LensCrafters Joins FAHC's ECPA Vision Care Network.

PHOENIX--(BW HealthWire)--March 2, 1998--First American Health Concepts Inc. (NASDAQ: FAHC), which provides vision care services nationwide as Eye Care Plan of America (ECPA), Monday announced an enhancement to its Eye Care Plan of America "Choice Network" of vision care providers.

Effective March 1, 1998, LensCrafters will join FAHC's ECPA provider network.

LensCrafters, the world's largest super optical chain with more than 700 optical centers throughout the United States, will provide easy access to eyewear for FAHC's ECPA members. At many locations, the independent optometrist next to LensCrafters will provide eye examinations and contact lenses.

LensCrafters joins the ECPA national network of more than 7,500 independent practices and retail optical locations.

While 60 percent of ECPA's network is comprised of independent optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians, ECPA's network now includes LensCrafters as well as U.S. Vision locations (Famous Barr Optical Department, Marshfield's Optical, Rich's Optical and ZCMI Department Stores), Cohen Fashion Optical, D.O.C. Optical, Eye Drx, EyeMasters, VisionWorks, S.H. Laufer Vision World, H. Ruben Vision Centers, General Vision Centers and National Vision Associates.

"At FAHC, we are always looking for ways to improve the quality of service available through our network, and we believe LensCrafters will be a very valuable addition," said John A. Raycraft, president and chief executive officer of FAHC.

LensCrafters is considered to be a high-quality vision care provider within the vision-care industry and has been rated the top optical retailer for the past four years (U.S. Optical Industry Handbook 1997, Jobson Publishing Group). A key benefit offered at all LensCrafters locations is one-hour service on eyewear.

"We are sorry to also have to announce that some providers will be leaving FAHC's ECPA provider network," Raycraft said.

All locations owned by Cole Vision, including most Sears, Montgomery Ward and Pearle Vision locations, will be leaving the network.

"Our analysis of this change shows that in virtually every metropolitan area where a Cole Vision location is leaving, a LensCrafters location or another ECPA provider will be available," Raycraft said.

"Most importantly, we are confident that the addition of LensCrafters will enhance our ability to deliver high quality, timely vision care with swift and accurate benefits management and claims processing."

CONTACT First American Health Concepts Inc., Phoenix

Rick Kiser, 602/414-1290

or

Charlotte Buchen Communications, Phoenix

602/952-8050