Publication Exclusive: Providing eye care for professional sports teams involves commitment beyond game day

Sports have become a huge part of our country’s entertainment culture. This is especially true in Pittsburgh, which likes to bill itself the “City of Champions.” In many areas of the country, there is fanatical support for professional and college sports teams. Getting into a playoff, bowl game or March Madness can not only invigorate a city’s collective psyche, but also provide significant revenue to the local economy. In recent years, many teams and colleges have boosted the level of medical care to their athletes. This is a win-win situation for both the individual athletes and the team.UPMC Eye Center provides eye care, both on and off the playing surface, to the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team and University of Pittsburgh athletic teams. Providing care to the players, coaches and administrators for a sports team can be an exciting venture. But like any aspect of one’s practice, it requires planning and commitment. Many more hours go into the process than just the time spent at the field or arena.