Dr. Patrick Flaharty and his team at Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa are dedicated to the continuing education of eye care professionals and giving back to community members in need. Returning for the third year in a row as a major sponsor of the nationally known Southwest Florida Optometric Association’s (SWFOA) 38th Annual Educational Retreat, Azul supports education and charitable efforts focused on vision care and eye health. Azul staff met with hundreds of participants to discuss cosmetic and medical issues related to eye care.
Flaharty, the medical director of Azul, is a plastic and reconstructive ophthalmic surgeon as well as a cosmetic surgeon. “We support this event so more patients have access to eye care professionals who are well-versed in cutting-edge procedures and best practices,” Flaharty said. “It’s just as important to make sure people who need that top-quality care are able to afford it.”
The SWFOA seeks to advance and promote the quality, availability, and accessibility of eye care and related health care. The three-day retreat attracted 240 optometrists from across the country for a series of seminars and workshops.
The retreat began with the Don Williamson Memorial Golf Tournament, which raised $15,000 for an account SWFOA members use to fund eye care and eyewear for people in need. The SWFOA works with school nurses, caregivers and others to identify potential recipients of the assistance from across Southwest Florida.
The charitable initiative is one of nearly two dozen causes Azul supports as part of its mission to enhance the community. To see the full list of organizations Azul partners with, and to find out about volunteer opportunities, visit azulbeauty.com.