VOSH Programs Outside of North America

Seeking Optometrists to Serve Outside the USA

VOSH is on the MOVE: Motivating Others To VOSH Excellence: Three Programs to Explore:

Growing a New Generation of Optometrists in Low and Middle-Income Countries: VOSH/International has developed three initiatives to build optometric education worldwide: The VOSH Corps South-South Program, the Ambassador Program and the Mentorship Program. These are fantastic opportunities for those who are transitioning to retirement; or those looking for a new adventure.

The Ambassador Program is a short term teaching visit to an optometry program and includes $1000 for international travel and up to $1500 to bring ophthalmic instruments. Apply here for the Ambassador Program

SVOSH/VOSH Mentorship Program is designed to mentor a SVOSH/VOSH group abroad and includes $1500 for ophthalmic equipment. Apply here for the Mentorship Program

Watch this video to learn more

VOSH CORPS PLACEMENTS

Sara McGowan, OD, MS – Mzuzu University Optometry, Malawi (2012-2018)
Justin Manning, OD, MPH – UNAN Optometry, Nicaragua (2015-2017)
J. Daniel Twelker, OD, PhD – MMUST Optometry, Kenya (2015)
Jerson Desiderio, OD – Makerere Optometry, Uganda (2016-2017)
Robert Molter, OD – Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University Optometry, Vietnam (2016-2023)
Kim Molter, OD – Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University Optometry, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (2016-2023)
Ben Konig, OD – UNAN Optometry, Nicaragua (2017-2018)
Mirage Shah, OD – Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University Optometry, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (2019)
Jemini Patel, OD – Makerere University Optometry, Uganda (2019-2020)
Lori Ann Copilevitz, OD – Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University, Optometry, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (2018)
Duy Nguyen, OD – Hanoi Medical University, Optometry, Hanoi, Vietnam (2020-2022)
Vinh Vu, OD – Hanoi Medical University, Optometry, Hanoi, Vietnam (2018-2020)

VOSH Corps -This program is no longer recruiting candidates

We placed optometrists with an interest in the academia in recently established optometry programs aimed at addressing the human resource needs of eye care delivery in developing countries. The successful candidate was required to assume the position for a minimum duration of one year (reviewable) and relocate within a reasonable time once a position becomes available. VOSH/International reviewed applications with final selection and placement by the Brien Holden Foundation.

Ambassador Program

We encourage US trained VOSH members to consider volunteering as a VOSH/International Ambassador for a short visit (5 to 14 days). You would share your expertise through lectures, attending local vision clinics, and generally being a mentor for budding optometric academic programs. Apply here

Mentorship Program

We encouraging North American VOSH and SVOSH Chapters to work with international VOSH and SVOSH Chapters in a 5-10 day clinic.Apply here

We also support international SVOSH chapters to attend national optometry events that help build leadership and clinical skills. Preference is given to students of the graduating classes.

Remuneration Package

FOR VOSH CORPS, selected candidates received a stipend to cover expenses, housing, relocation travel, health insurance, and return travel to home country per year of contract. The overall package ranged 34-43K depending on credentials.

For the AMBASSADOR Program, VOSH provides grants of up to $2500 each, to be used for: optometric equipment and books for international schools of optometry with an SVOSH chapter (up to $1500) and partial international travel and accommodation/subsistence costs (up to $1000). The host optometry program will be asked to provide accommodations and local transportation according to their possibilities.

Criteria

If you have a US Optometry Degree (residency completion preferred), a desire to support emerging optometry education and share knowledge in low and middle-income countries, you are VOSH AMBASSADOR material.

Interested candidates please complete this expression of interest.

Ambassador Program