In the wake of the recent hurricanes that devastated the southeastern United States, the vision care community has come together to provide relief and support to both patients and industry professionals. These efforts not only offer immediate assistance to those affected but also reflect the deep commitment of organizations across the optical industry to contribute to disaster recovery.
AOA Foundation: Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR)
The Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR), a key program of the American Optometric Association (AOA) Foundation, is offering relief funds to optometrists impacted by the recent hurricanes. Those affected can apply for grants to help them rebuild and recover. Many members of industry quickly responded with support, including TVC member EssilorLuxottica, who made a generous donation of $100,000 toward the relief effort.
Additional Industry Support
The optical community, from large corporations to smaller organizations, has rallied to provide aid. Here are some ways key players are stepping up:
VSP Vision
- Relief for Network Doctors: VSP network doctors can call to receive support, and members can reinstate benefits to ensure they get necessary post-disaster eye care.
- Eyes of Hope Disaster Relief Gift: Non-members impacted by the hurricanes can receive free eyecare through the Eyes of Hope program.
- Employee Donation Match: VSP Vision also offers an employee donation match program, encouraging further contributions to relief efforts.
EssilorLuxottica
- Replacing Lost Lenses & Expediting Glasses: EssilorLuxottica has extended payment terms for customers impacted by the hurricanes and will replace lost lenses. EyeMed is expediting temporary glasses, ensuring those affected get immediate help.
- OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation: Optometrists and nonprofits can request free replacement glasses for victims, and free frame kits are available through the Changing Life Through Lenses program.
- OneSight Voucher Program: This program offers replacement prescription glasses for those in need, furthering access to eyewear during difficult times.
ABB Optical
ABB Optical team members led relief supply efforts for the organization, galvanizing local and industry support to provide for those affected by the hurricanes.
EyeCare Partners EyeCare Partners are offering grants to employees needing financial support through their ECP CAREs program.
Vision Source
Vision Source extends financial aid to both members and non-member optometrists – those who have information about people impacted can submit information here.
Zenni Optical Zenni Optical is providing free readers and sunglasses to those affected by the storms.
How You Can Support
The vision community has made it easy to contribute to disaster relief efforts. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate to the AOA Foundation to support optometry disaster relief.
- Contribute to VSP Vision’s and EssilorLuxottica’s employee donation matching programs.
- Support the Red Cross by donating directly to hurricane relief efforts for Hurricanes Milton and Helene:
Resources for Those Affected
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the hurricanes, the following resources can provide critical support:
- AOA Foundation’s OFDR offers grants to optometrists and their practices.
- VSP Vision’s Eyes of Hope provides free eyecare for non-members affected by the storms.
- Prevent Blindness North Carolina offers essential eye safety tips for hurricane cleanup.
Government Assistance
For general disaster relief, FEMA has provided resources for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton:
- FEMA’s Guide for Floridians affected by the hurricanes: Learn More
- Hurricane Helene FEMA Resource Page
