Oct. 16, 2024 — Following the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the American Optometric Association (AOA) Foundation launched an emergency appeal for donations to Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR). The response has been swift, with more than $233,000 in contributions from individuals in addition to $50,000 each from the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety and AOAExcel and $100,000 from AOA Visionary Supporter EssilorLuxottica. OFDR continues to accept applications from doctors and students affected by the hurricanes.
Flooding and destruction have damaged homes, businesses, roads, and entire communities, and the AOA shares that more than 7,700 licensed optometrists operate in the regions hardest hit by the hurricanes.
“Optometry is, at its heart, a family, and AOAExcel did not hesitate to step up for our family with this important donation to OFDR,” says Sam Pierce, O.D., AOAExcel chair. “We stand by all doctors of optometry and students impacted by these devastating disasters.”
“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,” says David Cockrell, O.D., 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.”
OFDR has processed and presented 14 grants so far, responding to urgent applications from those affected. Reports of catastrophic damage include practice closures due to power outages, flooding, mudslides, and other significant infrastructure damage.
“We are proud to provide critical resources to help ensure that optometrists can continue to serve their communities during these challenging times,” says Belinda R. Starkey, O.D., president of the AOA Foundation. “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 encourages donations to ensure that OFDR can continue to provide financial assistance to those impacted by natural disasters. Affected doctors and students may be eligible for grants of up to $4,000 to help cover essential expenses and expedite the reopening of practices.
“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,” says 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.”