VSP Vision Care Expands Coverage for Diabetes with Launch of Diabetic Eyecare Plus Program(SM); Urban Optiques Participating

Earlier this week, VSP® Vision Care announced new, expanded coverage for members who have diabetes.

The Diabetic Eyecare Plus Program is an extension of VSP’s current coverage for members with diabetes, and the  program offers specialized services for members with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including diabetic eye exams, diagnostic tests, and digital retinal imaging.

Services included in the Diabetic Eyecare Plus Program play an important role in the prevention, early detection, and management of diabetic eye disease. Through comprehensive eye exams, eye doctors can detect signs of chronic conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.

Diabetes: The Leading Cause of Blindness

“Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults and can lead to other serious health conditions such as kidney damage and cardiovascular disease,” said Gary Brooks, VSP Vision Care President. “This program reinforces VSP’s commitment to not only eye health, but overall health and wellness, and by adding on this new program, employers can offer a unique and valuable benefit to their employees with diabetes for a very affordable cost.”

The introduction of the Diabetic Eyecare Plus Program from VSP follows the rollout  in late May of  VSP Eye on Diabetes, a campaign in five states focused on increasing awareness and understanding of the connection between eyecare and a person’s general health. The campaign highlights the important role eye doctors play in the detection and treatment of diabetes.

The campaign includes an online video with Emmy award winner Bill Nye the Science Guy and certified Diabetes educator, Roger Phelps, OD, exploring the link between comprehensive eye exams and the early detection of serious diseases including diabetes to be released this summer on VSP’s Facebook Page.

Additionally, VSP has partnered with the American Diabetes Association^® (ADA) to create a wealth of diabetes information which is available on the VSP Diabetes Discovery Center.

Regular Eye Exams Critical for Early Detection of Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, 24 million people have diabetes in the United States, with 1.6 million new cases each year. 1 in 4 people with diabetes don’t know they have the disease, and early detection is critical in preserving vision and preventing costly complications.

Research has indicated that comprehensive eye exams (that include dilation) may be able to spot developing diabetes up to five years earlier than through a fasting blood glucose test.

Urban Optiques is a VSP provider and will be participating in the Diabetic Eyecare Plus Program. For more information on these expanded benefits around diabetes, please contact Urban Optiques, your benefits manager or log on to the VSP website.