VOSH / Connecticut

 

 

"Seeing the Difference Caring Can Make"  

VOSH/Connecticut (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) was formed in 2001 by a Connecticut optometrist, Dr. Matthew Blondin. Members of VOSH/Connecticut and support staff run a yearly eye clinic in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua providing eye care to those in need.

In January 2010, VOSH-Connecticut completed its ninth successful mission to San Juan del Sur. six optometrists and eight optometric students saw over 2,800 patients over a four-day period, another very successful mission.                   

During the past three decades VOSH has evolved into a dynamic nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of human sight, mainly in developing countries where there is no system to provide eyecare to the needy. VOSH also serves as a resource for other organizations with similar goals.

The VOSH concept originated with a Kansas optometrist, Dr. Franklin Harms, in 1972. Currently VOSH/Connecticut is one of 24 nonprofit chapters that are coordinated by the parent organization, VOSH/INTERNATIONAL, whose duty is to keep abreast of chapter activities throughout the United States, including student volunteer groups.

Generally, "VOSHERS" pay their own travel expenses and often give up vacation time to participate. While some VOSH eye care missions may be carried out by a single dedicated professional working alone, more frequently services are carried out by a team that may include eye professionals, physicians, nurses, physical therapists, dentists, assistants and lay people.

A local service group from the host country (often a Lion's Club or a Rotary group) facilitates organization and arrangements before the mission arrives.

The team will send ahead thousands of pairs of used glasses that have been carefully sorted, cleaned, labeled and cataloged in order to fill prescriptions. While a considerable amount of this work is done by VOSHERS themselves, Lions Clubs throughout America have been a major resource for recycled glasses.

Depending on the size of the team, VOSHERS will examine hundreds, sometimes thousands of patients over a four- to six-day period. In many cases this will be the first, and sometimes the only examination patients will ever have in their lifetime. 

Along with prescribing and dispensing glasses, optometrists will identify patients who require further treatment for glaucoma, cataracts, pterygia, diabetes and other medical conditions. Clinics may include an eye surgical team or, sometimes a surgical team will conduct a follow-up clinic shortly thereafter. VOSHERS do make an effort to assure follow-up for acute cases, but the larger burden for such care remains with the host country.

2010 Mission Report

2007 Mission Report  2007 Mission Photos

2006 Mission Report

For further information, or to make a donation, please contact:
VOSH/Connecticut
Dr. Matthew Blondin, President
P.O. Box 448, Torrington, CT 06790
e-mail:mblond2@aol.com