The American Optometric Association has organized a relief fund for O.D.s affected by Hurricane Katrina and is trying to plan for future disasters.

The AOA, through its American Optometric Institute (AOI) non-profit corporation, has established an Optometric Disaster Relief Fund designed to provide immediate financial relief for all optometrists who have experienced the loss of or severe damage to their practice and/or home. The AOA made an initial contribution of $500,000 to the fund and has received pledges of about $350,000 from the optical industry and another $50,000 from AOA members and others.

More than 400 optometrists lost their practices following Katrina and may not be able to rebuild for several months, the AOA estimates.

The AOI will provide individual O.D.s affected by Katrina with a $2,000 grant for urgent needs such as food, clothing, shelter and fuel. Optometrists can apply for grants by contacting their state associations, calling the AOAs toll-free number (1-800-365-2219) or by logging on www.aoanet.org.

However, the disaster relief fund doesnt stop at those affected by Katrina. The disaster relief fund is intended to be ongoing for this disaster and whatever comes next, says optometrist Tommy Crooks, president-elect of the AOA and president of the AOI.

He anticipates that optometrists affected more recently by Hurricane Rita will be able to apply, pending approval of the AOI board.

Hurricane Rita Hits Texas
There were no estimates on the number of optometrists affected by Hurricane Rita as of Review of Optometrys press time. I know that the Beaumont-Port Arthur areas are really hurting right now, says optometrist John Todd Cornett, president of the Texas Optometric Association. As of [September 28], most of the doctors had not been able to get back in to town to see the damage to their homes or practices. ... I think the best case scenario would be that they may be out two or three weeks up to a couple of months, Dr. Cornett says.

Meanwhile, some statesTexas, Arizona and North Dakotahave said they will expedite licensure for O.D.s. displaced by Katrina. Also, the National Board of Examiners in Optometry says it will waive all fees through November 6 to send a National Board score report to any state board for individuals affected by the hurricane.

The AOA also says it will send requests to any state governor to recommend temporary licensure to O.D.s. and waive all non-member usage fees for its Optometry Career Center so that anyone can post a notice for a practice opportunity.

Further, the AOA plans to form a project committee to develop a disaster plan for responding to future catastrophic events, such as another hurricane, an earthquake or a terrorist attack, Dr. Crooks says. The committee is expected to develop a plan within six to 12 months. The plan then goes to the AOA board for approval.

Other Organizations Offer Relief
Other associations, optical companies and optometry schools contributing to relief efforts include:

The Optometry Association of Louisiana has established the Optometry Association of Louisiana Relief Fund. Financial aid will go  to those who we deem to be the neediest, says optometrist James Sandefur, the associations executive director. Displaced O.D.s can call 1-888-388-0675 or e-mail optla@bellsouth.net.

The Mississippi Optometric Association is accepting donations to its Mississippi Optometric Foundation. To qualify for funds, an O.D. must be a member of the association, and a committee will decide how to distribute the funds, says executive director Linda Ross Aldy. The association also is maintaining a database to match affected O.D.s with offers of equipment donations. O.D.s can call (601) 956-7412 or e-mail msoptometr@aol.com.

The Texas Optometric Associations member doctors established triage and treatment centers in Dallas and San Antonio. The TOA also granted Louisiana and Mississippi doctors access to its Web site (http://texas.optometry.net) with postings for doctors needing relief work. The TOA also is soliciting donations to its Give One Day charitable foundation to assist member O.D.s who have been affected by Hurricane Rita. The bitter irony is that many of the doctors who were on the front lines helping the victims of Katrina now find themselves displaced by Rita, says optometrist John Todd Cornett, president of the TOA.

Vision Service Plan has pledged $15 million in monetary support and sight-related services for victims of Hurricane Katrina. This includes vouchers for free eye exams and glasses from local optometrists, mobile eye exam services in areas where hurricane victims are currently located, a member eye care program to replace VSP members lost or destroyed eyeglasses at no charge, and emergency financial assistance to VSP-affiliated doctors living and/or working in areas affected by Katrina. 

Vision Council of America (VCA) says it will match $150,000 already raised for the the Vision Alliance and Relief Fundthe funds goal is $300,000and divide donations among various relief funds, mobile vision vans and optometry school outreach efforts. VCA also says it will serve as a clearinghouse for anyone who wishes to donate optical products or services, and that it will coordinate distribution of eyewear with federal and local government agencies once the rebuilding process is under way.

Essilor of America Inc. says it will provide up to $500,000 in monetary contributions to support the AOA, VCA and other relief efforts, and that it will provide lenses, laboratory services and other services to those in affected areas.

University of Houston College of Optometry. Patients who show a valid ID from Louisiana or Mississippi will receive a 70% discount for eye exams and can receive new glasses at cost (no markup). Patients who do not have insurance or money can receive professional services at no charge from the University Eye Institute.

Southern College of Optometry. SCO says it will serve as a clearinghouse, identifying those alumni who need or will need shelter and those who are willing to provide it.

Vol. No: 142:10Issue: 10/15/2005