In response to the catastrophic devastation which has befallen Haiti and its people, Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute has begun collecting any and all medical supplies and medications related to eye care, including everything from eye drops to alcohol wipes to cotton gauze. All items collected will be delivered to Toussaint L'Ouverture High School in Boynton Beach on a regular basis.
According to a spokesperson at the West Palm Beach chapter of the American Red Cross, "there is so much smoke and debris from the collapsed buildings, and the earthquake victims as well as the rescue teams are in great need of anything that will bring relief to a variety of eye conditions and trauma."
Dr. Randy Katz, Florida Eye's vitreo-retina, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration specialist says that debris from collapsed buildings and rescue efforts can cause a myriad of eye problems. "Blunt trauma to the head and foreign bodies in the eyes can cause corneal abrasions, retinal detachments, subconjunctival hemorrhages and more. " The doctor adds that "smoke from fires and destroyed buildings can also cause eye irritations, itchiness, burning and constant watering, too."
The doctors and staff of Florida Eye are asking all of the optometrists and fellow ophthalmologists in the area to come together in these efforts and donate whatever goods they may have available over the coming months. Florida Eye invites friends, patients and members of the community to drop off supplies as well, as long as they are related to eye care. Items can be dropped off at 1717 Woolbright Road in Boynton Beach, 1397 State Road #7, Suite 380 in Wellington and 9980 Central Park Blvd., Suite 204 in Boca Raton during regular business hours (8:30 a.m.-5:00p.m.).
The items collected through Florida Eye will be dropped off weekly at Toussaint L'Ouverture High School (TLHS) in Boynton Beach. (TLHS is a predominantly Haitian charter school, although it is open to all denominations.) Vicki Hollander, a TLHS volunteer said that phones have been ringing nonstop with people offering many items, but eye care items are especially important for obvious reasons. TLHS is located at 1325 Gateway Boulevard in Boynton Beach for anyone who wishes to drop off supplies directly.
The school has arranged for private planes to fly out supplies as often as possible, and goods will also be shipped through the Port of Palm Beach. For more information please call gwen at (561) 736-5050 or send an email to gwen@fleyedocs.com.
