The Fall semester is a busy time of the year for students at the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science. Here you’ll find fresh-faced first year students looking a bit nervous but eager to learn, second year students diligently practicing their clinical techniques, third year students donning their white coats and entering the clinic, and seasoned fourth year students ready to face the world. But as we carry on with our busy lives at school and at work, we often fail to realize that around 15% of the world’s population is unable to learn and work effectively because they cannot see clearly. Shockingly, almost one billion people worldwide do not have access to glasses.
The Waterloo chapter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) is committed to providing sustainable eye care to those in need but who cannot afford nor obtain it. Every year, VOSH Waterloo partners up with VOSH groups around North America to organize international optometric mission trips for their students. This unique experience not only touches the lives of countless patients, it allows students to learn invaluable skills and grow as future optometrists.
Third year student and VOSH executive Neesha Patel said,
“Doing this mission trip I gained a lot from the experience. Not only did I strengthen my skills in optometry but also got to explore the natural beauty of Peru.”
This summer, VOSH Waterloo partnered up with VOSH Santa Cruz and sent ten students each to Romania and Peru. During these missions, the teams collectively screened approximately 3,000 patients at each site. Many from this astounding number of patients were also provided with donated prescription glasses, sunglasses, or referred for sight-saving surgeries.
Since their establishment in 2007, VOSH Waterloo has been actively organizing fundraisers and volunteer events around the school. All proceeds go towards mission related objectives such as funding for equipment that is necessary for vision screenings. One such event that is held every year is Lensometry Day, where students are taught how to neutralize donated glasses. The labeled glasses are then packaged in preparation to be shipped to mission sites where they will eventually be distributed to patients in need.
Be sure to stay on the look out for some upcoming VOSH fundraising events. Bring your appetite! Every Monday, pizza days are held in the main foyer during the lunch hour. Do you have something you want to say to that special someone? In February, VOSH Waterloo will be holding their annual Candygram sale. Test your luck! At the end of the school year, they will be hosting a silent auction at EyeBall. To learn more about the group or donate to our next VOSH trip, please contact us.
