SAN FRANCISCO – Today the American Academy of Ophthalmology announced that on Saturday, September 17, the 20 members of the Academy’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to donate $25,000 to the American Red Cross in support of hurricane disaster relief efforts.

“Along with the rest of the country, the Academy is distressed by the scope of the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Katrina, yet was inspired to do all it can to alleviate the victims’ suffering and to help them begin anew,” said Susan H. Day, MD, president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

By providing assistance to such benevolent organizations like the Red Cross, the Academy, and its 27,000 members hopes to alleviate the suffering of the victims of the storm, and offer some support as they begin rebuilding lives and cities.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons – Eye M.D.s – with more than 27,000 members. For more information about eye health care or to find an Eye M.D. in your area, visit the Academy’s Web site at www.aao.org.