SVOSH-NECO 2015
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
April 17-25, 2015
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
April 17-25, 2015
Three years of dedicated volunteering along with the hard work of Dr. Bina Patel, we were finally ready; as third years we were now able to go on our first mission trip. On April 17th, the New England College of Optometry (NECO) chapter of Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) traveled successfully to the Dominican Republic to provide eye care to an underserved community with the help of Batey Relief Alliance (BRA). The trip, lasting 8 days, was nothing short of an amazing experience. With twenty two optometry students and four doctors, we managed to see close to 1,000 patients in 5 days of open clinic. Besides the obvious immense clinical experience each student gained, the moment when patients put on new glasses and were finally able to see clearly is when all of our hard work was validated. In the midst of multiple language barriers, their smile was a universal indication of their appreciation. With the help of a multitude of donors and volunteers, we provided every patient in need with prescription glasses, sunglasses, ocular medications and even toys for all the kids. Batey Relief Alliance allowed us to deliver care for these communities and provided us with interpreters, project managers, tour guides, and on-site lunch and snacks every day. We are very thankful as a whole to have been given this opportunity and we pray that we are able to continue these trips in the future. |