Optometry: A “Giving” Career
December 04, 2017
In this season of giving, it becomes a time of reflection about our lives and being thankful
Read MoreDecember 04, 2017
In this season of giving, it becomes a time of reflection about our lives and being thankful
Read MoreNovember 17, 2017
“IF I CAN SEE BETTER, I WILL LEARN BETTER” is UNAN OPTOMETRY AND VOSH-NICARAGUA CAMPAIGN Ben Koenig, VOSH/International’s
Read MoreOctober 24, 2017
A local newspaper in Nicaragua recently recognized the work that VOSH and SVOSH are doing in their
Read MoreOctober 24, 2017
Also congratulations to second place, SVOSH-Phillipines, Manilla Central University for a wonderful video “Saving Sight IS Winning
Read MoreOctober 24, 2017
Congratulations to The Ohio State University!! Separated by just two votes from the almost 100 attending the
Read MoreSeptember 19, 2017
CHAPTER OF THE MONTH VOSH-PA For its amazing work and dedication to the people of Haiti,
Read MoreJuly 28, 2017
A Memorandum of Agreement has been signed to establish the first ever School of Optometry in
Read MoreJuly 11, 2017
Dr. Ellis Potter, has been announced as the 2017 recipient of the The American Academy of Optometry’s
Read MoreUpdated COVID-19 and VOSH Humanitarian Clinics Advice
VOSH/International recently consulted its US and International Chapters about the feasibility and timing to restart our humanitarian clinics. While the vaccination process continues with different levels of success depending on availability and acceptance, it is evident that vaccine inequity and the availability and reliability of data in several countries are issues we need to consider.
Even if already vaccinated and boosted, our chapters are still concerned about the wellbeing of our volunteers and patients. Some chapters, are organizing clinics locally where they are better able to comply with the existing safety requirements and respective state/country regulations.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its variants are being experienced quite differently depending on state, region, country, vaccine availability, vaccine acceptance, and the spread of SARS-COV-2 variants. Most VOSH chapters are not holding clinics or traveling internationally in 2021 or 2022.
If a VOSH Chapter choses to hold a clinic or travel internationally, we highly recommend that the chapter performs due diligence to comply fully with the requirements established by the visited country, ensures all VOSH volunteers are aware of and follow strict safety guidelines and all existing protocols and regulations of the country, and keeps the principle of “do no harm” embedded in all its decision making. As always, the wellbeing and safety for VOSH volunteers and our patients is of utmost importance and central to any decision-making process. We have published our updated clinic guidelines with best practices to be observed in this new context. VOSH chapters in specific countries are using protocols that need to be considered as well. You can download VOSH/International clinic guidelines here.
*VOSH/International is formed by autonomous US and international chapters that are fully and only responsible for their activities, fundraising and decision-making. VOSH/International can only provide recommendations based on our best knowledge and information at the time.
Also please keep checking the following sites with official and most recent updates:
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
US CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/when-to-delay-travel.html
US Government Travel Advise: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html
Thank you for your hard work and dedication to improving vision and eye health throughout the world.
Michael Ciszek, OD, dipl ABO, FVI
President, VOSH/International
December 2021