Dates 2-26-24 through 2-25-24
The Arizona chapter of VOSH (AZ VOSH) took part in an optometry clinic in Hermosillo, Mexico, from February 26th through the 29th. The team from Arizona consisted of five optometrists, seven optometry students, a licensed optician, a registered nurse, and four multi-talented volunteers. They were joined on the trip by doctors and optometry students from the Mexican optometry schools in Aguascalientes, Culiacan, Durango Santander, and Sonora. In addition, several local optometrists donated their time. In addition, there were 80 other volunteers involved including interpreters, government health representatives, members of the Pitic Rotary Club and their families, and the seemingly ubiquitous and definitely indispensable, Ed York.
During this mission, we collaborated with the Pitic Rotary Club, which supplied numerous skilled volunteers for essential roles such as patient intake and dispensing sunglasses and reading glasses. The Rotary Club, in conjunction with local high schools, provided interpreters to facilitate Spanish/English communication. The trip was hosted by Sedesson, which generously provided food and lodging. Additionally, representatives from the Ministry of Health were present to coordinate ongoing care for individuals diagnosed with ocular disorders requiring follow-up.
Although AZ VOSH has participated in optometry clinics in Hermosillo many times over the years, this mission was unique in several ways. Firstly, there was a strong emphasis on optometry student training to facilitate the practice of optometry in Mexico and encourage more students to engage in mission activities. Secondly, the clinic was equipped with better instrumentation than ever before to aid in ocular examinations. Thirdly, doctors had the ability to refer patients for follow-up care with government health service representatives who were on-site during the clinic and as a result, a total of 142 patients were referred for conditions that needed additional care. Lastly, the new VOSH representative from the state of Sonora, Dr. Manuel Rosas, was present at the mission to collaborate with AZ VOSH.
I would like to thank everyone who participated in the mission, as well as those who helped to plan and organize it. We hope to see you again!