June 18, 2020 — Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation is highlighting its Optometry's Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR) program to help aid eyecare professionals and their damaged practices during recent occurrences, including civil unrest.

"Through involvement with OFDR, the family of optometry can again join together in united and immediate action to aid impacted doctors of optometry and the communities they serve," says Barbara L. Horn, O.D., president of the American Optometric Association (AOA). "It's long been a priority to deliver disaster relief support whenever and wherever it's needed by doctors of optometry, and that's the mission today."

So far this year, grants have been awarded to doctors impacted by civil unrest, flooding due to dam failures, and flooding due to heavy rains and storms, the AOA shared on its website, where ECPs can apply for aid or donate to help other practices that have been affected.

Since its launch in 2005, the OFDR has given more than $1 million to optometrists in need.