CORAL SPRINGS, Fla.—ABB Optical has begun accepting applications for its sixth annual ABB Cares program. The program has awarded more than $65,000 in community grants to non-profit organizations across the country over the past five years, according to a recent announcement. The deadline to submit an application is 11:59 p.m. (ET) Saturday, Aug. 31. “Through ABB Cares, we have been introduced to some truly remarkable charities that are supporting children in need, feeding the hungry, providing health care and vision care to vulnerable populations, creating opportunities for people with disabilities and more,” ABB Optical Group chief executive officer Tom Burke said in the announcement.

“Thanks to eyecare professionals around the country, we can spotlight these organizations and the tremendous impact they have on their communities. Every year we look forward to learning more about what they do and helping them in achieving their mission through ABB Cares.”

This year, ABB Optical Group will award one ABB Cares Platinum Grant of $5,000, two Gold Grants of $2,500 each, and four Silver Grants of $1,000 to charities nominated by professionals in the eyecare industry, including optometrists, opticians and office staff. Organizations do not need to focus on eye health to qualify for a grant, the announcement noted.

To be considered as a grant recipient, all candidates must comply with the following:
• The organization must be a 501(c)(3) organization and provide proof of that status.
• The organization's local office must be within 30 miles of the nominating practice's primary location.
• The organization must be located in the United States.
• All applications must be submitted in English, and must be completed and submitted online.

For more information or to submit an application, visit ABBOptical.com/ABBCares. 

ABB Optical GROUP is a national provider of optical products and business services in the eyecare industry and supplies nearly two-thirds of ECPs with brand-name contact lenses, specialty contact lenses and ophthalmic lenses, the announcement noted.