An Urgent Cause for Eye Care Professionals

The recent Palisades Fire devastated countless homes and communities, leaving people with urgent medical and vision care needs. As an Optometrist, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to maintain proper eye health. If you’re an eye clinic wanting to make a difference, here’s where you can donate supplies to support the brave efforts on the ground and a community in need. 👀

Los Angeles County Optometric Society

 

The Los Angeles County Optometric Society (LACOS) board, in coordination with the California Optometric Association, is mobilizing to help victims of the devastating fires that have affected residents of Los Angeles County, including the Palisades Fire. Efforts include: 

Eye Care Supply Donations

LA County Optometric Society Board is asking for donations of eye drops, eye wash, contact lens solution, and contact lens cases to help individuals displaced by the fire and first responders facing high air pollution, a known ocular irritant. 

Donations can be brought to your local fire station or sent to:  

Dr. Corey Hodes, OD 

Hodes Vision Optometry: 10922 1/2 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Dr. Ora Esfahani, OD

Dr. Richlin OD and Associates: 8907 Wilshire Blvd Floor 3, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Dr. Irina Yakubin, OD

OptiHealth Optometry (inside Montana Eyes): 718 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

 

Vision Service Plan (VSP) Members

The largest vision plan insurance in Los Angeles is Vision Service Plan. VSP members who have lost or broken eyewear or need eye care can call 800-877-7195; VSP network doctors can call 800-615- 1883 to learn about available resources.

For non-VSP patients, the Red Cross can help replace eyewear lost due to a disaster can call 1-800-733-2767.  

 

Updates Via Social Media

• LACOS Facebook Page: For the most current updates, check online here.
• LACOS Online: Find comprehensive resources for contact lenses, glasses, and other eye care supplies here.

Fire Weather Eye Safety

Everyone in the area must protect their eyes during the fires. Good practices include:

• Wearing glasses/protective eyewear (instead of contact lenses if possible);
• Using copious amounts of preservative artificial tears to lubricate the eyes (not Visine/Clear Eyes);
• Using sterile eye washes to remove soot, ash and environmental debris inside the eyes;
• Using eyelid cleansers to wash away soot, ash and environmental debris to prevent it from entering the eyes.

Why Your Donation Matters

In disaster zones, smoke, debris, and harsh conditions can rapidly harm ocular health. Every set of protective goggles, box of saline, or bottle of eyelid cleanser you donate helps prevent long-term vision damage. 🩺

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to vision care. Your contributions truly make a difference in the lives of those affected by the Palisades Fire.