On September 20 ^th , 2017 Hurricane Maria caused massive infrastructure damage in Puerto Rico. The unfolding catastrophe took many forms, among them an emergency situation within the ophthalmology community due to a lack of glaucoma medications and a troubling rise in eye infections caused by unsanitary conditions across the island.

In response to the deteriorating situation, Dr. Alma M. Mas-Ramirez (Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Wayne State School of Medicine), put out an urgent call requesting donations of antibiotic and glaucoma eye medications on behalf of Dr. Ian Piovanetti, the president of the Puerto Rico Ophthalmology Association.

Dr. Tosin Smith, ophthalmologist and Executive Director of Cure Glaucoma Foundation, responded to the donation request and contacted Susan Navarro and Carolyn Villegas at Allergan. Dr. Smith was well aware of Allergan’s generosity, having received numerous donations of supplies for mission trips she had organized to Africa and Asia.

Allergan agreed to donate a large shipment of eye drops, valued at over 1.2 million dollars, to the Puerto Rico Ophthalmology Association on behalf of the Cure Glaucoma Foundation. Because so many shippers had suspended operations in Puerto Rico, Carolyn also offered to assist with the delivery challenges for the donations.

This news was well received by Dr. Ian Piovanetti, the president of the Puerto Rico Ophthalmology Association, who wrote the following note of thanks to Allergan and Cure Glaucoma Foundation:

“Amazing job. We at Puerto Rico Ophthalmological Society greatly appreciate the efforts to help our patients in need. Operating rooms are working on limited schedules due to a lack of electrical power and access for some patients. Thanks from all of the patients who will be benefit from this donation.”

Ian Piovanetti, MD

P.R. State Society President

Dr. Alma M. Mas-Ramirez also wrote the following note of appreciation:

“We have been asking for donations for almost a month and no one has helped the way you've help us during this time of need! Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!"