VOSH International, Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, is an organization of optometrists, medical doctors, nurses, physical therapists, dentists, opticians, and other dedicated individuals who are dedicated to providing vision care to people around the world who can not afford or obtain it. More information on VOSH can be found at the VOSH International website, click here to visit.
NEVOSH has assembled a humanitarian eye and health care remote clinic in Central America each January since 1988. The inaugural mission was February, 1987, before the group discovered that schools were out in January and available as clinic sites. NEVOSH distinguishes itself from most other VOSH chapters in the breadth of healthcare offered. We still have a core of Optometry and Optical professionals that make the trip, but this chapter has expanded over the years to include Medical, Mobility, Pharmacy, Dental, Ophthalmological, Audiology, Dietician, and Veterinary services.
Welcome Home 2008 clinic participants! The January 2008 NEVOSH clinic was held in Nandaime, Nicaragua. The volunteers flew into Managua and stayed at the Hotel Alhambra in Grenada. The dental group stayed at La Gran Francia, also in Grenada. Each morning, the group assembled early for the bus ride to Nandaime about 40 minutes away. Sunday the group first saw the Clinic Site in Nandaime. They worked hard Sunday to set up the clinic with optometric and medical examining stations, a pharmacy, an optical dispensary, a dental clinic, a screening room and an area for registration. Off site clinics included ophthalmology, held at the hospital in Masaya, and the veterinary clinic, held at an animal hospital founded by recently recognized citizen diplomat Donna Tabor in Grenada. After seeing to it that the clinic environment was properly laid out and supplied, the group headed back to Grenada to the Sports Bar to watch the Patriots win yet again, this time in the playoffs.
Monday through Thursday were clinic days and the group worked feverishly to see as many patients as possible each day. The optometry crew was especially taxed this year, as the ODs worked without the benefit of SUNY optometry students to ease the burden of patient volume. Tuesday night was a group dinner at the wonderful Mediterráneo restaurant in historic Grenada. Thursday night was the final dinner, held in the Alhambra's dining room.
After a successful four day clinic, the group headed south to stunning San Juan del Sur for Rest and Recreation. A sail on the Pelican Eyes boat was just the thing to unwind a bit after working hard to meet the needs of the patients in Nandaime.
This
was the 23rd Year for this VOSH chapter. Only one member has been on every
annual clinic trip to Central America. Dr. Carl Sakovits OD first went in
1987 as an optometric student. The clinic was much smaller in those days,
and was still under the leadership of founder Dr. Robert Schwartz, of Annapolis,
Maryland. Carl shared leadership responsibilities this year with Joe England MD.
The two are assisted by a board which works year round to plan and organize a
successful clinic trip. Dr. Sakovits is the steadfast keel that keeps
NEVOSH on course, to deliver healthcare assistance to those who need it, year
after year.
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The late Dr. Robert Schwartz OD, founder of Maryland Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, which grew and evolved into North East Volunteer Services to Humanity. Bob led the group for the first 10 years. Bob and his wife Lila Schwartz OD were both optometrists practicing out of the Annapolis MD area. Lila continues to support the organization and it's original cause. |
Originally formed as Maryland VOSH, the group renamed itself Northeast VOSH to reflect its diverse membership and its heavy participation by New Englanders. Each of the following years' clinic is represented with at least a mission report. We plan to add a smattering of photos for each as time allows.
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This page was last updated UTC 2008-03-07 03:26 -0000
2008 Nandaime | 2007 Monimbo | 2006 Nandasmo | 2005 Catarina | 2005 Mus | 2004 Nindiri | 2003 Jinotepe | 2002 Ticuantepe | 2001 Monimbo | 2000 La Concepción | 1999 Masatepe | 1998 Niquinohomo | 1997 Lake Yohoa | 1996 Jutiapa | 1995 Omoa | 1994 Vera Paz | 1993 Coatepeque | 1993 Salama | 1992 Chimeltenango | 1991 Chichicastenango | 1990 Comayagua | 1989 San Manuel | 1988 Omoa | 1987 Santa Rosa
Copyright © 1987 - 2008 Northeast VOSH, Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, a not-for-profit organization, or our suppliers. Contact webmaster@nevosh.com for reproduction permission.
