He created buzz for his practice.
Dr. Kim Baxter of North Platte, NE, set out to do a public service by encouraging people to view the upcoming solar eclipse safely.
He ended up with more publicity than he bargained for.
The American Optometric Association reports: “So far, his eye safety message has spanned three radio interviews, two local newspaper articles and a pair of television spots, one of which has aired cross-state in Lincoln.”
Baxter is quoted saying: “The media is hungry for information to share with their readers or viewers, and nobody’s better qualified than optometry to provide that information. I’ve been astounded by the amount of exposure that’s been given to myself and my practice.”
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Stocked up with 500 pairs of solar eclipse glasses, he went ont he radio one morning to talk about eclipse safety. Within one day, they were all gone.
He said his practice is ordering them in units of 1,000 now and selling them at cost.
AOA explains that the eclipse “offers an unparalleled opportunity for doctors of optometry to fill an information void.”
AOA notes on its website that it has partnered with the American Astronomical Society (AAS), NASA and others to push the importance of eye safety. As part of the ongoing outreach, the association and member doctors are helping generate public awareness. Recently, those efforts culminated in 1.9 billion impressions through local and national media.
Additionally, AOA has released online resources and materials for doctors to download and share in their communities.
According to NASA, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun Monday, Aug. 21. This is the first of its kind in the U.S. since 1979. Anyone within the path of totality can see a total solar eclipse, and observers outside this path will see a partial solar eclipse.
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