‘Save Your Vision Month’ puts focus on eye health and annual eye exams: VSP can help

‘Save Your Vision Month’ puts focus on eye health and annual eye exams: VSP can help

Did you know that “Save Your Vision” month is held every March to increase awareness regarding good eye care? The American Optometric Association (AOA) organizes this annual wellness observance where the main goal is to encourage individuals to get regular eye exams.  As part of your Purdue medical plan (all plans include vision coverage), you are automatically covered by Vison Service Plan (VSP), and your eye exam (available every calendar year) is only $5 when completed by a VSP member provider!

As a reminder, WellVision Exam from a VSP provider is an important part of your eye health no matter your age! You annual eye exam can be compared to your annual physical, but the focus is on your eyes. The exam can help ensure your vision is good and your eyes are healthy, too. And if needed, steps can be taken to assist with any eye-related concerns that might come up or that are already present.

One eye issue that is seen more and more these days is eye strain. For example, those who work on computers, including many Purdue employees tend to not only spend a lot of time on computers, as well as on tablets and smart phones for work reasons and in their free time.

Be sure to schedule your VSP eye exam soon to be sure you are doing the things you need to do to keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

In the meantime, the AOA offers five steps to help relieve digital eye strain at work. They are:

  1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a 20-second break, every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.
  2. Keep a distance. The AOA recommends sitting a comfortable distance from the computer monitor where you can easily read all text with your head and torso in an upright posture and your back supported by your chair. Generally, the preferred viewing distance is between 20 and 28 inches from the eye to the front surface of the screen.
  3. View from a different angle. Ideally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees, or about 4 to 5 inches, below eye level as measured from the center of the screen.
  4. Decrease glare. While there is no way to completely minimize glare from light sources, consider using a glare filter. These filters decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen.
  5. Blink often. Minimize your chances of developing dry eyes when using a computer by making an effort to blink frequently.

To find a VSP doctor:

  • Call VSP Member Services at 1 (800) 877-7195.
  • Log on to the VSP Web site and click on the Members tab.
    • For new users, click on "Register now".
      • When asked for Member ID, click on "Member/Employee ID" and enter in the Purdue ID number with no dashes or spaces and only the first 10 digits.
      • Enter member name and date of birth.
      • Click "Continue" and follow instructions for setting up your own username and password.
  • Go to the VSP web site, click the “Find a Doctor” link at the top of the page, and you can search by location, doctor or office name.

More information

  • Visit the Benefits’ “Vision Coverage” web page for more information on your plan.
  • Any questions about VSP or your vision coverage through Purdue can be directed to Human Resources at 765-494-2222, toll free at 877-725-0222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu.