The AOA Foundation raises over $200,000 for optometrists affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Image credit: AdobeStock/Timothy

In wake of the devastation brought on by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, The American Optometric Association (AOA) Foundation announced the issuance for an emergency appeal for donations to Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR) on September 30.^1,2 As of October 11, the foundation has received more than $233,000 in contributions from individuals as well as $50,000 each from the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety and AOAExcel, and $100,000 from EssilorLuxottica according to a news release.²

“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, in the release. “We stand by all doctors of optometry and students impacted by these devastating disasters.”

“EssilorLuxottica is committed to the profession in good times and difficult times," added Fabrizio Uguzzoni, president of profession solutions for Essi 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. 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,” said Fabrizio Uguzzoni, President of Professional Solutions, EssilorLuxottica Americas.

According to the AOA, there are more than 7700 licensed practicing optometrists in six states, including the Carolinas, Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia, that have been impacted by the 2 hurricanes.²

“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,” said David Cockrell, OD, Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety chair, in the release. “The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety is proud to support this important initiative and ensure that patients have access to essential care.”

As of October 11, OFDR has awarded 14 grants after processing, reviewing, and notifying recipients of their grants who had applied for aid. Eligible applicants receive up to $4000 to help financially support expenses and expediting doctors’ ability to reopen their practices. Reported damage by applicants includes practice closure due to a loss of electricity, flooding and mudslides washing our driveways, being without electrical, cellphone, and water service, a major sinkhole opening on a property, and a tree falling through the roof of a house which induced internal flooding.²

“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, in the release. “We are proud to provide critical resources to help ensure that optometrists can continue to serve their communities during these challenging times. 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 OFDR is still taking donations, which are being received on The AOA Foundation’s website. Those wanting to fill out an OFDR application to receive a grant can do so here.

References:

1. AOA Foundation makes emergency appeal for doctors, students in Helene-ravaged states. News release. American Optometric Association. October 3, 2024. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://www.aoa.org/news/inside-optometry/aoa-news/aoa-foundation-makes-emergency-appeal-for-doctors-students-in-helene-ravaged-states?sso=y

2. American Optometric Association and industry rallies to support Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. News release. October 11, 2024. Accessed October 14, 2024.