MAYFIELD, Ky.—In response to the catastrophic tornado outbreak that affected six Midwestern and Southern states, EyeCare Partners (ECP) is responding by restoring people’s vision care as quickly as possible with emergency services for traumatic eye injuries and complimentary replacement eyewear and contacts, according to an announcement this week. The ophthalmology and optometry network will donate $25,000 to relief efforts to help affected communities in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee rebuild. “This is our community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to our friends and neighbors who are beginning the recovery process,” said David Jaco, OD, EyeCare Partners’ optometry medical director for the state of Kentucky and past president of the Kentucky Optometric Association.

“As caregivers, we want to be part of the healing process in a tangible way and are providing our expertise as well as complimentary replacement eyewear and contacts to members of the community and first responders.”
 
According to the announcement, the doctors and clinical support team members of EyeCare Partners are integrally tied to the communities in which they live and work. The catastrophic storms of last week have left many residents without even basic health and personal care items, and EyeCare Partners is doing its part by lending expertise and resources toward restoring vision to the communities as they work toward rebuilding, the announcement noted.
 
The resources are intended for families, individuals and first responders in need of emergency eyecare or replacement eyewear or contact lenses in the wake of the tragic Dec. 10 tornadoes that struck six states.
 
EyeCare Partners locations throughout the network of ophthalmology and optometry providers will provide emergency eyecare and complimentary replacement eyewear or up to a six-month supply of contact lenses to community members in need and first responders.
 
In addition, the network’s offices will fulfill any vision prescription—it does not need to have been prescribed at an EyeCare Partners affiliated location. If prescriptions are not readily available, EyeCare Partners can match existing lenses or conduct vision examinations, as needed.
 
Effective immediately, community members affected by the tornadoes and first responders can visit their local EyeCare Partners network ophthalmologist or optometrist for emergency eyecare or to receive complimentary eyewear or contacts to replace those lost or destroyed by last week’s historic storms.
 
Also, EyeCare Partners has committed to donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross for tornado relief efforts to assist in rebuilding the affected communities in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.
 
“At EyeCare Partners, we believe that we are better together, and that is never more important than in times of crisis,” ECP's chief executive officer David Clark said. “Our goal is to do what we can to help our communities as quickly as possible by contributing in multiple ways, including what we do best: delivering clear vision when it is most needed.”