Volunteer Wisely: Oklahoma Optometrists Helping Survivors

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Through August 30, the Optometry Strong Tornado Relief Project is providing free eye exams and replacement eyeglasses and contact lenses to Oklahomans impacted by the recent disasters.

The 150 eye physicians involved in the project, donating their time and skills at both their own offices and temporary locations in disaster-affected areas, are examples of the many Oklahomans who are volunteering wisely.   

Among the hundreds who have already benefitted from Optometry Strong are students from two elementary schools in Moore, Oklahoma destroyed by the EF-5 tornado of May 20.

“Right after the tornado we were doing what you might call ‘triage’ optometry – taking care of the immediate eye care needs of the survivors,” says Saundra Naifeh, CEO of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP), which partnered with The Vision Council and American Optometric Association (AOA) to provide the service.

“But we quickly realized they would have long-term vision needs too, which is why we decided to extend Optometry Strong until the end of August. We feel really good about the project and the fact that so many people in the industry have been so good about asking how they can help.”

Residents in affected areas can contact the OAOP at (405) 524-1075 to request an exam by a volunteer optometrist in their area.

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