AOA Foundation disaster fund provides shot in arm to devastated practices

In 2024, a doctor of optometry wrote to The AOA Foundation—and not for the first time. The first time the doctor, Laura Schindler, O.D., was applying for a grant under the foundation’s Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR). That April, a tornado had ripped through Elkhorn, Nebraska, and her family’s house was designated a total loss.  

The second time she reached out to OFDR was in October to make a donation, paying it forward in a sense. 

“Prayers always go out to those going through tough times, but your heart hurts a little more for them when you've been there yourself and have lost everything,” Dr. Schindler says now. “I am so blessed to work in such a kind and supportive profession. Because people were so overwhelmingly kind to us, we have been giving back to others since the tornado. It was a great lesson in humility and kindness.” 

Busy, responsive year for OFDR 

This year was an active one for OFDR. Its committee: 

• Dispensed nearly $282,000 in grants in response to various disasters. 
• Saw nearly 200 grants awarded to doctors of optometry—AOA members and nonmembers—and optometry students. 
• Consistently met its goal of reviewing each completed application within 48 hours. 

Moving swiftly and efficiently enables practices to reopen as soon as possible—so patients won’t experience significant delays in care. 

Time is of the essence in disasters such as these, says Sarah Link, OFDR’s committee chair and executive director of the Mississippi Optometric Association. 

“People had their lives disrupted and we were able to help and mitigate some of the devastation,” Link says. “Our goal is to provide immediate assistance. 

“Even though it has been a difficult and challenging year for optometrists, the OFDR Committee has had a successful year in fulfilling the commitment we made to help optometrists in need,” she adds. 

Significant OFDR milestones 

A program of The AOA Foundation, OFDR was founded in 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s extensive devastation. The fund is supported by individual and corporate donations. 

OFDR’s 2024 will also be noteworthy for its response to disasters—manmade and natural. 

In March, in response to the enormous cyberattack on the health care system, The AOA Foundation announced immediate financial relief to practices affected by the Change Healthcare cyberattack, which has impacted an estimated 100 million people including patients and providers. 

Then Hurricanes Helene and Milton dealt devastating double blows to the southeastern U.S. Sept. 26 and Oct. 9, respectively.  The AOA Foundation quickly issued an emergency appeal for donations and raised more than $233,000 in contributions, including $50,000 each from the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety and AOAExcel®, $100,000 from AOA Visionary Supporter EssilorLuxottica, and more than $33,000 in individual contributions. 

For about 20 years, OFDR has been a vital resource for doctors of optometry facing emergencies, ensuring continuity of patient care during times of crisis. Whether responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina or the Hawaii wildfires of last year, OFDR has consistently rallied to provide assistance to the optometric community.      

Belinda R. Starkey, O.D., The AOA Foundation president, said then: “We owe a debt of gratitude to our dedicated individual supporters and industry partners whose contributions have enabled OFDR to fulfill its mission.”  

How to help 

With 2024 winding down, here’s how you can support OFDR or find grant information:  

• Donate to The AOA Foundation. Ensure OFDR grants are available for our colleagues affected by these disasters.
• Submit an OFDR application. Have you been affected by these or other disasters? Learn more about grant criteria and complete the OFDR application and Form W-9.  

Affected individuals could be eligible for grants up to $4,000 to help provide financial support with an aim toward helping cover necessary expenses and expediting doctors’ ability to reopen their practices to serve patients. 

Being prepared 

Tad R. Kosanovich, O.D., member of the AOA Board of Trustees, The AOA Foundation board, and practitioner in Florida, counts his practice among the fortunate ones in the state. 

Neither the practice nor its staff members sustained severe damage, Dr. Kosanovich says. 

“Our focus has been on rebuilding while simultaneously supporting our community and The Foundation,” he says. “But I would encourage all doctors of optometry to give thanks if you have not been similarly affected by natural disaster.  

“Your gratitude is best expressed by giving an end-of-year contribution to The AOA Foundation,” he says. “This support is more than financial; it is an acknowledgement that the AOA family stands united in a time of need.”