Visionworks and Independence Blue Cross Team Up for Save Your Vision Week

Eyewear retailer and insurance provider offer education and vision screenings to raise awareness for preventive vision health

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visionworks, the largest wholly owned U.S.-based optical retailer, and Independence Blue Cross (IBC), the leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania, today announced they have teamed up to support Save Your Vision Week, March 4 - 8, 2013. During the week, Visionworks and IBC will provide educational and communications tools about the importance of vision care to customers and members as part of American Optometric Association’s Save Your Vision Month.

“With more than 80 percent of Americans now using a computer or electronic device several times daily, Save Your Vision Week is an opportunity for us to remind Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey residents of the importance of taking care of their vision”

Particularly relevant to this year’s educational efforts is the growth among children and adults of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), an eye disorder that has arisen with the increased use of electronic devices. Symptoms of CVS include headaches, fatigue, dry eyes, and blurred vision.

“With more than 80 percent of Americans now using a computer or electronic device several times daily, Save Your Vision Week is an opportunity for us to remind Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey residents of the importance of taking care of their vision,” Dr. Florian Safner, vice president of professional services at Visionworks, said. “Many people lose sight each year from preventable causes, so it is important to understand the vital role that yearly eye exams play in preventing illness and preserving sight.”

Visionworks is working with Independence Blue Cross to create communication tools for the insurance provider’s members and brokers to provide tips for protecting your eyes in the workplace.

"Simply put, our eyes are the windows to our health, revealing health conditions that we might not otherwise know exist such as diabetes and high blood pressure," Dr. Richard Snyder, IBC chief medical officer, said. "Regular eye exams are critically important due to the progressive nature of some diseases if issues are not detected at an early stage. We strongly encourage our members to use their benefits in order to preserve their vision and protect their health."

Additionally, during Save Your Vision Week, Visionworks will be hosting vision screenings for IBC’s 6,000-plus employees at five of its office locations throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

To learn more about Visionworks, visit www.visionworks.com, and use the store locator to find a store near you.

About Visionworks

Visionworks (formerly Eye Care Centers of America, Inc.) is a leading provider of eye care services with more than 580 optical retail stores in 40 states and the District of Columbia through 11 store names that are leaders in eye care service in each of their respective markets. Visionworks is committed to providing our customers with an excellent shopping experience and high quality products and service with the best value and selection in the industry. All of our stores offer designer and exclusive brand frames, lenses, sunglasses and accessories along with leading technology in vision correction. Our comprehensive service offerings include contact lens dispensing, in-store labs which provide one-hour service on most prescriptions at nearly all locations and doctors of optometry at or next to every store. Visionworks is a wholly owned subsidiary of HVHC, Inc. For more information about Visionworks, visit www.visionworks.com.

About Independence Blue Cross

Proudly celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2013, Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we have 3.1 million members nationwide. We are enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more about how we’re changing the game, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. An affiliate of Independence Blue Cross has a financial interest in Visionworks.