationwide providing charitable eyecare services to more than 6,500 low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals and families. The mobile clinics responded to four major disasters throughout the United States including areas ravaged by Hurricane Ike, tornado disaster areas in Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky and Northern and Southern California wildfires.
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.
Dr. Ullman and his business partner, Dr. Matocha, are two VSP doctors whose practice suffered major damage as a result of the disaster. Through it all, they managed to find time to partner with VSP, providing care to others in need. The collective efforts of those involved in the relief efforts made a difference in that community. Here are excerpts from Drs. Ullman and Matocha's thank you letter to VSP:
Thank you and everyone involved with the VSP help and recovery over these past chaotic months. It seems we can push ourselves physically to recover, but the mental and spiritual side takes longer. Your follow-up is another way you have lifted our spirits. Most practices are coming along. We hope our practice and our community continues to make successful strides as it has.
Please pass along my word of thanks to everyone again. Y'all are such a great bunch of caring people. It was a pleasure for Dr. Matocha and myself to have been involved in your community outreach. You live up to your motto, "We're driven to make a difference."
— Dr. Ullman, VSP Provider
VSP Doctors – For information on bringing the mobile clinics to your community or to become a volunteer, e-mail us or call 866.549.9301.
We really owe VSP a big THANKS for not only giving Jenna the gift of better sight, but in also helping to increase her self esteem! She really enjoyed her experience as a star and I am sure she will go on to bless others with her happy disposition and smile. Thanks for your huge efforts for the many children who benefit from VSP. Please let me know if I can ever be of service to your organization.
Kindest regards,
Nurse Jeannie
I found my stint with the mobile clinic to be very rewarding. For me, it was most valuable experiencing an outward facing side of VSP. Working on the clinic made me value VSP even more and see more clearly why this is such a great place to work, knowing first hand the community outreach that VSP is involved in.
— Theresa Barnard, VSP employee
