Rebuilding with Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief

Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR) is ready for the unexpected and provides immediate financial relief for critical and urgent needs. Coast to coast, OFDR is ready to help doctors of optometry and students get back to serving their communities—when they need it the most.  

Helping the recovery in California  

Gail Murphy, O.D., lost her home full of her equipment in the Eaton Canyon fire in California earlier this year. Even her car perished in the flames—meaning to get back to her patients, she needs quite a lot. 

“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the awarding of these funds; it is truly a blessing to be able to have this financial help at this time. I am so grateful for your generosity.  Please pass along my sentiments of gratefulness to all involved.” -Dr. Murphy 

The urge to get back to business is evident in California as the community works to rebuild and help each other through the tragedy. Eileen Chang, O.D., reached out to OFDR hoping to get back to work—eager to get started doing on-call work for other practices. She lost her home to the fire as well.  

Supporting Kentucky  

The recent flooding in Kentucky hurt doctors and a larger number of students than OFDR has seen in years.  

Regina Compton, O.D., lost her office, full of diagnostic equipment damaged beyond repair. Even simple things, such as furniture, were lost to the impact of catastrophic flooding six feet high.  

While the students who applied are pushing forward with their residencies, they now must find new housing. Juggling the unexpected relocation, OFDR stepped in to support them.  

Morgan Phelps was evacuated from her residence and wasn’t able to assess damages for an extended period of time. The same was true for Allison Shelton, her roommate.  

As they search for a new space to call home, OFDR is supporting students as they face the shock of the flooding.  

Courtesy of Dustin Smith

How to help 

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.