By Dibby Bartlett, President, Opticians Association of America

It's unbelievable what can change in just a month...  Certainly, the COVID-19 crisis has impacted us all, and unfortunately, it's not done yet. I wrestled with what we, as opticians, need most right now and after much, much consideration, I feel it’s RESOURCES:

  • What we need to know 

  • What we need to do 

  • Where to find help

If, however, you do not find what you need, please feel free to reach out and we will be happy to assist you research further. During this time, please know the OAA is here for YOU.

Resources for Information
  • For small businesses, The Vision Council guides us through helps available to small business. The Small Business Administration offers guidance and loan resources. 
  • Are we essential? Lists of essential business by State
  • Unemployment - The national relief program for COVID-19 has relaxed many unemployment restrictions. This link will go over some basics and lead you to your state unemployment site
  • Coping - The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful.  Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Here are some resources for coping:  LINK 1LINK 2
  • Health Insurance - If your Health Insurance is in jeopardy, HERE are some facts to pursue new coverage.

 

There are many things we don't know right now... we don't know how long this will go on. We don't know the national impact of this. We don't know how this will personally affect opticianry in the end.

 However, we DO KNOW...

  •  Opticians are Smart, Resilient and Innovative
  • Opticians have a Huge and Vital Role to Play in the Eyecare Industry and its Recovery
  • Opticians have a Strong Future Ahead of Us

The MOST important thing we can all do right now is STAY SAFE and STAY HEALTHY. The world needs us!

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