Optometrists Dr. Ryan Corte, Dr. Haley Perry, and Dr. Casey Krug share their harrowing experiences during Hurricane Helene, which struck Western North Carolina unexpectedly. They discuss the chaos and devastation that ensued, their personal stories of navigating the storm, and the community's resilience in the aftermath. The doctors reflect on the importance of preparedness for natural disasters, the support they provided to their patients, and the kindness they witnessed in their community during a time of crisis. They emphasize the need for ongoing support for local businesses and the importance of coming together as a community to heal and rebuild.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

02:25 The Unexpected Hurricane Helene Experience

05:22 Personal Accounts of the Storm

08:20 Evacuations and Communication Challenges

11:25 Community Response and Resilience

14:13 Life After the Storm

17:04 The Impact on Local Optometry Practices

26:41 Preparing for the Unexpected

32:51 Community Resilience and Healing

37:25 Acts of Service in Crisis

41:44 Lessons Learned from Natural Disaster

46:22 The Power of Community Love

Takeaways

- Hurricane Helene was an unexpected natural disaster for the region.

- The local community experienced significant devastation and loss.

- Communication was severely impacted during and after the storm.

- Many residents felt unprepared for the extent of the disaster.

- Acts of kindness and community support were prevalent during recovery.

- The doctors provided essential eye care services to those affected.

- Preparedness for future disasters is crucial, including having cash and supplies.

- The experience highlighted the importance of community resilience.

- Local businesses need support to recover from the disaster.

- The emotional impact of the disaster is still being processed by the community.