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The Vision Council  >  Members   >  Government & Regulatory Affairs   >  Current Issues   >  Haiti Relief

Resources to Rebuild Haiti

Donation Opportunity for Haiti Mission

As the rebuilding efforts in Haiti continue, Paul Berman, OD, a consultant for Liberty Optical, fellow member of The Vision Council and past recipient of the Better Vision Institute's Visionary Award, will be going on a medical mission to Haiti with a group of colleagues. The mission will take place April 25 - May 5, 2010.

We have learned from the president of the Haitian Ophthalmological Association that there is a great need for over-the-counter reading glasses so that Haitians can begin to resume their lives. Any company interested in donating over-the-counter reading glasses should contact Dr. Berman at (201) 646-9090 or via email at pberman@focuseyehealth.com. Donations must be received by April 22, 2010.

Donation Resources

In response to the earthquake that hit Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, The Vision Council has compiled a list of resources for those who would like to make a donation to help those in need.

First responders provide food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. Members of The Vision Council can contact the following organizations to provide support in this capacity.

• American Red Cross
• Doctors Without Borders
• PanAmerican Relief
• AmeriCares
• OxFam International
• Save the Children 
• World Food Program

Vision organizations will provide also products and services necessary to rebuild Haiti. Members wishing to donate to organizations that will assist in these efforts can contact the following: 

• NJ4Haiti (Eyecare Committee)
• OneSight (formerly Gift of Sight)
• Optometry's Charity - The AOA Foundation
• The Foundation of the AAO
• Lions Club International
• Orbis
• Unite for Sight
• Restoring Vision (formerly PRVAIL)
• Vision 2020

The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI), a U.S. government-run organziation, provides guidelines for those wishing to help in the efforts. Optical organziations wishing to send products through this organization can register offers through the CIDI Web site. For more information, please contact the State Department at helphaiti@state.gov.

While the above lists are not exhaustive of all organizations providing support, The Vision Council has confirmed that they are already providing help on the ground or are coordinating such work for the future. 

For more information or to add another group to the list, please contact Eve Zartman-Ball, senior director of public affairs and advocacy, at (703) 740-2250 or at ezb@thevisioncouncil.org.