LOS ANGELES—Last weekend, as thousands peacefully protested in L.A. and other cities around the country, there were also episodes that devolved into vandalism and robberies and many optical retailers and ECPs suffered damages. Among them was the Beverly Hills location of Optometrix which was violently looted, as VMAIL reported on Tuesday.

Dr. Myles Zackheim, a long-time practitioner with three Los Angeles locations, now reports that as devastating as it was to suffer losses at the store, he has been so encouraged by the outpouring of support he has received from colleagues, suppliers, friends and patients in the aftermath.

Dr. Zackheim writes to VMAIL for this #BrightSpot:

As you are aware, my Beverly Hills office was burglarized 5 days ago by a group of looters following a peaceful demonstration for Black Lives Matter.

It was devastating to see the videos and view how 20 minutes of mayhem could dismantle 30 years of accomplishment.


A new message at Optometrix in LA
As difficult as it was to watch this unfold is how uplifting it was to receive support from friends and colleagues, not just locally, but worldwide. I was humbled to have received so many calls offering to help clean up, board up and repair the premises. Mostly though I was very emotional and overwhelmed by the outpouring of concern many patients expressed about my wellbeing and safety during these difficult times... but this is not about me.

I support the movement and protest of Black Lives Matter. I believe that there is pervasive racism in this country that must be addressed and remedied.

I agree with the protest and the message as it is urgently needed. It is unfortunate, however, that a splinter group of looters is taking the spotlight away from the real issue which is racism and not vandalism.

Although this comes at a substantial cost to me it is far less extensive than the many years of social injustice we have allowed.

And I am hopeful that if we kneel together we can heal together.

Stay Safe + Be Healthy

Myles