Sam's Club® Offers Free Vision Screening Event

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States nearly 61 million adults are classified as being at high risk for serious vision loss and only half of these adults visited an eye doctor in the past 12 months. Sam's Club® reminds Americans of the importance of preventative eye exams by offering free vision screenings on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes a vision acuity screening as well as a quick take-home test called an Amsler Grid that tests for blurred or missing areas of vision. The screenings take place in Sam's Clubs that have pharmacy and/or optical centers and are available to both adults and children.

"Vision screenings are important preventative health measures for all ages to maintain eye health and preserve sight for years to come," said Jill Turner-Mitchael, senior vice president, Sam's Club Health and Wellness. "Vision problems can start at any age and early detection is the key to good vision. With many adults and children preparing to focus on chalkboards and computer screens this fall, Sam's Club® is proud to offer free eye health screenings to benefit the communities we serve."

In addition to vision screenings, Sam's Club® offers free glucose tests* which help to detect diabetes, a disease affecting millions of Americans that can damage the kidneys, heart and eyes, potentially causing blindness. According to the CDC, diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20–74 years old. Glucose tests are fast, easy and free as part of Sam's Club® vision screening event.

To further support our Members' eye health needs, Sam's Club's® optical department is offering trusted brands at reduced prices through Aug. 28, 2011, including:

• OPTI-FREE® - #1 Doctor Recommended Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution
• Claritin® Non-Drowsy Tablets - Relieves allergy symptoms and nasal congestion
• Member's Mark® Lutein Softgels – supplement that promotes eye health

Also, Members and guests can receive free samples of Zeiss Lens Wipes and Zeiss Liquid Eyeglass cleaner.

The free health screening events at Sam's Club® help our members take charge of their health. With more than 70,000 free screenings provided in U.S. clubs this year, Sam's Club® continues to serve our communities on Sept. 10, 2011 with free diabetes screenings.

For more information, and to confirm the times and locations of Sam's Club® screenings, check your local listings at SamsClub.com/healthyliving.  

*Glucose tests not available in TN, MD and HI.

About Sam's Club®

Sam's Club®, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation's eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 30 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple(SM), visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam's Club on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE Sam's Club