Kingwood, Texas, Sept. 15, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- North America’s largest, independent optometric alliance Vision Source, announced today that it has raised over $310,000 in fifteen days to help optometrists directly affected by the widespread damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. More than 316 Vision Source member practices are located in the areas impacted by recent storms.
Established in 2007 as a resource to provide relief aid for optometrists impacted by catastrophic events, the Vision Source Foundation has provided aid for eye care clinicians dealing with situations such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, death, cancer, and stroke.
“Vision Source members should never feel alone. By its very existence, the Vision Source Foundation reminds our members that they belong to a family of independent optometrists ready to support them in times of need,” commented Dr. John McCall, OD, President of the Vision Source Foundation and Vision Source Senior Vice President - Vendor Relations. “The Foundation is a testament to the power of Vision Source membership and showcases the selfless hearts of our members.”
Over 130 Vision Source member locations faced Hurricane Harvey’s rainfall of 33 trillion gallons of water. While 185 Vision Source practices located in Hurricane Irma’s path withstood top wind speeds of 185 mph. The economic toll of these storms will be felt by 451 independent Vision Source optometrists and the 1,146 staff members. “In the past few days, the Vision Source Foundation has already begun issuing checks to affected optometrists thanks to generous donations from member optometrists, patients, vendors, and the employees of both Vision Source and Essilor,” said Jim Greenwood, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Source.
“Our hearts go out to all of those marred by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, including the nearly 1,600 Vision Source doctors and staff living and working in the afflicted areas,” stated Dr. John McCall, OD. “We are proud to support the beautiful demonstration of humanity and kindness currently on display in our nation. Through the Vision Source Foundation, we can truly make a difference in the lives of our colleagues who are recovering from storm damage and loss."
Donations to the Vision Source Foundation can be made online at https://insight.visionsource.com/VS-Foundation/Donate. Checks must be made payable to the Vision Source Foundation and mailed to:
Vision Source Foundation
ATTN: Sherry Wilson
23824 Highway 59 North
Kingwood, TX 77339
About Vision Source
Founded in 1991, Vision Source is North America’s largest network of independent optometrists consisting of over 4,700 members. The clinicians in the Vision Source network enjoy access to newly evolving patient channels, including an expanding list of leading medical groups and integrated health systems with whom Vision Source optometrists collaborate. Additionally, members benefit from a wide range of innovative technologies, practice management tools, strategic marketing, and purchasing power. Leveraging these tools, the clinicians offer comprehensive eye care to their patients delivering an industry leading patient experience. For more information, call 888-558-2020 or visit www.visionsource.com.
About Vision Source Foundation
Founded in 2007, the Vision Source Foundation provides aid to optometrists and their family members who have been impacted by catastrophic events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires or from health related events such as death, cancer, and stroke. For more information, visit www.visionsource.com/doctors/programs/vision-source-foundation.
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