Vision Service Plan's "Sight for Students"

Vision Service Plan (VSP) is the nation’s oldest and largest managed vision care plan offering services through a network of private practice providers (both optometrists and ophthalmologists) that offer quality eye care services.  VSP founded the Sight for Students Program several years ago and pledged to provide eye exams and eyeglasses for needy children.

A special thanks to those schools and public health agencies for their support of this program.  In calendar year 2003, 149 gift certificates were provided to Iowa children in need (the value of the redeemed gift certificates is approximately $24,000).

Commonly Asked Questions

Is there a listing of Vision Service Plan doctors and locations in my area?

YES, we provide a listing of the more than 325 VSP doctors located in Iowa with every gift certificate.  

What are the services being provided?

The services provided include an eye exam from one of the Vision Service Plan’s participating doctors, as well as glasses (should they be prescribed).  In some instances, authorization for other medically necessary services will be included.  There is no cost to families unless they choose to purchase a cosmetic option or other options not covered by the VSP benefits.  These options include:  elective contact lenses, blended bifocals, progressive multifocals, polarized/laminated, ultra violet protection, plano, anti-reflective coating, mirror and ski type coating.

Who qualifies?

This program targets “gap” kids.  Those children whose families earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level.  Children who are below the poverty level usually qualify for Medicaid services.  This program is not available for recipients of Medicaid, students that have vision insurance coverage or to students that have used the VSP program within the last 12 months.  Students are eligible to participate up to age 18, or until graduation from high school.  The child must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.

Success Stories

If you have a 'story of success' that you would like to share with us, please click here to download our stories of success form.  Upon completion of this form, mail or fax it to our office.  Below are some success stories that Prevent Blindness Iowa is proud to have been a part of!!

Shelly from Des Moines had this to say, "As the school nurse I see children come in who can't see the chalk board and get headaches and eye pain from the strain to see.  I know that some of our families can't afford to get glasses or pay for the exam.  They are so excited when I tell them there is a program that can help!  The smiles of the kids faces after they return to school with their new glasses is a reward in itself.  Thank you for this program to help our children to see the world in which they live!"

Susan from Grinnell said, "A 7th grade student reported to me that she was having difficulty in seeing the overhead and blackboard notes.  I had referred her to this program last spring but no appointment was made.  After checking her eyes again, I contacted her mother and she agreed to follow through with the paperwork.  She received her glasses a few weeks later and is delighted to be able to see clearly.  Her mother was initially skeptical of using this program as she couldn't imagine there not being a charge for the eye exam or the glasses.  Thanks for your help."

Patti from Des Moines had this to say, "My student had not passed her vision exam in almost two years.  The family accepted my offer to find assistance for an eye exam and possible glasses.  Carletta has been smiling every day since she received her glasses.  She is so proud and able to see what is happening in the classroom.  Thank you for the gift "of sight" to my student.  It has helped a family who needed assistance and gave this student a chance to learn."

Mary, from Moorhead said this about our program, "Your VSP program has been a godsend for children in our area.  Before it came into being, I would scrounge anywhere to try and get some of my disadvantaged students needed eyeglasses.  Very often I was unsuccessful...This has been the most helpful program that has been implemented since I started as a school nurse.  I sincerely hope it will continue."

Application Form

If you would like to apply for the Sight for Student's program, please click here to download our application form.  Upon completion of this form, mail or fax it to our office.  Application processing takes anywhere from 1-2 weeks.