The Colombian Association of Optometrists for Children’s Vision establishes a VOSH chapter

ASOSAVIN, the Colombian Association of Optometrists for Children’s Vision, is now affiliated with VOSH/International. ASOSAVIN mobilises the expertise of Colombian paediatric optometrists to offer continuing education, share knowledge and expertise, carry out research, and provide hands-on training linked to humanitarian outreach. We extend a warm welcome to VOSH-ASOSAVIN and are certain that their expertise will help a significant number of VOSH and SVOSH chapters.

You can learn more about ASOSAVIN visiting www.asosavin.org and their YouTube for previous lectures. The President of VOSH-ASOSAVIN, Dr Luz Gonzalez, can be contacted at asosavin@gmail.com

A new SVOSH chapter at the Novena University at Ogume, Nigeria

Novena University, the first private university in the Delta State, southern Nigeria launched its Department of Optometry in 2019 to improve local eye care services and address the country’s health workforce shortage.   The newly established SVOSH-NUO chapter will focus on awareness-raising and delivering optometric services in rural communities where access to eye health care is extremely limited.   This young optometry program is driven with a strong motivation to make a difference. You can contact the faculty Adviser, Dr Nkollo at nkolloinnocent@gmail.com and the SVOSH President, Toritsheneye Ekeleni at ekeleni3amos@gmail.com  

Celebrating 29 years of advancing optometry in Peru

On December 30^th, the Instituto Eurohispano in Peru, will celebrate 29 years of continuous dedication to educating and contributing to the development of optometry as a primary eye care profession in the country. Under the leadership of Dr Severo Sanchez, founder and director, the Institute, recently received the certification by the Ministry of Education for another 6 years. Since 2005, SVOSH-Eurohispano-Peru has been an active member of VOSH/International, collaborating with several VOSH and SVOSH chapters that visited Peru. Their humanitarian initiative, “Vision Peru,” has delivered essential eye care to thousands of vulnerable patients, often in remote parts of Peru, involving local optometry students and graduates. This approach fosters a strong sense of commitment to the local population’s needs. 

Dr Sanchez’s tireless efforts to elevate the profession and expand access to care earned him the 2021 VOSH/International Humanitarian of the Year Award, recognizing his leadership and vision.  Congratulations to the Eurohispano Institute, on another year of great work. Dr Weiss, President of VOSH/International, sent this congratulatory message to mark the occasion.

You can contact Dr Severo Sanchez at ssanchez@eurohispano.edu.pe

VOSH-Somalia: a lesson in humanity and commitment

In late September, a patient attended a clinic organised by VOSH-Somalia and shared a touching story. She showed Dr Mohamed Ali Mohamud a pair of broken and glued glasses that had been her only means of seeing clearly for seven years.  Those broken glasses were precious to her because they represented hope. Thanks to the clinic, she got an eye exam and received a new pair of glasses -plus an extra pair to spare. She was ecstatic with joy and gratitude. This story illustrates the reality of many patients served by VOSH-Somalia. 

Every month, thousands of patients in dire need of eye health care attend the VOSH-Somalia clinics. In just three months, VOSH-Somalia volunteers served 2323 patients and distributed 619 free glasses across four districts of this vast country. Their tireless work is a testament to compassion and selfless service. We look forward to continuing to support their incredible work.

For more information, please contact Dr Mohammed at voshsomalia@gmail.com

SVOSH-Areandina-Bogota prevents and brings sight to thousands 

Between August and November, SVOSH-Areandina-Bogota organized an impressive combination of awareness-raising initiatives and humanitarian outreach. As part of the awareness-raising work, the SVOSH chapter organised workshops, distributed printed materials on eye health care, and hosted activities for children and teenagers in schools across 10 municipalities, and at the university’s vision clinic. In addition, they conducted vision screenings for children, teenagers and older adults, referring those who needed it for comprehensive optometric exams. A total of 2077 patients received care, and prescription glasses were provided through a partnership with Charity Vision. These activities generated active participation of the community, teachers, and carers.

It was a fruitful and impactful period of activities. Congratulations to the entire team. You can read the report (in Spanish) and see more pictures here.

For more information, contact Dr Karin Gamez, faculty adviser SVOSH-Areandina-Bogota at kgamez@areandina.edu.co

SVOSH-HONU-DRC is on a mission to succeed

The SVOSH-HONU chapter in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been making significant strides since its affiliation with VOSH. In memory of student Céline Zoza, her friends and classmates benefited from free eye examinations and glasses. Additionally, a scholarship program was created in her name to support first-year optometry students facing financial hardship – a meaningful tribute to her passion for learning and commitment to education.

In September, the new optometry lab was inaugurated and a humanitarian clinic organized serving 414 patients. The need for eye care in the local population is immense, yet most cannot afford it.  SVOSH-HONU has carried out extensive awareness-raising and outreach work at a significant cost. We celebrate their dedication and look forward to continued collaboration. Read their report in English and French here.

Malian Association “Friends of the Road” brings hope to 200 older persons.

Between October 4 and 7, the Association “Les Amis de la Route” and “A Vélo Sans Age” based in Sikasso, southern Mali, held their fourth humanitarian clinic to mark the UN Day of Older Persons and Mali’s month of Solidarity and Against Exclusion. During this clinic, they offered free eye examinations, glasses, and medications to 200 elderly persons plus 48 free cataract surgeries.  Sikasso, a region largely dependent on agriculture, faces high levels of poverty, making this activity invaluable. This remarkable effort was made possible thanks to the leadership of Gregoire Tessougue, the young and dedicated president of the association, whose persistence and commitment to his community are inspiring. The activity was supported by the German NGO Brillenweltwit. You can read the report here. For more information, you can contact Mr Tessougue at gregoiretessougue@yahoo.fr

Prevent Blindness resources on toy safety

Toys can be dangerous. Each year, thousands of children suffer serious eye injuries from toys. During this festive period, check these useful Toy Safety guidelines here.