Last month, Southern California once again experienced ravaging wildfires in Santa Barbara, Riverside, Los Angeles and Orange Counties due to wind gusts of up to 80 miles per hour, high temperatures, low humidity and dry conditions.

VSP quickly responded to those in need and worked in partnership with the American Red Cross, the Southern California College of Optometry (Fullerton), ALCON, and a local VSP doctor, David Ardaya, OD.

The Disaster Response Team, including Lori Fanning and Kirk Kleinert of Provider Services, drove the Mobile Clinic to Southern California to reach out to those affected by the blaze.

Traveling to three donation sites, two Red Cross evacuation centers, and an Office of Emergency Services, the team handed out artificial tears

(donated by ALCON), VSP backpacks, eyeglass repair kits, lens cloths and more than 1,000 tubes of lip balm.

More than 900 homes, an estimated 42,000 acres of land and over $16 million in damages have left many residents in need of federal assistance.

VSP reached out to more than 60 practices and 90 VSP doctors in the affected areas to see if any damage was sustained. Thankfully none were affected.

To donate to those affected, more information, the Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles, the Salvation Army, and the Burn Institute-Inland Empire are collecting donations at 909.519.1063.