November 2020 Newsletter
November was full of important events. In this issue we feature our President’s Insights reflecting on World Diabetes Day and the role of optometrists addressing this global challenge, share an invitation to the first VOSH chapters symposium, provide highlights on our Annual and first mini Asian Meetings, congratulate the appointment of our chair of Education Committee as Fullbright Scholar and much more.
President's Insights
This month focuses our attention on diabetes and how it affects the lives and vision of our patients. President Twelker elaborates his thoughts on this important topic in this article. Full article here
SVOSH-UWI raises awareness on diabetes in Trinidad & Tobago
Our SVOSH chapter at the University of West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago (SVOSH-UWI) organised a 2-part webinar to raise awareness on diabetes and its impacts on the eye and body in collaboration with the Trinidad & Tobago Optometry Student Association (TTOSA). Congratulations for the initiative.
Read the full report here
Register for the first VOSH chapters symposium

The VOSH Chapter Relations Committee invites all VOSH US and international chapters to its first symposium. The program includes discussions on current and future COVID-related implications for VOSH clinics including our revised clinical guidelines and our mentorship program.

Attendees will participate in a draw of a $50 Amazon card and a copy of the book Bringing the world into focus by Dr Listenberger.

The Committee is also encouraging chapters to update their leadership and members contacts and enter a draw to win a portable phoropter for the chapters submitting the most information. Complete the survey here and support your chapter.

More information on the symposium here.
Board member and Chair of VOSH/I Education Committee wins Fulbright Scholar Award
Dr. Timothy A. Wingert, the Dean and Professor at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry, has been named a Fulbright Scholar to Poland. As part of this award, Dr. Wingert will teach students in the program and work with faculty and administration at Poznan University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) regarding curriculum and academic programming.
Congratulations Tim! We are proud of you!. More information here
Our first virtual Annual Meeting was a succes thanks to you.
On November 7th, VOSH/International held its first virtual Annual Meeting. Last year we could not have imagined the challenges the world would face in 2020. All plans made for such an iconic year for the eye health sector were sent into turmoil with the emergence of COVID-19.

Under the banner “Envisioning a new world” 121 members and friends of VOSH/International from 20 countries came together in a series of sessions led by experts on areas that contribute to make our commitment to affordable, accessible and high quality eye health care for all a reality. A big thank you to all our speakers.

Read the full report on the meeting here
Our Visionary Sponsor
We are extremely grateful to the Visionary Sponsor of our Annual Meeting -National Vision Inc- that made these two events posible through an unrestricted educational grant.

The mini Asian Annual Meeting

This year's innovation included a mini Asia Annual Meeting (MAAM) held on November 14th to reach and learn from our chapters and partners located in that part of the world.

The MAAM brought together over 45 participants from India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Canada and the USA. 

This was another inspirational experience that demonstrated the knowledge, leadership and commitment that exists within VOSH/International. The report on this event is here
Monthly observances
34.2 million Americans have diabetes and 88 million American adults have prediabetes. Alarmingly, more people are developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes during youth, and racial and ethnic minorities continue to develop type 2 diabetes at higher rates. The CDC also states that diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. Read full release here.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Road traffic injuries are now the leading killer of people aged 5-29 years. The burden is disproportionately borne by pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, in particular those living in developing countries.

The World Day of Remembrance 2020 wants to promote evidence-based actions to prevent and eventually stop further road traffic deaths and injuries. More information here.
Sixth meeting of Deans and Directors of optometry programs in Latin America and the Caribbean
Our President and Executive Director were invited to make a presentation on VOSH/International and our support to optometric education at the 6th Meeting of Deans and Directors of Optometry Programs in Latin American and the Caribbean organised by the Education Committee of the Latin American Association of Optometry and Optics (ALDOO). It was great to be part of the two days of this meeting. More info at www.aldoo.info