ST. LOUIS—The American Optometric Association (AOA) announced yesterday that it has received more than $233,000 in combined individual and industry donations following an appeal made just about 2 weeks ago to help support doctors and students in hurricane-impacted areas. Soon after Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Southeastern U.S., the AOA Foundation issued its emergency appeal to the optical community for donations to its Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR), which provides support to optometrists, and optometry students, affected by disaster. The request for relief, made in early October, was soon extended to those impacted by Hurrican Milton last week. Since the inception of the OFDR in 2005, the group noted, it has issued more than $1,000,000 in grants.

The optical industry quickly responded to the call for help, with donations from both individuals and industry leaders. In making the announcement yesterday, the AOA called out with gratitude donations in the amount of $50,000 each from the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety and AOAExcel, $100,000 from AOA Visionary Supporter EssilorLuxottica, and $33,000 in other donations. The organization noted that OFDR is continuing to take applications from doctors and students impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“Optometry is, at its heart, a family, and AOAExcel did not hesitate to step up for our family with this important donation to OFDR,” said Sam Pierce, OD, AOAExcel chair. “We stand by all doctors of optometry and students impacted by these devastating disasters.”

As support across the industry continues for those affected by the hurricanes, many optometry practices are picking up the pieces after experiencing devastation ranging from structural damage, to flooding, to total loss. Affected doctors, staff and students from the Carolinas to Tennessee, Florida, Georgia and more are contending with washed away homes, businesses, roads and even towns. According to the AOA, there are more than 7,700 licensed practicing doctors of optometry in the six states most impacted by Helene and Milton.

“We know doctors of optometry and practices face significant challenges in delivering care to those who need it most during these disasters, and OFDR is a powerful resource to help them continue to provide eye health and vision care in their communities,” added David Cockrell, OD, Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety chair. “The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety is proud to support this important initiative and ensure that patients have access to essential care.”

“EssilorLuxottica is committed to the profession in good times and difficult times. Delivering essential care to their communities is a calling, but in times of crisis, doctors need a lifeline of support to enable them to do what they do best,” said Fabrizio Uguzzoni, president of professional solutions, EssilorLuxottica Americas. “We are incredibly proud to support the AOA’s Disaster Relief Fund over the years and especially today, with two natural disasters hitting the region hard back to back. In addition to our OFDR contribution, we will directly support our customers in the region, helping them restart their practices so they can get back on their feet.”

To date, OFDR has awarded 14 grants, after quickly processing, reviewing and notifying recipients of their grants given the urgent need. According to the AOA, applicants for OFDR grants reported a litany of catastrophic damage: practice closure due to a loss of electricity; flooding and mudslides washing out driveway; without electrical, cellphone and water service; major sinkhole opened on property; and tree through the roof of house, causing flooding inside. According to the announcement, doctors were still assessing the damage to their practices and homes.

“Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief, administered by The AOA Foundation, is committed to supporting our colleagues as they recover from the devastation caused by the recent storms,” said AOA Foundation president Belinda R. Starkey, OD.

“We are proud to provide critical resources to help ensure that optometrists can continue to serve their communities during these challenging times,” Dr. Starkey added. “We appreciate the gifts that have been donated, including those from members and our corporate supporters. Given the forecasts, the need will be great.”

The AOA Foundation said it is determined to ensure OFDR is always ready to help doctors of optometry and optometry students overcome challenging times. Support helps the foundation get behind programs such as OFDR. Some ways to help include:

  • Donate to The AOA Foundation. Help make sure OFDR grants are available for those affected by natural disasters.

  • Submit an OFDR application. Those affected by these or other disasters can learn more about grant criteria and complete the OFDR application and Form W-9.
According to the AOA, affected individuals could be eligible for grants up to $4,000 to help provide financial support with an aim toward helping cover necessary expenses and expediting doctors’ ability to reopen their practices to serve their patients.