NFL Legend Steve Young Joins National Vision Initiative to Promote Eye Exams for Children

As part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye exams for children, NFL legend Steve Young has become the first sports ambassador for the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) and VSP's (Vision Service Plan) national vision initiative. The campaign, called "See Better, Play Better," aims to educate children and parents about the significance of regular eye exams and provide free eye care to those in need.

Key Takeaways:

• NFL legend Steve Young has joined the national vision initiative as the first sports ambassador to promote eye exams for children.
• The campaign, "See Better, Play Better," focuses on sports to illustrate the connection between good vision and athletic performance.
• According to statistics, nationally, one in four school-age children has a vision problem, yet only 14% of children receive an eye exam from an eyecare professional before starting school.
• The initiative will provide free eye exams and prescription eyewear to children in need through VSP's Sight for Students program, which has helped more than 200,000 low-income/uninsured children since its inception in 1997.
• The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) has a strong record of success with health and education campaigns, including the National Arts Education Initiative and EIF's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance.
• Steve Young has a long history of helping children through his Forever Young Foundation, which he founded in 1993 to support children facing significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
• The "See Better, Play Better" campaign will fundraise to provide free eye exams and prescription eyewear to children in need, with a goal of helping over 9,000 children in Texas through VSP's Sight for Students program.

Statistics:

• Nationally, one in four school-age children has a vision problem. (Source: Kate Renwick-Espinosa, VSP Vice President of Marketing)
• Only 14% of children receive an eye exam from an eyecare professional before starting school. (Source: Kate Renwick-Espinosa, VSP Vice President of Marketing)
• More than 200,000 low-income/uninsured children have been helped through VSP's Sight for Students program since its inception in 1997. (Source: VSP)
• VSP serves more than 50,000 children annually through the Sight for Students program. (Source: VSP)

Sources:

• "See Better, Play Better" campaign press release, January 27, 2004, PR Newswire
• VSP Sight for Students program
• Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) press release
• VSP about page
• Steve Young and the Forever Young Foundation press release