DUNEDIN, Fla., Sept. 13 -- Ocean Optics is offering assistance to optics and photonics businesses and students affected by Hurricane Katrina. The company is making available facilities for light industrial, general office operations and research laboratory space at its facilities in Orlando, Largo and Dunedin, Fla. Mike Morris, president of Ocean Optics, said, "While our company and its employees are donating money and health kits to various relief agencies, Ocean Optics would also like to offer special assistance to those in our industry who may need to reestablish their business. We have room to house a few smaller businesses at our facilities. We can accommodate both light industrial (assembly and test) and general office operations. We will make our basic infrastructure available and help locate housing for workers and their families." The company is also offering assistance to students whose optics or photonics research was interrupted by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. "We can accommodate graduate students and their professors who need lab space and will offer free access to our equipment," Morris said, "and we can assist students and professors to locate housing." Ocean Optics has facilities near the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida. Anyone in the optics and photonics industry who was affected by the hurricane and who may need assistance should contact Morris at (727) 733-2447; e-mail: mike.morris@oceanoptics.com