optometry service trip

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Vision means health, income and education – especially for women and kids.

VOSH/International and VOSH Chapters are volunteers. That means that those who come on a clinic trip take time away from their jobs and families, pay their own expenses, including airfare and lodging, as well as other expenses. It is what makes VOSH VOSH! We are proud of that.

Our volunteers are licensed optometrists, opticians, health care providers and lay people. There are clinic trips both domestically as well as internationally, in over 30 countries, serving hundreds of thousands of patients.

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Upcoming Clinics

Every clinic is organized and run by individual trip leaders and hosts. Learn more about serving others and worldwide opportunities.

Get Connected

Interested in getting involved? Find your local chapter and see how you can help.

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VOSH/International believes in the freedom to see. Providing the gift of vision and eye health to people worldwide. We facilitate the provision and the sustainability of vision care worldwide for people who can neither afford nor obtain such care. Our goal is to increase our global impact whenever possible by supporting sustainable eye clinics, optometry schools and optometric educators in areas lacking sufficient eye care.

Review of Optometric Business

Optometric mission trips: what you should know & why you should do it.

By Thuy-Lan Nguyen, OD

May 8, 2019

Optometric mission trips, in which ODs travel to parts of the world where people are in need of eyecare, can help hone doctoring skills, and create a more fulfilled practitioner. I have found that every time I participate in a mission trip I come back more motivated and upbeat about optometry.

As a professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, I take my renewed enthusiasm and sharpened skills back to my students.

I went on my last mission trip to Ecuador in March 2019 because it was a great opportunity for me to see the world, use my skills as an optometrist to serve people in need, and to teach students how optometrists can truly make a difference. This was my third mission trip.

Dr. Nguyen takes a case history of a patient during a recent mission trip to Ecuador. She says that such trips enhance her skills as a doctor and renew her enthusiasm for the profession.

In the past, I participated in NSU SVOSH trips to Nicaragua and Dominican Republic. On my first trip to Dominican Republic, I learned the joy of serving a community of people who were  in need, and were truly appreciative of what we do.

Most patients we saw had never had an eye examination before, and they would not have had access to eyecare without us. It was a great reminder of why I chose to go into optometry to begin with. I could tell that we were making a difference in their lives. The feeling was addictive. It made we want to do more.

How Much Time & Money Does a Mission Trip Require? The time and money required to participate in mission trips will vary depending on where the trip is and how long you stay. The SVOSH group typically stays at modest and inexpensive, yet safe, hostels or hotels. We share rooms to save money. In Ecuador, we stayed at a lovely little hostel that was around $25 per night. It was not a five-star resort, but it was safe and clean. Typically, with flights, lodging, food and local transportation, participants each pay around a $1,000 for a 5-7 day trip.

What Do You Do on a Mission Trip? We perform full comprehensive eye examinations on the mission trips. We break up the exam into multiple stations starting with case history, visual acuities, pupil evaluation, direct ophthalmoscopy, retinoscopy and refraction, intra ocular pressures, blood pressures and dilation for retinal exams.

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We bring portable equipment such as our diagnostic sets, trial lens sets and trial frame, as well as portable tonometers, slit lamps and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopes. It is definitely a team effort. We also bring a large supply of pre-measured glasses that were donated to SVOSH, and we dispense as many glasses as possible.

ODs on Mission Trips Make a Difference I’ve had countless success stories from mission trips. Seeing patients smile and hug me because I’ve given them glasses that allow for clear vision for the first time in their life is beyond rewarding. In Ecuador, we had a 95-year-old man who traveled hours from the mountains for our services. He had an unknown eye surgery decades ago, but still could not see. Luckily, with a good refraction, we got him to 20/25 acuities and we had glasses with his prescription available. He could see the faces of his grandchildren for the first time.

The next day, I examined a man and discovered his blood pressure was dangerously high. He had retinopathy consistent with uncontrolled hypertension. He admitted that he occasionally felt fatigue and pain, but he had never been to the doctor because he had to work every day to provide for his family.

I explained to him that he had to go to a doctor and treat his blood pressure immediately because if something tragic happened to him, there would be no one to care for his family. He then admitted that his father died when he was a young boy, so he vowed to make a change and go to the doctor immediately. During these encounters, students were actively involved in patient care as well. So, I feel like I’m making a difference in patient’s lives, their family’s lives and inspiring students and the next generation of optometrists.

Mission Trips Can Sharpen Skills These mission trips definitely sharpen my skills as a doctor. In everyday practice, we have the luxury of automated technology, such as auto refractors and retinal cameras, to help us treat patients. But on mission trips, sometimes we are working in churches that don’t even have electricity, so we cannot rely on technology. I had to become proficient at evaluating optic nerves with hand-held direct ophthalmoscopy.

We determine refractive errors with good old-fashioned retinoscopy with lens racks and trial frame refraction. NSU SVOSH typically travels to the Caribbean or South or Central America, so I use my Spanish a lot. I’m not fluent, but my Spanish gets better after each trip. Many of our students and doctors don’t know any Spanish at all, but they get by as best as possible. When it comes to examining and treating patients, mission trips force me out of my comfort zone and teach me flexibility and how to make do with what you have.

Let Patients Know & Get Involved ODs should definitely let patients know that they participate in mission trips. Their staff should know as well, so they can talk to patients about it. It is something to be proud of. It shows patients and the local community that giving back is part of the doctor’s personal, professional and practice philosophy.

But even if an OD is not able to travel for an international mission trip, and they participate in local vision screenings or other charitable organizations, they should make it known to their staff and patients. Patients appreciate and admire a doctor who uses their skills to give back. Millennials in particular are very socially aware. Millennial patients and employees are more loyal to businesses that actively and genuinely give back.

There are multiple ways that practices can get involved in mission trips and charitable endeavors. Organizations such as SVOSH and the Lion’s Club always have a need for gently used glasses. During the three mission trips I’ve been on, we always run out of plus-powered glasses. +4.00 and higher is like gold for patients in the Caribbean and South America.

Sunglasses are also extremely valuable. In Ecuador, we saw so many patients with pterygiums and cataracts due to the UV exposure. We ran out of sunglasses and artificial tears quickly. In addition to glasses and sunglasses, many organizations also need artificial tears, medication eye drops and even portable equipment. And if nothing else, SVOSH would be extremely grateful for financial donations, so more students can afford to go on mission trips.

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Make a Difference with these Optometry Volunteer Opportunities

There’s no shortage of underserved populations in need of volunteer eye care, resulting in plenty of opportunities for optometry professionals to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether you go on an optometry mission trip or provide eye care on a volunteer basis in your local community, there are many benefits of giving your time and expertise.

Adding volunteer eye care experience to your resume is beneficial in making a strong impression on potential employers and demonstrating dedication to your field, those in need, and your own personal growth. When you volunteer with a team, you’re adding invaluable contacts to your professional network as well. And at the end of the day, you’ve made the world a better place.

Check out these organizations with awesome optometry volunteer opportunities in the US and abroad.

Unite for Sight

Photo Source: Unite for Sight

Unite for Sight coordinates year-round optometry volunteer opportunities in Ghana, India, and Honduras. You can opt for a one-week program in Ghana or sign up for multiple weeks or months in any of the three countries as a member of their Global Impact Corps.  Participants in the Global Impact Corps – which is open to students as well as professionals – also receive a Certificate in Global Health and Program Delivery. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer credit for completing  an Unite for Sight program.

Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) International

Photo Source: VOSH

VOSH runs short-term optometry mission trips and clinics in more than 30 countries as well as in cities across the US. The VOSH Corps Program and the Ambassador Program, open to North American optometrists, are great options to consider if you’re interested in training eye care professionals abroad and helping to build optometric academic programs.

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Optometry Giving Sight

Photo Source: Optometry Giving Sight

Optometry Giving Sight is a global fundraising organization that trains local eye care professionals, establishes optometry schools and vision centers, and delivers eye care and low-cost glasses. You can volunteer for children’s clinics in Australia or give in other ways such as participating in World Sight Day Challenges or placing a donation box in your optometry practice.

International Service Learning

Photo Source: International Service Learning

International Service Learning’s optometry program offers optometrist, optometry student, and pre-optometry volunteer opportunities. You’ll receive immersive optometry training and serve patients in their homes and in clinics. Optometry mission trip locations include Panama and Mexico.

Kids Vision for Life

Photo Source: Kids Vision for Life

Kids Vision for Life provides vision correction for children in need. They run mobile clinics and also have locations in Atlanta, GA; Greater Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Orange County, CA; Greater DC; Tarrant County, TX; Central Texas; St. Louis, MO; and West Virginia. Trained opticians and optometrists can volunteer in either of these venues to conduct eye exams and help with frame styling and fitting. You can also sign up to educate kids and parents about the importance of vision correction.

The Eye Health Institute

Photo Source: The Eye Health Institute

The Eye Health Institute’s optometry volunteer opportunities include two trips to Jamaica each year with a team of optometrists, ophthalmologists, and eye care students as well as nurses, physicians, and non-medical volunteers. On your optometry mission trip, you’ll likely care for patients who have never seen a doctor before and address highly acute conditions. The Eye Health Institute has also partnered with the University of Michigan’s Third Century Initiative bringing climate-controlled healthcare “pods” to remote areas around the world.

Volunteering in optometry is an excellent way to make a major difference in people’s lives while gaining experience and benefitting your career at the same time. This list is just a start – there are many more optometry and pre-optometry volunteer opportunities out there for you to pursue. Do your research to find out which program best fits your skills, experience, and career aspirations.

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Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH)

About the Photo

Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) International is an organization aimed to provide the gift of vision and eye health to people worldwide, especially to those in underserved communities. VOSH at Berkeley is a student chapter affiliated with VOSH that utilizes Berkeley student volunteers for service trips locally and internationally.

Their Mission

VOSH believes in the freedom to see. Providing the gift of vision and eye health to people worldwide. They facilitate the provision and the sustainability of vision care worldwide for people who can neither afford nor obtain such care. Their goal is to increase our global impact whenever possible by supporting sustainable eye clinics, optometry schools and optometric educators in areas lacking sufficient eye care.

2023-24 Leadership Board

Vice President Vickie Kuo, Class of 2026

Mai’s upbringing in Vietnam and her experiences as an immigrant in the U.S. have nurtured her fierce passion for supporting and advocating for communities that have been historically underrepresented, underserved, and vulnerable. Through her pursuit of optometry and vision science specifically, Mai hopes to promote awareness on eye care among these marginalized communities, ultimately helping them to “see” a better and brighter future.

In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and her two dogs - Max and Malika. She enjoys hiking, playing video games and watching movies.

Contact: [email protected] About Vickie Vickie Kuo graduated from UC San Diego with a Bachelors of Science in Human Biology and a minor in Law and Society. During her first year, Vickie wanted to join VOSH and attend Berkeley VOSH’s Nicaragua trip, because she is passionate about being involved in health equity and providing vision care to underserved communities. Now, is proud to be the VP for Berkeley VOSH in her second year at Berkeley Optometry.

In her spare time, she can be found long-distance running, drawing frogs, or color coding her planning binder.

Contact: [email protected] Fundraising Chair Joselyne Calvillo, Class of 2026

Treasurer Lindsey Sano, Class of 2026

She is aware that cost is a major contributing factor as to why many students cannot attend these trips. By holding the Fundraising Chair she hopes to raise funds to help alleviate some of the cost and hopes to get more student participation. Joselyne, along with the rest of the board, have some great fundraising events coming up!

In her free time, Joselyne enjoys going to the movies, grabbing a bite to eat and going grocery shopping. About Lindsey Lindsey is a second-year optometry student and treasurer for Berkeley VOSH. She grew up in Merced, CA, and attended Fresno State University. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and obtained minors in Chemistry and Asian American Studies. She also worked as an instructional student assistant at Fresno State and an optician at Aloha Family Optometric Group. During her undergraduate experience, she volunteered in many volunteer optometric clinics throughout the Central Valley to help provide free eyecare for her community.

She enjoys traveling and exploring the Bay Area in her free time. She loves exploring different bars and eateries and recently discovered a passion for making charcuterie boards.

Faculty Advisor: Elise Harb, OD, PhD, FAAO

VOSH in Nicaragua

Berkeley’s VOSH chapter regularly joins VOSH Connecticut on their annual trip to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, where volunteers set up a free eye care clinic for the local residents. Click the buttons below to learn more.

Early Humanitarian Efforts

Berkeley Optometry has a long history of providing humanitarian eye care to underserved populations. Services to local Bay Area populations began in the 1920s, continuing uninterrupted to the present day. The first international project took place in 1968–69 when optometry student volunteers traveled to Tijuana, Mexico for Christmas and Easter vacations under the auspices of Project Concern, a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York and operating healthcare clinics in New Mexico, Appalachia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.

In 1989, students established our Berkeley chapter of VOSH and conducted their first chapter mission when volunteer students and clinicians traveled to the Philippine island of Negros Occidental, where they screened approximately 3,000 patients. The success of these international eye-care projects set the stage for efforts in humanitarian vision care that continue today. Berkeley Optometry VOSH missions include visits to Guatemala, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Mexico, Kenya, and Vietnam.

VOSH in Narra In 2018, Berkeley VOSH traveled to the municipality of Narra, on the island of Palawan, where they saw ~2,200 patients in five days of vision screenings. Students performed retinoscopy and refractions, evaluated for medical referrals, and dispensed free glasses that were collected from friends, family and other donors before the trip. Day 1 was at an elementary school, day 2 at a small village, and the rest of the days they set up at the office of the mayor of Narra. Click the button below to watch a video dedicated to the trip on YouTube.

For general questions and how to join, please contact Berkeley VOSH President, Mai Nguyen: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: @ucb_vosh !

[email protected]

About Our Chapter

VOSH California

Volunteer Optometry Services to Humanity (VOSH) – California Chapter is a group of likeminded students, doctors and volunteers who believe that everyone deserves a right to healthy vision. This includes giving reading glasses to a grandmother who is no longer able to read her Bible, or giving a delivery driver his vision back so he can earn a living for his family. We have no political or religious agenda, yet we work with religious or government groups who are committed to tolerance. VOSH/International is the voice of 27 State Chapters and 17 Student Chapters in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Honduras and the Netherlands. Volunteers pay their own way and often times return year after year. Various fundraising efforts are initiated throughout the year to help offset some of the cost of the trip. VOSH is proof that one man’s dream can be a catalyst for international good. Hundreds of thousands of people have been helped ad there are millions more to reach….one at a time.

Vision means health, income and education – especially for women and kids.

VOSH/International and VOSH Chapters are volunteers. That means that those who come on a clinic trip take time away from their jobs and families, pay their own expenses, including airfare and lodging, as well as other expenses. It is what makes VOSH VOSH! We are proud of that.

Our volunteers are licensed optometrists, opticians, health care providers and lay people. There are clinic trips both domestically as well as internationally, in over 30 countries, serving hundreds of thousands of patients.

VOSH believes in the freedom to see. Providing the gift of vision and eye health to people worldwide. We facilitate the provision and the sustainability of vision care worldwide for people who can neither afford nor obtain such care. Our goal is to increase our global impact whenever possible by supporting sustainable eye clinics, optometry schools and optometric educators in areas lacking sufficient eye care.

Press Releases

Optometry students, faculty deliver eyecare to 1,400 on 40th service trip.

(PRESS RELEASE) BIRMINGHAM, AL — This May, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry Student Volunteers completed a service trip to Panama, making it the 40th consecutive year students from the Optometric Service to Humanity organization have provided much-needed eye care to underserved areas through a trip abroad.

The UAB SVOSH trip team — including 11 students, three doctors and two School of Optometry clinical staff — provided comprehensive eye exams to 500 Panamanian people in four days. The group also gave out more than 1,200 pairs of eyeglasses and made almost 80 referrals for a variety of ocular disease conditions. 

SVOSH’s delegation was supported by the local Canal de Panama Kiwanis chapter and the local Lion’s Club. The three not-for-profit service organizations teamed up to deliver an invaluable service to Panama’s most vulnerable while enabling UAB’s SVOSH chapter to have a global service experience. 

For the past 40 years, UAB SVOSH volunteers made up of students, faculty and staff have provided free, comprehensive eye care and eyeglasses to underserved populations, both domestic and international, enriching the lives of student clinicians and the patients they serve. Past service trips have included Belize, Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia, Honduras and Jamaica, among others, and served thousands of men, women and children globally.

The appeal of SVOSH trips ranges from the opportunity to practice on patients who otherwise may never receive adequate eyecare, to experiencing travel and immediately experiencing how their clinical skill sets transcend language and culture to impact a person’s life.

“The benefits of these service trips are endless,” said Dr. Margaret Bailey, assistant clinical professor in the School of Optometry and faculty member on the recent Panama trip. “Students get to practice their skills on high volumes of patients, see pathology they might never see again, and experience — perhaps for the first time – providing health care firsthand to those in need, all while staff and faculty are challenged with a novel teaching experience. Everyone involved pays it forward and has the privilege and satisfaction of knowing their ‘service tree’ has sprouted innumerable branches.”

For UAB School of Optometry optician Michele Self, attending 18 SVOSH trips is a testament to the power of these experiences and the passion that those involved have.

“I am inspired by the joy of helping people see and taking eye care to those who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to receive it,” Self said. “Most of all, I enjoy seeing our optometry students find their giving heart and the confidence they gain by seeing 500-plus patients in just a few days.”

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Why You Should Go On a Mission Trip in Optometry School

Are you passionate about serving others if so, then a mission trip is for you..

My name is Hannah Busroe and I want to share with you my experience this past year traveling to El Salvador on an optometric service trip. I went with my classmates at the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) through the Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) . If you are on the fence about committing to a service trip, I’d like to share a few of the many reasons to join the cause. I’ll also share information about fundraising, networking, exposure, and overall experience.

For many Americans, going to the optometrist can seem mundane. In countries with little access and limited affordability for eye exams, providing free services to a whole community is an eye-opening opportunity for all parties involved. Watching a patient’s eyes widen and the corners of their mouth turn into a bright smile because they can see the letters on a Snellen chart is a moment one cherishes forever, knowing your work has brought so much instantaneous joy and excitement to your patient. Even after exhaustion kicks in from working 8 to 12-hour days in a humid climate and the line of patients seems never-ending, nothing can dampen the excitement and emotion of patients who have received glasses for the first time in their lives.

There are two major categories to consider in your decision to join your school’s next service trip: personal advancements and professional advancements .

Personal Advancements

Since El Salvador is primarily a Spanish-speaking country, my communication with patients was in Spanish. It was a unique opportunity to get out of my comfort zone of working in non-ideal conditions to perform eye exams. This was challenging at the beginning, but by the end of the trip, my limited knowledge of Spanish had gotten better and I could conduct an exam from start to finish in a different language! This is a skill that will remain valuable even after the trip to communicate with Spanish speaking patients in practice.

Professional Advancements

Marketing yourself and networking are essential, whether you are hunting for a job or looking to open your own practice after optometry school. The connections you make will help shape your future. Through my mission trip, I was able to build relationships with students from other optometry schools and doctors from states (and even countries) outside of my own and it was a great opportunity to develop friendships with optometry students in the classes above me. It is always beneficial to have someone you’re comfortable asking questions to, especially since the main purpose of a mission trip is to learn and grow through your service to others.

Prior to the trip, I contacted many local optometry practices to collect used glasses. This seemingly minor task was beneficial because I could introduce myself when picking up donations and these locations could serve as a potential clinical placement or a job opportunity.

The spirit of those we served was undeniably appreciative. I found that patients were often eager to allow multiple students to examine them and learn from their conditions. This made working on the trip a team-based approach, allowing everyone to work together and learn from all our patients. One patient we saw underwent Radial Keratectomy (RK) many years ago. Not counting his time waiting in line to be seen, he stayed at our clinic for almost 4 hours talking about his journey in El Salvador with eye doctors; he even allowed every student there to take a look at his RK scars.

It is important to become involved in whichever club oversees the planning of the trip, even if the group hasn’t finalized a location or if you haven’t personally committed. For me, this club was SVOSH . Throughout the year, our SVOSH chapter took part in fundraising opportunities to make the trip more affordable. Because of the demands of school, it is especially important to get an early start on raising money for your mission trip, which will create a smoother process for you to finalize important information such as trip fee deadlines and booking flights. With proper time management , you will be able to prioritize fundraiser involvement, school and other obligations to ensure your participation in the mission trip is at minimal cost and you can avoid unnecessary stress and chaos.

I left my mission trip with a grateful heart, friendships, exposure and experience that is incomparable to anything I had previously accomplished. I know finances are tight, loans and budgets are stressful, and time is limited. However, I promise that a service trip is an investment in your future and you will not regret it. I anxiously await the next mission trip I can participate in, and I hope that this article has convinced you to join the next opportunity that comes your way!

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Young physicians are increasingly interested in volun­teering overseas, but they are unsure about how to get involved or what they need to know before they go. This article describes the main options, explains how to get started, and discusses what to expect from this type of service.

What Are Your Options?

Fellowships, residency programs, and other opportunities of various lengths and capacities are available.

Residency programs. Not so long ago, U.S. residency programs typically didn’t integrate overseas experiences into their educational program, with one rare exception being the well-established relationship between Aravind Eye Hospital and Wilmer Eye Institute. However, global ophthalmology rotations are becoming more common now that the Accred­itation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has made overseas education permissible within ophthal­mology program requirements. “Because residents are not yet competent or qualified to practice independently, the home institution must engage in a program letter of agree­ment [PLA] with the hosting site in order for the extramural experience to be considered part of the educational curricu­lum,” said Andreas Lauer, MD, vice-chair for education and professor of ophthalmology at the Oregon Health & Science University’s (OHSU) Casey Eye Institute in Portland. “The PLA clearly outlines the duration of time that the resident will spend at the location, define the expected learning experience and who will supervise and evaluate the resident, detail the scope of patient care involved, and describe the institutional protections the resident will receive.”

Fellowships. Currently, there are 5 formal global eye care fellowships offered through academic institutions:

• Truhlsen Eye Institute’s Prevention of Global Blindness Fellowship  (University of Nebraska)
• Moran Eye Center’s Moran International Fellowship  (University of Utah)
• Dean McGee Eye Institute’s Global Eye Care Fellowship  (University of Oklahoma)
• Emory Eye Center’s Global Ophthalmology Fellowship  (Emory University)
• Wills Eye Center for Academic Global Ophthalmology Fellowship  (Wills Eye Hospital)

“These are the best avenues for people who want to pur­sue global eye care; however, there are also less formal pro­grams available,” said Michael Feilmeier, MD, who completed the first fellowship offered by Moran Eye Center in 2009 and went on to create a 1-year fellowship program at Truhlsen Eye Institute, where he is now the medical director of the international division of ophthalmology.

Volunteer through a charitable organization. There are many organizations that seek to serve the visually impaired, both overseas and in the United States. These include:

• Orbis International . The “flying eye hospital” is one of the oldest models for bringing surgical knowledge and skills to doctors in developing countries. “Although ineligible to perform surgery, residents can volunteer as an associate ophthalmologist for a week or two and provide ophthalmic education or care to patients,” said Dr. Lauer. It serves more than 90 countries and trains thousands of medical profes­sionals each year.
• Seva Foundation . Working with local partners in 20 different countries, Seva strives to create self-sustaining programs to preserve and restore vision.
• Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP) . Initially founded to establish a sustainable infrastructure for eye care in the Himalaya, HCP now has programs in 7 countries—Bhutan, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Rwanda.
• EyeCare America (ECA) . ECA provides an opportunity to volunteer in the United States. “When we think of global health, it is not solely international health—it centers on the idea of basic eye care for all, which includes those who are underserved in the United States,” said Grace Sun, MD, assis­tant professor of ophthalmology and head of the residency program at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. “Sign up with the Academy’s EyeCare America program to treat uninsured and underinsured patients without charge.”

Prepare for AAO 2016 by using the Mobile Meeting Guide, which launches on Sept. 7, to see which organizations will have an informational poster on display. The Acade­my is also redesigning its EyeCare Volunteer Registry. To volunteer—or if you work with an organization that offers volunteer opportunities—email [email protected] .

Know Before You Go

Expect the unexpected. Not everyone has the moxie to work in locations where things can be unpredictable. Challenges are common when providing care abroad—from encountering a lack of supplies to operating with outdated equipment. “If you have international travel experience, you probably under­stand that the unexpected is almost always to be expected, which requires patience and flexibility. And, although you are there to share your expertise, you are also a guest and must be respectful even if procedures are different from what you might be accustomed to,” Dr. Sun cautioned. When selecting a fellow for a mission, Dr. Feilmeier evaluates both qualifications and personality. “The most important aspects aside from these items are the resident’s motivation, career aspira­tions, and anticipated end result,” he said.

Seek long-term, sustainable improvements. “The best kind of mission work involves creating connections that build with each visit. The goal is to develop long-term and mutually beneficial relationships that improve the existing situation in an underserved location and to facilitate these changes in a sustainable way,” said Dr. Feilmeier.

Ten important considerations. According to Drs. Feilmeier, Lauer, and Sun, these are the top 10 things that every resident should know or do before engaging in a mission:

• Think about not only where you want to go and your goals but also where you will have the greatest impact.
• Go to a country that welcomes you—not just somewhere you want to visit.
• During your first few trips, choose a mentor and go with someone who is experienced with the site you’re visiting.
• Study and respect local customs.
• Focus on the sustainability of your service and work to­ward the long-term improvement of eye care delivery.
• Make sure that all of your credentialing is up to date. Depending on your destination, you might need to apply for a temporary medical license. Know the requirements.
• Make sure that your malpractice insurance is up to date and will cover you while serving abroad.
• Interpreters are provided in most locations, but it is help­ful to learn the words used during a basic eye exam.
• Get the appropriate immunization(s).
• Take advantage of Academy resources:
• Go to the Global Ophthalmology (GO) Guide  and scroll down to “Education” for 3 online CME courses from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: So You Want to Work Overseas?; The Major Caus­es of Blindness; and Assessing Outcomes in Global Health Programs.
• At AAO 2016, attend 2 free events—Meet With an Interna­tional Expert (Saturday, Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the YO Lounge, Grand Concourse) and the Global Forum and Volunteer Fair (Sym27, Monday, Oct. 17, 8:30-11:00 a.m. Room S101ab). For more information, go to aao.org/programsearch  and search by topic “Global Ophthalmology.”

Reap the rewards. People who engage in mission work “experience a sense of satisfaction because they are able to donate their skill set and abilities to others who would not otherwise have access to that type of care. This just feels good, and it is the right thing to do,” said Dr. Lauer.

Mission work may change the way you practice medi­cine and look at how health care is delivered. “My mission work experiences have led me to become significantly more resourceful, flexible, and comfortable—both in the clinic and in the operating room,” said Dr. Feilmeier. Dr. Sun agreed, adding, “You develop an understanding with these experi­ences that things can be done well elsewhere, even when done differently than how we were taught during medical school.”

___________________________

Michael R. Feilmeier, MD, practices at Midwest Eye Care in Omaha, Neb., and is on the YO International subcommittee. Relevant financial disclosures: None.

Andreas K. Lauer, MD, is vice-chair of education and professor of ophthalmology at the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. Relevant financial disclosure: None.

Grace Sun, MD, is assistant profes­sor of ophthalmology and head of the residency program at Weill Cor­nell Medical College in New York. She is chair of the YO International subcommittee. Relevant financial disclosures: None.

For full disclosures and the disclosure key, see below.

For more articles, click the section links under “YO Guide Content.”

All content on the Academy’s website is protected by copyright law and the  Terms of Service . This content may not be reproduced, copied, or put into any artificial intelligence program, including large language and generative AI models, without  permission from the Academy.

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Public & Patients

Optometry Volunteer Opportunities

Kristin White, OD

What can YOU do to help? Whether it's in your community or abroad, there are so many things that we optometrists can do to provide eyecare to those in need. Read on to learn about the various optometry service opportunities that are available to you.

1.22 BILLION people around the world suffer needlessly from vision impairment. Optometry Giving Sight is working to fix this and bring access to eyecare to communities around the globe. Find out how you can contribute and donate now ! 🌍

Volunteer opportunities in your optometry practice

Essilor vision foundation’s changing life through lenses program, evf cltl program requirements.

• Individuals < poverty level without vision insurance for this pair of glasses, as reasonably determined by the provider
• No age or citizenship restrictions
• No charge can be assessed for in-kind hardware
• NPI or license number required to process prescriptions
• Program is available to U.S. based doctors and non-profits

In-Office “Outreach”

Vsp eyes of hope, become a sponsor for restoringvision, sell 141eyewear frames, contact frame reps, community volunteer opportunities, create your own kids' vision day, conduct vision screenings/eye exams at a local health fair or back-to-school event.

Keep in mind, patients seen in a health fair setting may not have other resources, so the likelihood that someone will go get a dilated exam after you have given them glasses is slim.

Other opportunities

Join an optometry volunteer event in your community, vsp global mobile clinics.

• Navigate to VSP’s website
• Scroll to the bottom
• Click “volunteer for mobile clinic outreach in your community”
• Fill out and submit doctor volunteer form

RAM: Remote Area Medical

Special olympics opening eyes event, volunteer opportunities within the u.s., open an eye clinic within a community health center, international eye clinics.

Types of humanitarian eyecare organizations

Large international groups

Vosh international, starting your own international one-to-two-week clinic, planning an international clinic.

• Align yourself with a host organization in the country you will visit—doing so will be required by the Ministry of Health in order to enter the country and also help with planning logistics.
• Consider reaching out to a humanitarian group that performs other volunteer efforts like building homes or providing clean water, and tag along with them if you’re looking for a place to visit with an existing infrastructure for volunteers.
• Affiliate your trip with a volunteer organization in the United States (or your home country), like VOSH or Lions Club International—this will help with processing the Customs forms.
• Advertise for other ODs on VOSH-International’s website or ODs on Facebook.

• Prefabricated reading glasses—these can be purchased inexpensively through RestoringVision and VisionSpring .
• Custom prescription glasses through a local lab
• Essilor’s ReadyMade glasses (pre-cut lenses that universally fit into either side of the glasses creating custom spherical prescriptions on-site)
• Donated used glasses (collected at your office or donated from VOSH/VSP/Lions Club)—although this approach is really being phased out as new glasses can be fabricated inexpensively today but this remains an option

Long-term optometry volunteer experiences

Diy long-term international service, final thoughts.

Dr. Kristin White is a graduate of the New England College of Optometry. She is residency trained in community health optometry. Dr. White has a strong passion for providing eye care where it is most needed and has provided care on international clinics in Central and South America, on an Indian Reservation in New Mexico and in underserved communities in Boston, California and presently, South Carolina. She has helped open 2 optometry departments within community health centers and provided consulting on the topic for numerous others.

Dr. White has lectured on the topic of creating optometry departments within community health centers through collaboration with the National Association of Community Health Centers, Prevent Blindness America and the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved. She serves as co-chair of the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved Vision Services Committee. Dr. White is available for consulting for community health centers interested in opening or expanding optometry services.

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ISL’s community enrichment groups participate in a number of projects that enhance quality of life in a developing community. From cleaning up a beach or a neighborhood, constructing or refurbishing schools, clinics, community centers or residences, to planting trees, flowers and vegetable gardens, the ways in which volunteers can contribute are numerous!

Dental care is one of the most critically underserved areas of international health care, as dental care is usually not included in the socialized health care systems found in most developing countries. Through ISL, thousands receive dental care – with your help!

ISL’s ecology program works to bring about sustainable development through environmental, community development, and agricultural initiatives. We work alongside members of the community and assist them in meeting their goals and building capacity for a brighter future.

Our goal is to provide experiential learning opportunities and cultural expansion for education majors and professionals while experiencing first-hand classroom experience in a co-teaching format, assisting educators around the world.

ISL’s global health programs are interdisciplinary and able to provide a variety of general medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, healthcare management, and nutrition services in developing communities. From urban centers to small towns and villages in remote areas, our teams work in various settings to provide field clinics in which patient needs are assessed and acute conditions are treated.

• Group Travel

ISL offers opportunities for high school students to travel, learn, and volunteer in a variety of amazing settings. We offer our Community Enrichment, Ecology, Sports without Borders, and Global Health programs to high school students. Teen volunteers are able to engage with another culture in a meaningful way and begin to cultivate a global awareness that will benefit them as they progress from secondary to university education. Involvement in a global service experience not only instills confidence, it can be a powerful determinant in setting educational and career goals.

Regardless of background, volunteers are able to receive an invaluable opportunity to travel, learn about another culture, and serve a developing community.

A fusion of humanitarian fervor and outdoor enthusiasm, ISL’s Hike for Humanity program offers a unique adventure, sending volunteer teams to assist those in greatest need by reaching out to villages farthest from urban advantages. H4H teams bring essential global health, education, ecology, and community enrichment services to the rural underserved, while providing hikers with an incomparable outdoor experience and the personal satisfaction of being involved in meaningful service.

ISL’s medical teams provide medical care and public health education in partnership with local community agencies. From urban centers to small towns and villages in remote areas, our medical teams work in field clinics assessing patient needs and treating acute conditions.

ISL’s nursing programs actively participate in health clinic service in partnership with local community agencies, in an effort provide acute care and public health education to vulnerable populations. Our nursing program was developed to provide a learning experience that strengthens cultural competency in an ethnically diverse setting, while providing genuine service in developing communities.

Our goal is to allow those in our partner communities with little or no access to health systems to benefit from a nutritional assessment and treatment from a licensed nutritionist. Different institutions will also benefit from a food safety evaluation of their food services and an educational project aimed at residents or the population in charge. ISL aims to provide experiential learning opportunities and cultural expansion for entry-level nutrition students or health students interested in expanding their nutrition knowledge.

ISL’s Occupational Therapy program is very interactive and highly specialized. Volunteers learn about global health issues, including occupational therapy challenges, and provide help to populations in vulnerable positions.

The World Health Organization has determined that lack of eye-care is one of the most crucial needs in developing countries. Because refractive needs and other eye problems don’t necessarily cause immediate pain, eye care is often under prioritized when resources are limited, – especially for children. Through ISL, thousands of the underserved have received eyewear and eye care.

In addition to providing pharmacy services, ISL’s pharmacy teams provide a variety of general medicine and public health services in under-resourced communities. From urban centers to small towns and villages in remote areas, our teams work in various settings to provide field clinics in which patient needs are assessed, acute conditions are treated, and medications are prescribed.

ISL’s physical therapy program is interactive and highly specialized. Volunteers will observe and learn manual techniques and tests for evaluating patients from communities in need, where high tech equipment, such as x-rays and MRI testing, is not available.  This is accomplished under the guidance and supervision of local physical therapy professionals, who make sure all evaluations and treatments are performed accurately and appropriately.

Our Sports Without Borders program unites sports enthusiasts in order to promote team work, encourage athletic achievement, and inspire positive social change in the areas of education, health, and wellness. This program offers a unique opportunity for cross-cultural learning.

ISL’s veterinary teams are able to provide a variety of care ranging from public health services such as administering immunizations and facilitating spay/neuter clinics, to providing urgent veterinary care. From visiting farms to setting up veterinary field clinics in urban centers, our volunteers are able to gain extensive experience in a short period of time.

Experience the laid back atmosphere of Belize, rich with Spanish and British influences, featuring attractions such as Mayan archaeological sites, the world’s second longest barrier reef, caves and rivers–all while serving and learning among its people.

Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world and is experiencing an economic and cultural transformation with its recently found civil peace and growing trade with the U.S. Urban areas have made great strides in reducing poverty and providing healthcare, but rural areas are still in great need of healthcare, education, and development support.

Costa Rica (“rich coast” in Spanish) is a Central American country bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the countries of Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica has become one of the most stable, democratic, prosperous, and progressive nations in Latin America.

Dominican Republic and Haiti, two sovereign nations with completely diverse cultural and historical identities, share a beautiful island located right in the heart of the Caribbean known as La Hispaniola. The spirit and charm of their people is distinguishable in their lively music and delicious cuisine, but both exhibit incredible  warmth and hospitality.

ISL’s Baja Mexico program is an on-going humanitarian project that takes place in Puerto Peñasco, situated along the beautiful Sea of Cortez. We work with global health agencies, local health ministries, and other NGOs in our partner communities. Volunteers are able to gain valuable experience participating in community clinics and/or working in institutional and community health contexts.

Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, Panama is the southernmost country of Central America.  Panama has access to two different oceans,  mountains, a vast rain forest, a modern metropolis (Panama City) and the Panama Canal–a lot to see and do!  Panama also has a rich array of cultures ranging from indigenous and Latino to peoples of African, Asian, and European descent.

The narrow desert belt of Peru’s Pacific coastline stretches the length of the country and harbors fishing villages, beautiful beaches, agricultural lands, and Peru’s major towns and cities. The amazing Andes Mountains separate the arid coastline from the lush Amazon Basin. The Amazon Basin is also home to millions of indigenous highland people, who speak the ancient Inca language of Quechua and live in traditional villages with steeply terraced agricultural fields and wandering herds of llamas and alpacas.

One of the most diverse countries in Africa, Tanzania is full of natural riches and cultural wealth. Located on the eastern side of the continent, Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest mountain, deepest lake, largest game preserve, most famous national park, and most abundant movement of wildlife. In addition to its many geographical gems, Tanzania is home to a cultural mosaic of more than 120 distinct ethnic groups.

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Our goal is to provide experiential learning opportunities and cultural expansion for Optometrists and Optometry students while those in our partner communities benefit from a eye exam and treatment from a licensed medical professional.

About the Optometry Program

The World Health Organization has determined that lack of eye-care is one of the most crucial needs in developing countries. Because refractive needs and other eye problems don’t necessarily cause immediate pain, eye care is often under- prioritized when resources are limited – especially for children. Through ISL, thousands of the underserved have received eyewear and eye care.

In order to provide both quality eye care for those in need and appropriate, supervised field experience for volunteers, ISL utilizes a combination of eyewear distribution, in-home screenings, community clinics, and ISL subsidized referrals, in addition to providing eye care education.

Who Is Right For Optometry Teams?

ISL’s optometry teams are ideal for students of optometry at all education levels. Pre-optometry students are welcome! Optometry students are a valuable asset to any ISL health team.

What to Expect

Upon arrival in-country, you will be met at the airport by ISL staff. Your first day will be busy with orientation and intensive training seminars on topics such as basic eye health assessment and screening exams, visual acuity assessment, measuring pupillary distance, screening and measurement for possible refractive errors, eye health and safety (hygiene, nutrition, UV protection, and injury), criteria for referring patients to eye care professionals, patient interviews, measuring near/distance vision, pinhole occluder testing, screenings for binocular dysfunction, coordinated eye movement, limitations of visual field, color vision, pterygium, and Acanthosis Nigricans, use of the ophthalmoscope and retinoscope, and medical terminology (Spanish or Swahili).

On an optometry team, you will work in one of our partner communities in the following ways:

• Visit homes and provide visual health screenings
• Invite those with acute concerns to a field clinic staffed by a local optometrist
• Learn to maintain and manage support equipment, inventories, and supplies, and provide basic eye care instructions.

At the clinic, you will have the opportunity to rotate through stations doing the following:

• Patient intake
• Basic screenings
• Eyewear distribution stations
• Actively observe the optometrist perform exams
• Play with the community children!

Be aware: there will be virtually NO down-time during your ISL program. This is an immersive, intensive experience loaded with service activities and cultural exploration!

In the evenings, you will participate in educational seminars on ocular issues. There will also be designated time for group reflection – time to discuss and express what you’ve experienced in your day’s community work, either formally or informally.

Your team will eat most dinners out in order to relax and experience the local culture and cuisine. You will learn a few traditional dances and explore some important historical/cultural sites.

Recreational opportunities vary by location, but you will have opportunities like: shopping for local crafts and exploring geographic treasures such as beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, or caves. Traverse ruins, tour city centers, or trek through coffee plantations, and have time for other  exciting activities such as ziplining, snorkeling, or safari!

Volunteer Involvement

Your team will visit homes and provide visual health screenings and invite those with acute concerns to a field clinic staffed by a local optometrist. At the clinic, you will have the opportunity to rotate through patient intake, basic screenings, and eyewear distribution stations, and actively observe the optometrist perform exams. You will also learn to maintain and manage support equipment, inventories, and supplies, and provide basic eye care instructions.

You may choose NOT to participate in any aspect of patient care with which you are uncomfortable.

ISL collaborates with in-country professionals and local Ministries of Health in order to determine how our volunteers can best impact developing communities. Level of volunteer participation is directly dependent on level of training. For example, each team has the potential for three levels of volunteer involvement: observer, assistant, and practitioner. Pre-optometry volunteers would fall into the “observer” category in terms of the examination/diagnosis/treatment process, but would be allowed hands on experience with non-invasive procedures such as patient intake and basic screenings, as determined by local Ministry of Health standards, while an optometry student might assist in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment process to the degree determined appropriate by local Ministry of Health standards.

Safety and Respect

Respect of our patients.

Patient consent is, of course, an essential pre-requisite for any level of volunteer participation.  All patients sign a consent form to be seen by a doctor with students observing – we have their complicit consent to treat prior to their intake and examination.

Our patients are protected from exploitation – we are discreet and respectful. We do NOT under any circumstances take photo of any procedure during a patient’s visit. Furthermore, patient rights must be respected at all times; Patients have the right to refuse treatment.

ISL prohibits discrimination on the basis of color, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, religion or any other factor.

Volunteer Safety

For the sake of security, ISL volunteers remain together as a team from arrival to departure, and are accompanied by ISL staff at all times.

The safety of our volunteers is our number one priority. ISL has offices in all of the countries that we serve. That means wherever you go, rest assured, we’re there too. All ISL regional staff members are thoroughly screened to ensure the safety of your team’s local interactions and we continuously monitor and address all emerging health and safety issues in each of the countries we operate.

Specific precautions taken by ISL:

• ISL teams avoid large, crowded areas like sporting events whenever possible
• We continuously monitor local media and information sources in each of our countries through our on-site staff, and take appropriate actions to avoid areas of concern
• Our on-site staff provide feedback on the local situation in each community we work, and if recommendations are made to change itineraries or programming, we do so immediately
• Our management team relies on the advice of a number of organizations including the U.S. State Department, the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, as well as an international safety and security organization. If conditions exist that may hinder our ability to provide a safe program, we will alter the itinerary and redirect the program to safer regions or provide other alternatives.

What To Bring

You will need:

• Stethoscope
• Blood pressure cuff
• Donations of medications
• Medical supplies (optional), and
• Refillable water bottle (i.e. Nalgene bottle)
• Funds sufficient to cover one meal per day, recreation, incidentals, souvenirs and departure tax (where applicable).
• An open-mind
• A sense of adventure
• A heart of service

What ISL Provides

• 24-hour accompaniment by professional, bilingual staff
• Airport pickup/drop off
• All ground transportation
• All lodging
• Two meals per day
• Drinking water
• Instruction by licensed medical professionals
• Medications and supplies
• Quality experiential learning
• A meaningful glimpse into another culture
• An unforgettable adventure

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The Humbling Rewards of a Mission Trip

By Barbara Fluder, OD, of Merrillville, Indiana

If you have never been on a mission trip, you don’t know how humbling and rewarding it can be. My first mission trip was to the Dominican Republic in 2012. I would like to share my November 2016 trip to Haiti with you.

My journey began when I started talking to our refractive coordinator at our office. I mentioned I wanted to do another mission trip. She put me in contact with Dr. Dennis Cowley, an Indiana native, who moved to Haiti and works at the Baptist Haiti Mission. I successfully recruited my husband, who is an excellent trip coordinator and optician. It’s best to start early in the planning process and our trip took over one year to plan. Trying to rush a mission trip only leads to frustration and detracts from the enjoyment of the mission.

Consider protections

Things to consider on a mission trip include local health conditions as well as political and safety concerns. We had to consider vaccinations and medications for malaria, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A. Fortunately, we both came home healthy. There were political concerns. The October hurricane in Haiti had postponed the presidential election to the day we were flying in. We registered our trip with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). The U.S. Embassy emailed updates regarding any unrest such as riots, roadblocks or violence. I found this a blessing and a curse. While I appreciate the concern for my safety, embassy representatives informed me that if I chose to fly on election day, they would not be available to come help me if I ran into trouble. Although the Embassy was on lockdown that day, I still recommend registering with them when you travel internationally.

The packing list

It is important to have a contact person with whom to communicate while planning your trip. This individual is key to informing you what equipment you need, the facility at which you will be working, and the environment as well. Inquire as to the lighting conditions and access to electricity. This is important when you are trying to perform retinoscopy on older individuals with small pupils or cataracts. If the lighting is poor I know to bring my retinoscope with the brightest beam. I know if I’m not in a clinic setting, I will need to bring portable chargers for the equipment as well as a Perkins tonometer and portable slit lamp and ophthalmoscope. Bringing a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope is great if you have access to electricity but can be difficult to pack. It is good to know the temperature and weather conditions as well.

Usually, there is limited space for luggage so being able to pack light with personal items is critical. We were instructed to wear scrubs all week, which made packing easy. Find out what your living conditions and dining options are, as well. We knew we would be on our own for breakfast and lunch so we packed protein bars and simple snacks. We had limited electricity from the grid but had battery backup. We had relatively hot water but limited water pressure. Be sure to ask if sheets and towels are provided. Most organizations are very appreciative to have your services for a week and will make acceptable accommodations for you. We had a small apartment at the mission designated for volunteers.

Gauge the ocular demographics

Before we arrived in Haiti, we purchased and shipped 1600 pairs of sunglasses and 600 pairs of reading glasses. It’s a good idea if you can find out what the ocular demographics are before you arrive. For example, we knew when we went to both the Dominican Republic and Haiti that most individuals are hyperopic and presbyopic.

I packed the following equipment with me: retinoscope, ophthalmoscope, extra handles, charger, penlight, batteries, ret bar, +1.50 glasses (to take out my working distance), Perkins tonometer and fluorescein. The optometrist there provided trial frame and lenses, alcohol wipes, tissues, tickets for patients, visual acuity chart, clip boards, prescription drops and artificial tears.

Organize the flow

It is desirable that your contact person arrange a system to see patients in an organized and orderly fashion. Our trip to Haiti involved giving out tickets every morning to those in line. If they did not have a ticket that day, they were told to come back the next day. This can get a little challenging on the last day. Once word gets out that you are in town, everyone shows up. We gave out the last tickets on Friday and had to have a security guard present to disperse the remaining crowd. Keep in mind that it is impossible to see everyone in one week. We set up our clinic in a large hall. If possible, set up the evening before you start so you are ready to go the next morning. It’s good to get everyone involved to meet the day before so everyone knows how the patients will flow and everyone knows their job. We had three translators, two doctors, one optician, two people checking visual acuities, and one person at the registration table.

Each work day began around 8:30 a.m. Since the clinic is associated with Baptist Haiti Mission, every morning started with devotions for a half hour before opening. We worked until around noon and took a one hour break. We worked until about 4:30 p.m.

I have noticed it takes me an hour or so to get in my groove regarding patient flow and rearranging my equipment to suit my needs. I find having a stool on wheels is key to move around quickly and control lower back pain, which comes with mission trips.

Uncommon conditions

We started on a Monday morning and hit the ground running. One of my first patients of the day had a complete third nerve palsy involving the pupil. She said she had it for 22 days. She had no vision in the eye and her pressure was somewhat elevated. Most concerning was the pain she was in. I quickly discovered that there are no MRIs in Haiti. They can do CT scans. I was able to have the local physician see her and confirm the diagnosis and assist in getting the test ordered. It is most frustrating that things don’t move with the speed that we are accustomed to in the U.S. My two primary differential diagnoses were a space occupying lesion or aneurysm. I gave the local physician my email address to keep me updated after I left but have not heard anything.

Following her, I saw a gentleman with a foreign body in his eye for five months. Luckily, it was a nonmetallic foreign body located at the limbus, so he was able to tolerate it this long. I had to take him to the actual eye clinic and use the slit lamp and TB needle to remove it. It was removed without incident, and he was very grateful. I should add that the eye clinic is a very small office with limited space, and, therefore, we had to do the exams in a hall because there simply was no room for the volume of people we were seeing.

We diagnosed and treated numerous patients with glaucoma. Luckily, the optometrist at the clinic has a large supply of glaucoma meds. He is able to dispense them free of charge for those in need. Patients in Haiti understand what glaucoma is because a number of them have family members who have gone blind without treatment. They understand the importance of diagnosis and treatment in order to maintain sight to keep their jobs and provide for their families. Steady jobs are rare in Haiti, and if a patient has a good job, he or she will do anything to keep it.

We traveled one day to a remote clinic in Greffin. It took us about 45 minutes to get there and the journey in a pickup truck was very difficult as the road conditions are very poor. We saw 80 people that day. I examined a one-week-old infant with a mucopurulent discharge. I suspected it was gonorrhea ophthalmia neonatorum. We were able to provide the baby with Vigamox. Even though Vigamox is not recommended for infants under one year, the benefits outweigh the risks in this case. The patient lives in a very remote area and has no access to health care.

Patients’ gratitude

The people you will examine are like no other. They are very simple people getting by in a third world country. They are kind, quiet, and very appreciative for any help you can offer.

Many Haitians have red, irritated, itchy and tearing eyes due to wind, heat, allergies and dryness. I dispensed countless bottles of artificial tears and allergy drops and wished I had brought more with me. I also saw a considerable number of patients with pterygium as well as glaucoma and cataracts. There is limited access to surgical ophthalmologists. Not many ophthalmologists in Haiti are doing surgery. I believe this to be due to both training and access to facilities and equipment.

I had an enormous amount of anxiety about a week before the trip due to the political unrest. I vowed to reconsider doing any future mission trips. Halfway through the week, I was thinking about when I could come back and help out again. A mission trip helps those who would never otherwise receive eyecare, but also helps us to be more grounded as to what is really important in life. I remind myself of this when I feel frustrated with first-world problems, such as my phone not charging or my laptop not rebooting.

If you have ever thought about volunteering on a mission trip, stop thinking about it and set aside time and money to do it. Ask a colleague to join you. Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) is always looking for volunteers. Many local churches have mission trips, and they may be able to guide you in your quest. Pack your equipment and leave your blow dryer, makeup and dress clothes at home and get out there to save world vision.

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Blog: Mission trips make an impact

With the help of an interpreter, Dr. Recalde listens to a patient&#39;s complaints about his vision.

After 19 years of practicing optometry, it still amazes me to watch patients’ reactions when they can see for the first time.

To first witness their shock and disbelief transform into awe and wonder is truly life changing. And yet, there are more than a billion people around the globe that still need glasses but do not have access to eye care. That is one in seven people who suffer from uncorrected vision.  

It is even more surprising to learn that about half of the people that need glasses can have their vision corrected with over-the-counter reading glasses. Providing eyeglasses is a simple, cost-effective solution that can impact countless lives. Previously by Dr. Recalde: Blog: A different approach to treating dry ey es

In developing countries, it is a misconception to assume that reading glasses are not necessary if reading and computer work is not part of daily life. Reading glasses will enable people to do simple tasks such as winnowing grain, sorting rice, weeding, cooking, sewing, and creating crafts. 

Reading glasses can help people earn wages, provide for their families, improve their self-esteem, and lead a productive life. It provides freedom and opportunity to become economically independent.

Unfortunately, people living near the equator are affected at a younger age and face leaving the work force earlier than expected. Countries located closer to the equator have more sun exposure and higher temperatures, which may increase the likelihood of presbyopia occurring in the people in their 30s rather than. 

Consequently, reading glasses can be life changing for people in developing countries because it means they have a way to continue working and providing food for their families. Related: Troubleshooting optical complaints

Philippines mission I recently participated in a mission trip to the Philippines, a nation consisting of over 7,000 islands with over 170 languages and dialects. 

Fortunately, we did not have too much of a language barrier because the official language of the Philippines is Tagalog and English. The poverty rate in the Philippines is about 21 percent, which translates to 22 million people barely surviving on $1.25 or less a day. 

For our mission trip, we had a group of 40 people, including my husband and 8th grade twin boys, high school students and teachers, nurses, dentists, a physician, and a construction leader. Related: Providing eye care in Ukraine

Our location for the trip was at Lipa Adventist Academy, a school with approximately 500 students from kindergarten to 12th grade. It is located 48 miles south of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Mission trip members leaving from Fresno, CA, to Lipa, Philippines.  

We were expecting to see about 1,000 patients over a course of four-hour clinic days for six consecutive days. Since I was the only OD, I had to figure out how to see a large volume of patients and help as many people as possible in a short amount of time. I decided to focus my efforts on patients who were presbyopic and brought 1,100 reading glasses.

A majority of the glasses were purchased from Restoringvision.org, a non-profit organization that provides low-cost reading glasses and plano sunglasses for missionary trips. I also brought used glasses donated from the Lions Club that recycles prescription glasses. The Lions Club sorts the glasses by prescription and determines which glasses can be recycled for missionary trips. Also by Dr. Recalde: Blog: 10 eyecare apps for more efficient patient care

Providing patient care With the help of high school students from Fresno, CA, and Lipa, Philippines, we were able to see approximately 150 patients per day.

I had three stations and trained high school students each morning on how to manage each station.

Station 1 The first station was the add-power station, where students had a near-visual acuity card and sample powers of reading glasses from +1.00 D to +3.50 D.

Students first assessed patients’ near vision without correction. Any patient who could not read the 20/30 line would be given reading glasses based on the age of the patient. The students adjusted the add power until the patient read the 20/30 line.

First station on the mission trip included an area for determining add power for reading glasses

Station 2 The second station was the optical station where patients chose the style of their reading glasses based on the reading power from the first station. The students helped patients choose a frame style that complimented the patient’s look and cleaned the glasses before dispensing to the patient.

The second station set up for patients allowed them to choose their own style of reading glasses based on the reading power from Station 1.

Dr. Recalde trains students on how to conduct an eye health screening. Related: How to successfully perform a pediatric eye exam

Station 3 The last station was the eye health station. I taught students how to use a 20.00 D lens and a flashlight to conduct an eye health screening. They checked for eyelid lesions, blepharitis, pinguecula/pterygium, and advanced cataracts.

I had a laminated card for each condition to help guide students on what to look for and how to explain a condition to the patient. Any patient with eyelid lesions or cataracts were forwarded to me for further evaluation. We also dispensed plano sunglasses to patients with pterygium.

The third station allowed high school students to check patients at the eye health screening station.

Read more patient care content Reflection At the end of the week, we were all exhausted but thankful for the experience. The students were excited about the field of optometry and wanted to continue learning about the profession. The patients were appreciative and thankful for the free glasses, and were shocked that they were free because glasses would normally cost several weeks’ worth of wages to pay off. 

Most of all, this missionary trip revitalized my passion for optometry. It helped remind me of why I chose to be an OD in the first place: to transform lives through the gift of sight.

I encourage ODs to give their time to a worthwhile cause. If they can’t give their time, consider donating to Optometry Giving Sight. This organization not only delivers eye care and glasses to those in need but also provides training for local eyecare professionals and optometry schools for sustainability. Read more blogs here

References:

1. Jacobs A. A simple way to improve a billion lives: Eyeglasses. The New York Times. Available at:  https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/05/health/glasses-developing-world-global-health.html. Accessed 6/10/19. 2. Onesight. About us. Available at: https://onesight.org/about-us. Accessed 6/10/19. 3. Restoringvision.org. Why glasses. Available at: https://restoringvision.org/why-glasses/. Accessed 6/10/19. 4. Rahmathullah R, Barrows J, Sheffield VM. Making refractive error services sustainable: the InternationalEye Foundation model. Community Eye Health. 2007;20(63):45–46. 5. Miranda MN. The geographic factor in the onset of presbyopia. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 1979;77:603–621 6. LanguageOasis Blog. Philippines-A reservoir of languages and dialects. Available at: https://www.languageoasis.com/blog/philippines-a-reservoir-of-languages-and-dialects/. Accessed 6/10/19. 7. Robison M. The extreme effects of poverty in the Philippines. Available at: https://borgenproject.org/effects-of-poverty-in-the-philippines/. Accessed 6/10/19.

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Transport in Zvenigorod

Zvenigorod is located in 50km from Moscow and has very good transport connection with Moscow. 

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Zvenigorod Railway Station is located far from the city centre. To get to the centre from the railway station, take bus No. 23 or No. 51. Or take a taxi - it cannot cost more that RUB250. 

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There is no bus station in Zvenigorod and buses from Moscow terminate in the city centre at what is known as the Mayakovsky Quarter bus stop, stopping at Ulitsa Proletarskaya on the way there.

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May 21, 2024

Amtrak borealis 5/21/24 inaugural trip between st. paul and chicago.

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner joined Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, FRA Administrator Bose, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation to celebrate the start of Borealis service on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

The new state-sponsored trains will originate from St. Paul at midday and from Chicago in the late morning via Milwaukee. Amtrak Borealis trains will offer Coach and Business Class in addition to a café car featuring regional items.

Customers will enjoy wide reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse, Wisc., in daylight in both directions across Wisconsin. The new service is sponsored by the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Remarks from the inaugural event include:

“Amtrak welcomes Minnesota to the Amtrak state partner family, as we introduce residents and visitors to the convenience of more train travel options between the Twin Cities and Chicago, via Milwaukee onboard the new Borealis service,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, who rode the first Borealis train (today). “This is a success story, and thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we are diligently working to offer new and expanded intercity passenger rail service like Borealis with our partners across the country.”

“Investments in rail have long helped Midwesterners and the region’s economy, and this service will mean additional passenger rail access for people traveling between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois while contributing to economic growth. Today marks yet another win for passenger rail expansion in America, and through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, even more progress is underway, “ said FRA Administrator Amit Bose.

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ICYMI: Thanks to a partnership between Wisconsin, @MnDOT and @IDOT_Illinois, @Amtrak officially launched the new Borealis train service between Chicago and St. Paul yesterday, May 21. 🧵

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‘A win for the Midwest’: Passenger rail service between St. Paul and Chicago is rolling

A new Amtrak rail passenger service between the Twin Cities and Chicago is now operational.

The Borealis daily round trip service left Union Station in St. Paul for the first time on Tuesday.

The route includes stops in Milwaukee and Winona.

Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose said the federal government is investing billions of dollars in passenger rail service across the country.

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“Today is another big win for passenger rail expansion in America,” said Bose, speaking during an event at Union Station in St. Paul. “It’s a win for the Midwest, and it’s a win for the growing number of Americans in this region and nationwide who rely on and benefit from passenger rail.”

According to Amtrak, ticket prices for the new service start at about $40.

Amtrak’s Director of Strategy for State Supported Services Eric Olson called the new service a competitive travel option.

“Driving with a stop or two along the way is easily seven hours between Chicago and St. Paul,” said Olson. “This is seven hours and 40 minutes, and it’s very much competitive with driving downtown to downtown, St. Paul to Chicago.”

Amy Fisher attended the inaugural send off for the Borealis service. She’s excited about the benefit of passenger rail options in the Twin Cities at more times during the day.

“My son goes to school in Chicago, and he has to come home at midnight on Wednesday night and leave Saturday morning at 8 a.m.,” she said. “And to have a midday one gives us more time as a family over holidays.”

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said Minnesota is the national passenger railroad company’s 18th state partner, and the St. Paul to Chicago service is Amtrak’s 29th state-supported rail corridor across the country.

“These services account for half of our ridership across the United States which this year will be over 32 million riders, setting a new record for Amtrak back above the level of service and ridership we had pre-pandemic,” said Gardner. “So the old story is true. When we put it out there, when we make it happen people come, people are coming in droves to ride trains all over the United States.”

The Borealis passenger service is a partnership between Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois Departments of Transportation.         

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Hatchery Road Trip - Mammoth Spring!

Gwen Bausmith

View other hatcheries in the southeast series!

Picture this: You're driving down the interstate, cruise control on, windows down, stereo blasting. It's a perfect 80 degrees, you don't have to work, and you've got the whole day ahead of you. You pull off the road and a beautiful vista lies in front of you. A pond sparkles in the sunshine, birds are chirping happily in the trees, and best of all...it's peaceful. You pop the trunk and pull out a fishing pole, that set of watercolors you've been meaning to use, your best pair of broken-in hiking boots, and breathe in the fresh summer air. But wait, where the heck are you?  

Is it a national park? If we were going on overall vibes, the answer might be yes.  

Is it a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Learn more about national wildlife refuge ? Getting warmer, but think more fins.  

Is it one of the nation's most underrated outdoor destinations...national fish hatcheries? Ding ding ding! We have a winner! The National Fish Hatchery System has been improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species since 1872 (uhhhh, yeah that makes them 150 years old!) and yet, lots of folks might not even know that their grounds are often open to the public and entry is FREE! The wonderful thing about fish hatcheries is that they offer something for everyone in your group...no more disgruntled sighs from the backseat! 

Each hatchery highlighted in our road trip series is over 100 years old and has four sections of information: 

🚙  Trip Highlights : This is where you'll find hatchery activity suggestions for different folks in your group. These aren't full lists, just some of the things we think are pretty cool. Before you hit the road, be sure to check each hatchery's web page for additional activities and we recommend calling ahead to check on their opening status and any possible closures. We've also got some good info on how and where to purchase a fishing license , if that's on your activity itinerary!

🚧  Detour : Is it really a road trip if you only go to one place? Well, yeah, but where's the fun in that? We've provided each hatchery with a nearby pit stop suggestion for the free spirits among us. (Full disclosure, besties: We haven't actually been to any of these spots and are in no way promoting them over other destinations, they just sound fun. Please do your research beforehand to check on fees, accessibility, travel restrictions, etc!)

🎶  Featured Song : One of the best parts of a road trip is the playlist. You probably have your own set of cool tunes, but we couldn't resist including some other suggestions for your listening pleasure!

🧭  Road Map : Ok, it's not actually a real map, but it's a fun, colorful graphic you can share online or print out for your trip! 

Buckle those seatbelts, we’re taking you on a ride through some of the nation’s oldest hatcheries that you’ll definitely want to add to your summer road trip itineraries and they are free to the public. First up in the series, hatcheries over 100 years old in the northeast! 

Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery - Arkansas

Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery was established in 1903. It was built in the Ozark foothills in northeast Arkansas because of the cool flowing water from the world’s tenth largest spring and its easy access to the railroad. Their current programs include recovery of endangered and threatened species like freshwater mussels and the restoration of Gulf Coast striped bass and rainbow trout in the White River drainage. They also  produce lake sturgeon, walleye, largemouth bass, golden shiner, and threadfin shad!

🚙 Trip Highlights

Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery is located near (SHOCKER!) Mammoth Spring State Park. But this isn’t some ordinary spring...it’s one of the largest in the world, with NINE MILLION gallons flowing through it every hour! This is also where the hatchery gets all of its water (DOUBLE SHOCKER!). There’s really no contest, this detour is a must!

🎶 Featured Song

Get a full jam session in when you listen to the Grateful Dead’s “Truckin’” as you coast through Arkansas.

Before you take off on your most excellent journey to Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery, please call ahead for visitor hours and check out their website for even more to do during your visit. You can also download a high resolution PDF of the map !

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Did You Make Your Connecting Flight? You May Have A.I. to Thank.

Airlines are using artificial intelligence to save fuel, keep customers informed and hold connecting flights for delayed passengers. Here’s what to expect.

By Julie Weed

Last month in Chicago, a United Airlines flight to London was ready to depart, but it was still waiting for 13 passengers connecting from Costa Rica. The airline projected they’d miss the flight by seven minutes. Under normal circumstances, they’d all be scrambling to rebook.

But thanks to a new artificial-intelligence-powered tool called ConnectionSaver, the jet was able to wait for them — their checked bags, too — and still arrive in London on time. The system also sent text messages to the late-arriving passengers and the people on the waiting jet to explain what was happening.

A.I. still might not be able to find space for your carry-on, but it could help put an end to the 40-gate dash — sprinting to catch your connecting flight before the door slams shut — as well as other common travel headaches.

It’s not just United. Alaska Airlines , American Airlines and others have been working to develop new A.I. capabilities that could make flying easier for passengers. The carriers are also using the technology to reduce costs and streamline operations, including saving fuel, said Helane Becker, an airline industry analyst for the investment bank TD Cowen . Although many of the airlines are developing their programs independently, a successful innovation by any carrier could possibly become an industry standard.

A.I. is poised to change almost every aspect of the customer flying experience, from baggage tracking to personalized in-flight entertainment, said Jitender Mohan, who works with travel and hospitality clients at the technology consulting company WNS .

Saving fuel and frustration

A.I. has been helping Alaska Airlines dispatchers plan more efficient routes since 2021. “It’s like Google maps, but in the air,” explained Vikram Baskaran, vice president for information technology services at the carrier.

Two hours before a flight, the system reviews weather conditions, any airspace that will be closed, and all commercial and private flight plans registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, to suggest the most efficient route. The A.I. takes in “an amount of information no human brain could process,” said Pasha Saleh, the corporate development director and a pilot for Alaska.

In 2023, about 25 percent of Alaska flights used this system to shave a few minutes off flight times. Those efficiencies added up to about 41,000 minutes of flying time and half a million gallons of fuel saved, Mr. Baskaran said.

On the ground, American Airlines and others are working on an A.I.-powered system American calls Smart Gating — sending arriving aircraft to the nearest available gate with the shortest taxiing time, and if the scheduled arrival gate is in use, quickly determining the best alternate gate. All this could mean fewer frustrating minutes spent waiting on the tarmac.

American introduced Smart Gating at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 2021 and now employs it at six airports, including Chicago O’Hare and Miami International. The airline estimates it saves 17 hours a day in taxi time and 1.4 million gallons of jet fuel a year.

Mr. Mohan said that using A.I. as a virtual parking attendant could save up to 20 percent of taxiing time, with the highest benefits seen at the largest airports.

Faster and better customer service

Rapidly evolving generative A.I. — think ChatGPT — is helping airlines communicate with passengers better. At United, a companywide challenge last year yielded a plan to make texts sent to fliers more specific about what’s causing delays. Passengers can get frustrated when flights are delayed with no explanation, said Jason Birnbaum, United’s chief information officer.

But tracking the details required, composing an appropriate message and sending it to the right people for 5,000 flights a day would be too much for the staff to handle, Mr. Birnbaum said. Generative A.I. can process all that data and create messages tailored to conditions. For example, passengers booked on a January United flight from San Francisco to Tucson received this text message, along with a new departure time and an apology: “Your inbound aircraft is arriving late due to airport runway construction in San Francisco that limited the number of arrivals and departures for all airlines earlier.”

Having a more detailed explanation can calm travelers’ nerves. Jamie Larounis, a travel industry analyst who flies about 150,000 miles a year, recalled receiving text messages last summer explaining that a storm and a related crew-scheduling problem had delayed his flight from Chicago. “Getting a specific reason for the delay made me feel like the airline had things under control,” he said.

Generative A.I. is also good at summarizing text, making it a powerful tool for wading through emails. Last year, Alaska was among the carriers that began using A.I. to handle customer messages more efficiently. The airline’s system “reads” each email and summarizes the issues raised.

“We used to read first in first out, handling the requests as they came in,” said Mr. Baskaran, but now the system helps prioritize emails. For example, an urgent request involving an upcoming flight may take precedence over a complaint about a past one.

The system also helps a human agent decide how to respond, such as offering the customer a voucher, and it may draft an initial written response. “The person makes the decision, but it’s streamlined,” Mr. Baskaran said.

For all the benefits A.I. promises to airlines and passengers, the technology still has some shortcomings. For one, it doesn’t always deliver accurate information. In 2022, an Air Canada chatbot incorrectly promised a traveler that if he booked a full-fare flight to a relative’s funeral, he could receive a bereavement fare after the fact. When he filed a small-claims case, Air Canada tried to argue that the bot was its own separate entity, “responsible for its own actions,” but a tribunal found Air Canada responsible and ordered it to pay about $800 in damages and fees.

Still, as A.I. develops and airlines race to find more uses for it, passengers could see even more benefits. “As a customer and a business person, this is one of the biggest technology disruptions in the last five to eight years,” Mr. Mohan said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article, in a quotation from Vikram Baskaran, vice president for information technology services at Alaska Airlines, misstated the number of gallons of fuel an artificial-intelligence-powered planning system saved the airline in 2023. It was half a million, not half a billion.

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

Japan:  A new high-speed train stop unlocks Kaga, a destination for hot springs, nourishing food and traditional crafts , as an easy-to-reach getaway from Tokyo.

London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .