NEW YORK—As millions of consumers continue to struggle, so, too, are thousands of eyecare professionals who have been coping with the after effects of the devastation of Hurricane Ida, which knocked out power, and pounded the Gulf Coast, New Orleans and the state of Louisiana, working its way up through the Northeast bringing flooding, tornadoes and lots of rain and severe winds. The American Optometric Association (AOA) reported to its members that doctors of optometry and students have somewhere to turn for financial support in the event of disasters such as Hurricane Ida. In addition, others in the industry, such as eyewear firm Eyewear Designs stepped up to offer its own Hurricane Relief Aid initiative to help its accounts impacted by the storm.

In 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Optometry's Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR) is optometry's exclusive financial support program that provides immediate assistance to those in need. A program of Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation the fund has distributed more than 500 grants to doctors and students, totaling more than $1 million in aid. It has also provided $8,000 in grants to date in 2021, compared to $52,500 in 2020, mostly for damage due to civil unrest, the AOA noted to its members.
 
“Optometry Cares and OFDR are available to help doctors and students who have had significant impact from the current storm,” said Peter Kehoe, OD, president of Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation. “We hope to be a rapid financial bridge for their practice or personal life until insurance or other resources are accessed.
 
He added, "While the majority of the OFDR funds come from our industry supporters, we also rely on our colleagues to help at times of need since, if they were in a similar position, all support would be appreciated,” Dr. Kehoe said. “We have many individual doctors who significantly contribute to Optometry Cares and OFDR, and we hope all doctors can look in their hearts and support their fellow and future colleagues at this difficult time.”
 
In addition, eyewear company Eyewear Designs told VMAIL that it has established an Eyewear Designs Hurricane Ida Relief Program. Said Steve Horowitz, president, "We watched with sadness and concern as Ida’s winds and rain devastated Louisiana and Southern Alabama and the Northeast. As a family owned company, when one of us is hurting, reaching out to help our extended family of customers and friends is in our DNA. Beginning immediately Eyewear Designs Hurricane Ida Relief is offering assistance to our customers whose businesses have been affected by the storm." 
 
Those in need of recovery assistance are urged to contact Eyewear Designs' National Sales Manager Stacey Soltis who is based in the New Orleans area or vice president of sales, Michael Shavitz based in Maryland, "for specific solutions Eyewear Designs can offer to help family, friends and our industry in the difficult days ahead."