(PRESS RELEASE) Continuing AOA’s broad, multifaceted support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a new relief opportunity is available to doctors of optometry facing undue hardships.
Launched Oct. 1, the AOA Foundation Recovery Fund provides up to $3,000 per AOA member (up to $1,500 for non-members) in recovery aid funding to bolster the viability of optometry practices affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency, and helps ensure doctors of optometry can continue providing essential eye health and vision care in their communities. The fund is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of Visionary Supporter Johnson & Johnson Vision, as well as Associate Supporter CooperVision.
“Many doctors of optometry, especially in lower-income communities and those communities devastated by COVID-19, have slipped through the cracks with regard to support from federal and local agencies,” says Pete Kehoe, O.D., Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation Board president. “The AOA Foundation Recovery Fund expects a large demand for funds to help doctors continue providing critical care to patients in need in the months ahead.”
“The AOA Recovery Fund will need additional financial support from other ophthalmic industry partners and individuals to ensure the necessary care can continue,” Dr. Kehoe says.
Applications for the AOA Foundation Recovery Fund will only be accepted through 11:59 p.m. CT, Oct. 31, 2020, and the exact dollar amount awarded will depend on certain criteria to assess need. After review, funds will be disseminated in December.