A new SVOSH chapter at the University of Ilorin in Nigeria

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of Ilorin in Nigeria has established an SVOSH chapter, SVOSH-UNILORIN-Nigeria. The Nigerian Optometry Students Association (NOSA) at Ilorin leads this chapter. They are very enthusiastic about the outreach and awareness-raising activities organized during the Eye Health Week. Welcome SVOSH-UNILORIN-Nigeria. The faculty adviser is Dr Ayodeji Ezekiel IGE ige.ae@unilorin.edu.ng, and the President of this chapter is Uthman Abdulgafar Akota oauakota@gmail.com.

A new SVOSH chapter at the Universidade Lurio in Mozambique

The Optometry Program at the Universidade Lurio in Mozambique has established an SVOSH chapter: SVOSH-UNILURIO-Mozambique. This is our first Lusophone chapter! The university has awareness-raising programs in schools and direct health provision for the local communities, where optometry students also participate. We look forward to working with them. The faculty adviser is Hermenegildo Tomo htomo@unilurio.ac.mz and the President of this chapter is Alberto Baptista Salimo alinabaptista13@gmail.com

A new SVOSH chapter at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa

The Department of Optometry at the University of Johannesburg has established an SVOSH chapter; SVOSH-UJ-South Africa. The President of this SVOSH chapter, Wikus van Wyk said “Joining VOSH has transformed our journey as future optometrists. For all of us, SVOSH is more than an organisation—it’s compassion in action. The skills and knowledge we gain at University find deeper meaning when we serve communities in need, transforming learning into purpose. Together, we become a family of future professionals bound by a common goal to help others see a brighter world. Each community visit, every grateful patient, reminds us why we chose this field: to serve, connect, and inspire real change. In SVOSH, experience turns into fulfilment, and through it, we discover not only who we are, but the difference we can make when heart and profession unite.". Inspiring words that reflect the strength of purpose of this new VOSh chapter. We are excited to have you on board. The faculty adviser is Dr. Marietjie Richter mrichter@uj.ac.za and the President of this chapter is Wikus van Wyk wikusvanwyk123@gmail.com

Eyes on Jamaica

Emily Krok, President Elect of the SVOSH chapter at the Indiana University School of Optometry, SVOSH-IUSO, shares insights on her experience visiting Jamaica with her chapter.

Read her story here. Emily is a candidate for the Student Fellowship of VOSH/International.

Another successful clinic led by VOSH-Texas

VOSH-TX holds its humanitarian clinics at its Chihuahua clinic in Guerrero, Mexico. This permanent presence ensures sustainable care for the local population. You can read about them here or contact their President, Dr Amie Gisbert at Amie.Gisbert@yahoo.com 

SVOSH-IAUPR joins Special Olympics in Puerto Rico 

In collaboration with Opening Eyes Special Olympics, SVOSH-IAUPR held a clinic at their premises for 100 patients with intellectual disabilities. Read the article here or contact the faculty adviser Dr Damaris Pagan at dpagan@opto.inter.edu

The WCO International Optometrist Award goes to Mexico

Dr. Abraham Bromberg, an icon of Mexican optometry, will be awarded the 2025 WCO International Optometrist Award at the upcoming World Congress of Optometry. For over 50 years, Dr Bromberg has contributed to the recognition and development of optometry in his native Mexico and served as an example of persistence and vision in the optometry world. His strong academic and leadership credentials are recognised again. Read more about the award here. Read about the Consejo Optometría Mexico, a non-profit he founded here. VOSH/International extends its heartfelt congratulations!! Bravo Dr. Bromberg!!

Why Optometry? An updated version available

The updated WCO Why Optometry document aligns with WHO’s World Report on Vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It calls for the enhancement of regulatory frameworks, the investment in optometric education, and the integration of optometrists into primary health care settings. You can download the document here.