After burning for about three weeks, the southern California fires are nearly contained, but the rebuilding and recover process has just begun. The news site CalMatters noted that more than 16,000 homes and other structures were destroyed by the Los Angeles-area fires. The death toll has risen to 29, and the LA Times estimated that the cost of damages already exceeds $250 billion.
Eye care companies and health organizations are stepping up.
Vision Monday is tracking relief efforts and assistance programs spearheaded by eye care companies as well as individual practices and doctors.
Eyes On Eyecare has compiled eye care and non-related sources of assistance.
Here are some key relief sources.
The AOA Foundation has opened applications for disaster relief help.
The LA County Optometric Society is offering financial and fire information resources.
CooperVision has implemented a Patient Emergency Relief Program to assist eye care professionals and their patients impacted. Practitioners can request up to two complimentary boxes of contact lenses for affected patients. To process a request, Los Angeles-area practitioners can obtain the form through their CooperVision sales representative or by emailing CVcares@coopervision.com.
That program, as well as Alcon’s Patient Relief Form and Disaster Relief Product Donation Request Form are available through the LA County Optometric Society page. There’s a page on that site that guides VSP members and non-members on how to get replacement eyewear, as needed.
Have you been affected by or helping out through the wildfires? We want to hear from you.
Featured photo credit: Getty Images, David McNew
