This month we showcase the recent experience of VOSH-PA in Haiti, welcome a new chapter in Panama, feature great collaborations, a chapter of the month recognition, requests of volunteers, knowledge sharing, and resources you do not want to miss. President Santiago’s Insights celebrates the recent World Optometry Week with a pertinent reflection on education and sustainability. Enjoy!! | |
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In celebration of World Optometry Week, President Santiago reflects on the best way to promote continuity and sustainability through the development of optometric education and VOSHERs are contributing to that.
Read the whole article in English here and the Spanish version here.
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Chronicle of a VOSH-PA clinic in Haiti
Between March 3rd and 8th, a six-person VOSH-PA team organized its latest humanitarian clinic in the north of Haiti. Amidst an evolving security crisis taking place in Haiti, the team examined over 640 patients and managed to leave the country in safety via the Dominican Republic. Read a full account of this humanitarian clinic, the impact on the Haitian students of optometry, and the value of local partners and VOSH chapters here.
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Welcome VOSH-Leones-Panama
We are delighted to welcome our 108th chapter. VOSH-Leones-Panama is hosted by the Lions Club of Penonomé in Panama and is very active in providing eye health and vision care to those who need it. They run the Municipal Clinic Leones D1 in Panama City, Panama. The President of this chapter is Bernard Digeon and can be contacted at bdigeon77@gmail.com
We extend them a warm welcome.
Bienvenidos!!!
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Donation of books to schools of optometry in Jordan and Lebanon
On March 6th, in London, VOSH/International Executive Director hand-delivered books donated by Dr Shehzad Naroo professor of optometry at Aston University in the UK for the schools of optometry in Jordan and Lebanon. Dr. Yazan Gammoh, faculty adviser of SVOSH-Al-Alhiyya Amman University- Jordan, and Dr. Ammer A. Adela, President of the Vision Care Association in Lebanon received the donation. Thank you, Dr. Naroo!!
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SVOSH-IMSU-Nigeria publishes paper on their humanitarian work
Congratulations to the faculty adviser of SVOSH-Imo State University-Nigeria, Dr. Augustine Akujobi, and VOSH/International Research Committee on the publication of a paper on a humanitarian clinic in rural Nigeria organized by this SVOSH chapter with funding of VOSH/International. The paper was published by the Journal of Optometry and Health Sciences (JOHS) Vol 3, No 1 (2024) and can be downloaded here. Dr Akujobi can be contacted at drakujobi@yahoo.com
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VOSH-MN in Guatemala
VOSH-Minnesota was in San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala from January 27 - February 3, 2024. They were hosted by the Friends of San Lucas Mission and examined over 480 patients. Their local partner is very interested in further eye clinics in their community. Please read the full report here. If your chapter is interested in working in San Lucas Mission in Guatemala, please contact Dr. Sarah Jerome (smjerome@gmail.com) or Dr. Jennifer Bourne (meisterjen@hotmail.com).
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Volunteers are needed for a humanitarian clinic in Ecuador
We are looking for 2 more ODs and students for an eye mission to Cuenca, Ecuador. Arrival in Guayaquil on June 3rd with a sleepover at the airport hotel. Travel by bus up to Cuenca on June 4th. The clinic starts on June 5th afternoon until June 8th. June 9th is a free day. The clinic resumes from June 10th to 12th with departure scheduled for June 13th. The Rotary Club is the local host. The team includes 2 ophthalmologists. If interested, please contact Father Pierre Labine at pierre.labine@sympatico.ca
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Partnership between VOSH-FUMVISION-Dominican Republic and VOSH-Southeast offers eye surgeries to Dominicans.
Between March 3 and 9, VOSH-Southeast and VOSH-FUMVISION-DR joined efforts to offer 140 cataract and pterygia surgeries in Santiago, Dominican Republic at the hospital José Maria Cabral y Baez. A great example of collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology.
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And the chapter of the month is...
SVOSH-PCO has demonstrated unparalleled dedication, passion, and commitment to serving others. This chapter stands out for its teamwork where volunteers can collaborate seamlessly, maximizing impact and fostering a sense of camaraderie among its members. This chapter believes that patience and empathy are crucial when working with vulnerable populations. Congratulations SVOSH-PCO and keep up the good work. The President of SVOSH-PCO is Nicole Trifilio at sosh@salus.edu
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Optometry to the extreme
On March 20th Drs Neelam Patadia and Megan Hunter shared their experiences managing extreme cases. This ORBIS webinar had 370 participants from 81 countries. If you missed the session, watch it again here.
Dr Patadia is a Board member of VOSH/International.
A great collaboration with ORBIS that we expect it to grow.
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Retinopathy of Prematurity Key Resources
Prevent Blindness has collaborated with Hand to Hold, National Coalition for Infant Health, and the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network to develop a range of free new resources to support families of children with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). These resources were created to educate and support families of children with ROP as well as increase awareness about ROP in the general public. The new resources, available in English and Spanish include fact sheets, a video series for professionals and parents, social media graphics, and a new webpage on ROP is available here.
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WCO Competency Framework for Optometry
Developed by the WCO Education Committee, under the leadership of Prof. Hendicot and Dr Gammoh, the newly-launched WCO Competency Framework for Optometry highlights the competencies required for optometry to be an effective actor in the international eye care agenda.
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