(Press Release) ST. LOUIS, Missouri — Following the landfall of Hurricane Helen and Hurricane Milton, the AOA Foundation issued an emergency call for donations to the Optometry Disaster Relief Fund (OFDR), and experts quickly responded. To date, total individual donations have exceeded $233,000, with Healthcare Alliance for Patient Safety and AOAExcel contributing $50,000 each, AOA Visionary Supporter EssilorLuxottica contributing $100,000, and OFDR, inspired by Helen, We continue to accept applications from doctors and students.
Many optometry practices are picking up some of the damage caused by Hurricane Helen and Hurricane Milton. From the Carolinas to Tennessee, Florida, Georgia and beyond, affected doctors, staff and students are grappling with the destruction of floodwaters that washed away homes, businesses, roads and even towns. There are more than 7,700 licensed optometrists in the six states most affected by Helen and Milton.
“The essence of optometry is family, and AOAExcel did not hesitate to stand up for our family with this important donation to OFDR,” said AOAExcel Chairman Sam Pierce, OD, MD. “We stand with all optometrists and students affected by these devastating disasters.”
“We know that optometrists and clinic doctors face significant challenges in providing care to those who need it most during these disasters. It is a powerful resource that will help us continue to provide eye health and vision care in our communities,” said David Cockrell. OD, Chair of the Healthcare Alliance for Patient Safety. “The Healthcare Alliance for Patient Safety is proud to support this important effort and ensure patients receive the care they need.”
Given the urgent need, OFDR has so far rapidly processed, reviewed, and awarded 14 grants after notifying grant recipients. OFDR grant applicants reported a series of devastating losses, including clinic closures due to power outages. Floods and landslides wash away driveways. There is no electricity, cell phone, or water service. A large sinkhole opened on the premises. A tree breaks through the roof of a house, causing flooding inside.
Doctors were still assessing the damage to their clinic and home.
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“The Optometry Disaster Relief Fund, 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. say.
“We are proud to provide critical resources to optometrists so they can continue to serve their communities during this difficult time,” added Dr. Starkey. “We would like to thank our members and corporate supporters for their donations, which are greatly needed given the forecast.”
Disasters are unpredictable and life-altering, but the AOA Foundation is determined to ensure that OFDR is always ready to help optometrists and optometry students through difficult times. Support supports foundation support programs such as OFDR.
Affected individuals will receive up to $4,000 to cover necessary costs and provide financial assistance aimed at facilitating the ability of physicians to resume practice to serve patients. You may be eligible for a grant. ”
