Disaster Relief Assistance Information from AOA and VSP Global

AOA & Optometry Cares

After the tornados and storms around Nashville last night, all of us at the AOA and Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation are thinking of you! We sincerely hope that all of you and your members in the affected area have stayed safe.

We want to assure you that we stand by doctors who may be affected and that we are ready to assist. As you know, Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR), serves to provide immediate financial assistance to optometrists in the wake of a natural disaster who have experienced property damage in their home or practice. Those in need may apply for aid here, and we encourage people to share this information with colleagues who may be affected.

If any individuals or local societies would like to donate to help folks impacted, they may do so here.

We want you to know that you have our support and concern.

Help for Your Practice and Patients 
With the tornadoes in your area, ew at VSP Global  hope you, your staff, and loved ones are safe and well. If your practice has been damaged, please call us at 800.615.1883 to learn about the resources available to you. Resources are also available for your patients who need eye care or have lost or damaged their glasses due to the tornadoes: VSP^® Members can call 800.877.7195 to have their benefits reinstated if they’re not currently eligible. Non-VSP Members can call 800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767) or contact a local Red Cross chapter to request a VSP^® Eyes of Hope^® gift certificate.

How Gift Certificates Work
Patients in your community may be contacting you with a VSP Eyes of Hope disaster relief gift certificate received through the American Red Cross. 

When you see a patient with a VSP Eyes of Hope gift certificate, you will be reimbursed by VSP Vision Care. Simply follow the "Doctor Instructions" listed on the back of the gift certificate before processing the claim.

Who’s eligible?
When “American Red Cross” or “Disaster Relief” is listed as the client name on the front of the gift certificate, patients must have*: lost or damaged eyewear during a disaster; no vision insurance or no available benefits through existing vision insurance; not used another gift certificate in the last 12 months. What’s covered?  Adults are eligible for an eye exam, an Altair^® frame** with a retail value up to $115, and single-vision, lined bifocal, or lined trifocal lenses. Children are eligible for an eye exam, an Altair or Otis & Piper^™ frame with a retail value up to $115, and single-vision, lined bifocal, or lined trifocal lenses; polycarbonate lenses are also covered. Learn more about disaster outreach at VSP Global by visiting vspglobal.com/disasteroutreach.

Questions? Call VSP at 800.615.1883 or email vspoutreach@vsp.com.

*Patient eligibility printed on the back of some gift certificates may list income guidelines; these do not apply during a disaster. 
**Altair frames are available at no cost, call 800.505.5557 or visit altaireyewear.com.    VSP's primary method of communication is email. At least one valid email address is required for each qualified office to ensure receipt of important updates and critical information from VSP. Because this is a contract-related requirement, you are unable to unsubscribe from required administrative communications such as this one. To update your contact information, visit VSPOnline at eyefinity.com. If you have a question about this policy, please contact us at questions@vsp.com.

For those interested in ways to help:

• Sign up with Hands On Nashville to volunteer.
• Give a monetary gift to Optometry Cares.
• Give a monetary gift to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund.
• Donate personal hygiene items, bleach, trash bags, gloves and box cutters to the Community Resource Center.