WHO ARE WE?
At First Glance
In Times Square
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| • | VOSH/International (V/I) is a 39-year-old non-governmental, non sectarian, apolitical organization dedicated to the provision of eye and vision care services for those who are below poverty level and without access to local eye care. |
| • | VOSH/International is comprised of an elected Board and of appointees representing 35 regional chapters and 25 student chapters in the United States, Canada, Honduras, India, Africa, South America and the Netherlands. Chapter members and its partners are optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, and lay volunteers. On December 6, 2001 VOSH/International signed a declaration with the World Council of Optometry and the World Health Organization to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020. Each year VOSH Chapters average between 80 and 90 missions serving in excess of 100,000 people. |
| • | VOSH has set up clinics in disaster areas including Bosnia, El Salvador, Honduras, Dominican Republic, and India, as well as treating hurricane victims in Houston and New Orleans. |
| • | VOSH recognizes the importance of sustainability, and has helped establish permanent eye clinics in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Haiti, Mexico and Peru. |
| • | VOSH programs provide eyeglasses, treat eye disease and refer/perform eye surgery.The mission and vision of VOSH as an organization has evolved over the years, now including short-term missions, establishment of permanent clinics, educational activities, research, and partnering with other NGOs in public service projects. Nicaragua has been chosen as an area of special interest for advancement of vision care over the coming years, as it is one of the most underserved areas in Latin America. Part of this effort is supported by a generous grant from Walman Optical. |
| • | VOSH projects draw experts from fields important to each project. These experts volunteer their time and knowledge to projects, developing educational modules, presenting continuing education courses, providing hands-on training in specialty areas, and examining patients. |
| • | VOSH's greatest strength is its membership. Many eye care educators, researchers, students and clinicians are chapter members. We also have lay persons who translate and dispense eye glasses. Get involved! Join VOSH International or help us with a monetary contribution. |