So, what is a resolution anyway?  It can be defined as a firm decision to do (or not do) something, the action of solving a problem or contentious matter and the quality of being resolute or determined.  VOSH/International continues to be resolute in pursuing its goal of facilitating the provision and sustainability of vision care worldwide for people who can neither afford or obtain such care.  V/I is doing many wonderful things to provide care and promote optometry.    

As I step into the Presidency of VOSH/International,  and review my NY’s resolutions for VOSH, my Presidential goals are my resolutions for VOSH/International during my term.  I would like to focus on the following Presidential Goals:

  1. Promote and strengthening the work of VOSH Chapters within our own communities.  International trips are important, but happen 1-2x/year for a chapter.  What else can VOSH be doing?  With the challenges of healthcare, it is an unfortunate reality, that even in our own communities, people need help.
  • Develop resource center for chapters:  Essilor Vision Foundation for lenses, frame donations, good Samaritan law to protect volunteer doctors, exam and wavier forms, sources for reading glasses, sunglasses, collaboration with SEE for local cataract surgery
  1. Continue to inspire optometry students to be involved with VOSH after their graduation.  There are many volunteer organizations, but VOSH is uniquely optometry.  It is the grassroots optometric volunteer organization. 
  • Work to make VOSH clinic trips more recognized as valuable experiences for students, work with optometry schools and encourage students to participate.
  1. For international clinic trips, continue to make our work more meaningful by working within the continuum of sustainability.  Some ways to do this are partnering with local optometry and optometry schools, skills transfer and data collection.
  • Continue to partner with local optometry and optometry schools.  Increase VOSH Chapter awareness of and interaction with local optometry and optometry schools. V/I is doing many wonderful things to provide care and promote optometry. 

Let’s get to work and make this new year a great one!