VSP® Vision Care Launches National "Clicks for Kids" Campaign to Provide Eyecare to Big Brothers Big Sisters

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., Aug. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, it is estimated that approximately 15 million children will go back to school with undiagnosed vision issues. Not seeing properly impacts how a child performs both inside and outside the classroom, as 80 percent of what children learn is through their eyes. In light of these startling statistics, VSP Vision Care (VSP), the nation's leading not-for-profit vision care company, has created the "Clicks for Kids" campaign, which will provide up to 25,000 gift certificates for comprehensive vision exams and new glasses to Big Brothers Big Sisters programs nationwide – a total donation valued at close to $10 million.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to improve children's self-esteem and odds for succeeding in school. The mission of the VSP "Clicks for Kids" campaign is to help raise awareness about the role healthy vision plays in a child's success. People nationwide are encouraged to participate by visiting the "Clicks for Kids" page on SeeMuchMore.com and choosing to "click" to benefit either their local Big Brothers Big Sisters program or one with the greatest need. For every click sent, a gift certificate – valid for a free comprehensive eye exam and, if needed, a pair of glasses – will be donated by VSP to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

"At VSP, we truly understand the critical role vision plays with respect to one's performance both inside and outside of the classroom, and we believe everyone deserves a chance to see well," said Kate Renwick-Espinosa, chief marketing officer of VSP Global. "Our 'Clicks for Kids' campaign is a simple way for people to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of children in their local communities."

To date, through VSP Eyes of Hope^® charity programs, including VSP Mobile Eyes^® and Sight for Students^®, and with partners including the American Red Cross and Optometry Giving Sight, VSP has invested close to $160 million in free eyecare and eyewear for close to 845,000 adults and children in need.  These services have resulted in the early detection of chronic health and eye diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma and cataracts in nearly 10,000 people across the country.

For more information about the VSP "Clicks for Kids" campaign and to participate, visit SeeMuchMore.com. The site also includes helpful information about the benefits of healthy vision plus eye health resources for parents and children.  Also, you can watch a video on why the "Clicks for Kids" campaign was developed by clicking here.

About VSP Global
VSP Global^® includes VSP Vision Care, the largest not-for-profit vision benefits and services company in the United States with 59 million members; Marchon^® Eyewear Inc., one of the world's largest manufacturers, designers and distributors of quality fashion and technologically-advanced eyewear and sunwear; Eyefinity^® which offers innovative solutions and the premier management software and technology to improve overall practice management and patient experience; and VSP Optics Group, industry leaders in new technologies, production processes, service and logistics.  

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation's largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, such as educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships.  Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children ("Littles") with screened volunteer mentors ("Bigs") and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches throughout their course.  The first-ever Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Summary substantiates that its mentoring programs have proven, positive academic, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes for youth, areas linked to high school graduation, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or job readiness.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity, often those of single or low-income households or families where a parent is incarcerated or serving in the military, with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.  This mission has been the cornerstone of the organization's 100-year history.  With about 350 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves nearly 630,000 children, volunteers and families. The organization is engaged in a nationwide search to reunite with alumni mentors, mentees, donors, and family, staff and board members.  Learn more at BigBrothersBigSisters.org.

VSP Contact: Tracy Tierney
(916) 851-6288
[email protected]

Big Brothers Big Sisters
Contact: Kelly Williams
(215) 665-7795
[email protected]

SOURCE VSP Global