S-VOSH NECO, the student VOSH chapter at the New England College of Optometry, is dedicated to providing vision care to those without the resources both locally and abroad. We work with VOSH-International and their partnership with the World Health Organization in the Vision 2020 initiative to eliminate preventable blindness by the year 2020. As a nonprofit organization of students, optometrists, faculty members and supporters, S-VOSH NECO is dedicated to preserving human sight and educating the general public about the profession of optometry and the importance of regular ocular examinations. The Problem Approximately 670 million people worldwide are functionally blind or visually impaired because they do not have a pair of eyeglasses. The lack of vision translates to failing at school, jobs, health, and personal lives. Those who cannot see are too often mired in poverty. The Solution We travel annually to a developing country to provide quality vision care services through short-term clinics to those who need it at no cost. We also work to develop sustainable programs and local optometric capacity in the developing world in order to help local communities continue to provide quality vision care. Our goal is to eradicate untreated refractive error - to help people see again by correcting their vision with glasses. Once they can see, they can improve the quality of their lives and their own vision for a future for generations to come. As volunteers, the students and doctors who come on a clinic trip take time away from their jobs, school, and families, pay /fundraise their own expenses (including airfare, lodging, etc.). It is what makes us a part of VOSH and we are proud of that! - VOSH-International |
Service in Our Community
S-VOSH also recognizes the need for health care in our community and provides eye care locally in the greater Boston area via screenings at schools, health fairs, festivals, special olympics, and homeless shelters throughout the year. Our volunteers work with local Lion's Clubs and eye doctors to expand their outreach. |