LAS VEGAS—As Floridians begin to assess the damage done by Hurricane Irma, Texans who were affected by Hurricane Harvey have only just begun to recoup, with relief efforts now well underway. As VMail previously reported, companies across the optical industry have put in various efforts to aid those in need. Some have donated to the American Red Cross, some to Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation’s Fund for Disaster Relief, others have made individual donations while others reached out different charities and associations. Because the devastation caused by Harvey is so vast, the optical community continues to lend a hand to not only colleagues, but also residents in the affected areas.

In addition to previous donations of $25,000 to Optometry Cares, Vision Source, PERC/IVA, and Opti-Port, Essilor, through Essilor Labs, is offering to redo any lens orders damaged due to the hurricane and the company is allowing anyone impacted by the storms to defer payment on their lab bill up to 60 days.

Through the Essilor Vision Foundation and other channels, the company has donated thousands of lenses to citizens in the affected regions and has offered lens and lab services, portable equipment, and access to frames with local partner organizations.

Essilor is collecting corporate employee donations to aid in hurricane relief and will match those donations dollar for dollar.

In the 40 counties affected by Hurricane Harvey, VSP has nearly two million members and has confirmed that the practices of at least 25 VSP network doctors were damaged. One of the VSP Global Eyes of Hope mobile eyecare clinics is currently on the ground providing a space to practice for a number of VSP network doctors whose practices have been damaged, a spokesperson for VSP told VMail.

Doctors have provided care for nearly 200 patients to date. Disaster relief gift certificates are being distributed through the Red Cross and other partners that reimburse VSP network doctors for the care they provide to patients affected by the disaster. VSP is monitoring Hurricane Irma’s impact to assess what support is needed.

VSP employees have provided their support by way of donations to the Red Cross. VSP has more than doubled its original employee contribution match for an expected total of $50,000. As the optical industry comes together at this week’s Vision Expo West, more information on how you can get help or give help will be available at the VSP Global Booth #16115 and also available on VSP Global’s disaster outreach webpage.

Zyloware is reporting that employees have raised over $1,300 in donations toward the Houston Flood Relief Fund to benefit victims of Hurricane Harvey. Zyloware partnered with the Houston Flood Relief Fund of the Victims of Hurricane Harvey which was organized by Houston Texans NFL player, JJ Watt. The fund’s original goal of $200,000 was reached within hours and the current amount raised to date is climbing toward $33 million.

To help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, Zyloware created a platform for employees to donate toward disaster relief efforts, the company promised to match employee donations and within one week, Zyloware employees had raised $657 toward the cause. Zyloware matched the donation for a total amount raised of $1,314 for the Houston Flood Relief Fund.

Vision Monday and VMail will continue to monitor the relief activities and status of impacted offices, retailers, labs and suppliers as details become available. Please send any related information to vmeditor@jobson.com.