Dec 19 - 23; Zacatecas Mexico. Trip coordinator: Julie Foriester
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This VOSH trip was with a free clinic in Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico. The group worked with a local Christian ministry group and DIF to identify the most needy. Our team consists of 14 people, which includes 6 optometrists, 4 optometry students, and 3 technicians.
During our 3 day screening, we saw 700+ patients, prescribed 322 pairs of glasses and passed out more than 200 pairs of over the counter reading glasses. Our vision screening was so successful, we even got on the local news.
VOSH had ~30 cataract referrals and 20 glaucoma/diabetic retinopathy patients who should be checked by an ophthalmologist on a regular basis. We saw bilateral retinal detachments, high myopia/astig/hyperope, keratoconus, and corneal opacification too.
Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico
During our December 19-23 vision screening to Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico, we partnered up with a local Christian organization and DIF to identify the low-income patients and set up a 3day vision screening clinic at a local elementary school. Our team consists of 14 people, which includes 6 optometrists, 4 optometry students, and 3 technicians.
For housing, although we had to leave our internet and cell phone behind, we got to stay with our local host and experience the lives on a real ranch. We even got a chance to start our own fire to get hot shower water.
During our 3 day screening, we saw 700+ patients, prescribed 322 pairs of glasses and passed out more than 200 pairs of over the counter reading glasses. Our vision screening was so successful, we even got on the local news.
There is definitely a lot of need in Jerez. Everyday when we return to the school for vision screening there is more and more people lining up outside before we even started.
We had ~30 cataract referrals and 20 glaucoma/diabetic retinopathy patients who should be checked by an ophthalmologist on a regular basis. We saw bilateral retinal detachments, high myopia/astig/hyperope, keratoconus, and corneal opacification too.
Luckily, we got to meet the mayor of Jerez. She said there is a statewide program that will pay for all these surgeries and she will personally hire buses to take theses patients to the city 30min away from Jerez to do the surgeries. She also promised us to put more money into diabetes awareness education.
After our vision screening, we helped the host group make 2000 burittos for their Christmas event.
We also got to tour the city of Jerez and Zacatecas during our down time.
For more pictures please visit:
Official camera:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vosh-cal/sets/72157603675337927/
Personal Camera:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vosh-cal/collections/72157603553951649/