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VM brings you the latest information from optical companies and organizations responding to the coronavirus. CooperVision is extending the deadline for its Essential Hospital Workers Complimentary Contact Lens program to Aug. 31, 2020. The program is designed for eyecare professionals who would like to offer complimentary lenses to their patients who are essential hospital workers in their communities, if they choose to do so. Through the program, CooperVision provides the lenses—one box per eye, per patient—to ECPs at no cost. For further details about the program, including how to obtain contact lenses for eligible patients, click here. 

Optometry Giving Sight has announced a COVID-19 Relief Fund for fellow eyecare nonprofits/charities that provide services within the U.S. and Canada. The funding, which is in response to COVID-19 and in solidarity with recent protests against racism, will award small grant support for any one or more of these considerations:
  • To provide eye exams and low or no-cost glasses to individuals in underserved communities.
  • Special project funding that helps build sustainable vision care efforts.
  • Provide diversity and inclusion training to staff, volunteers and board members.
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There is $50,000 available with a max of $5,000 per grant. Applying organizations must have a 501(c)(3) or Canadian Registered Charity status. Interested organizations can submit an electronic application found online by July 31. Hard copies will not be accepted due to remote working conditions.

In a statement, Optometry Giving Sight said, "Optometry Giving Sight was founded on the principle of bringing eyecare to underserved communities, most often facing economic inequities. We recognize the same injustices are found in underserved communities, particularly communities of color right here in the U.S. and Canada."

Questions regarding USA grant requests should be sent to: usa@givingsight.org. Questions regarding Canadian grant requests should be sent to canada@givingsight.org.


Find the latest COVID-19 news you need in VM's Coronavirus Briefing.