RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.--Vision Service Plan (VSP) is partnering with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to sponsor a new national award for schools and teachers: the VSP Science of Vision Award.

The award is designed to encourage the teaching of eye health and vision--and to raise awareness of the importance of vision and the need for regular eyecare--nationally in science classrooms for kindergarten through eighth grade.

The winning programs will also serve as models for other educators to duplicate in their classrooms, according to VSP.

The $5,500 award will be distributed between the winning school and science teacher at the annual NSTA Awards Banquet in April 2006. The school’s portion of the award is to be used exclusively for the study, teaching and learning of eye vision and health.

VSP is encouraging eyecare practitioners to make their patients and school contacts aware of the Science of Vision award. For more information, visit www.getfocusedamerica.com.