An inspiring and exemplary year involving more than 100 students and doctors, year long fundraising and helping nearly 10,000 patients. Read this description from a model SVOSH Chapter as submitted by Melissa Pongratz:

Led by an extraordinary and dedicated executive team of seven students and one faculty advisor, SVOSH-SCO was able to send 116 students and doctors to eight countries throughout central and South America this May. Nearly 10,000 patients were able to receive what may be the only vision care they will have access to.

In preparation, students worked year-round to fundraise and prepare supplies, and would like to give a special thanks to our Lions Club partners domestically and abroad. A unique partnership with Rhodes College was initiated to provide small-group and country-specific discussion on customs, culture, and history prior to departure.

In partnership with World Relief Memphis, and with the support of Essilor Vision Foundation, we were able to host our first local clinic which saw 240 refugees and immigrants in the Memphis area. We would like to pay special recognition to our faculty advisor Dr. Beth Sparrow, each of our passionate in-country partners, all of our volunteers who joined us, and our domestic supporters. We are looking forward to another year of growth and positive impact in international healthcare alongside VOSH/International.
See more on the VOSH/International Facebook page