Testimonials
Get motivated! Past and present SVOSH @ SCCO members tell us about their experiences while volunteering eye care services in communities in need.
The SVOSH mission trip to El Salvador was something that I cannot fully describe in words. The entire experience was eye-opening. Not only was I able to help over 1500 patients gain access to eye care, I was able to taste a slice of the country’s culture and every-day life. I met amazing people, worked closely with eye care professionals from a country other than ours, formed stronger bonds with my classmates, learned techniques from doctors and 2nd year students, encountered beautiful places, ate fantastic food, and learned more about the world and about myself. The trip was an opportunity that was worth every penny. I walked away from El Salvador with a stronger compassion to help others, gratitude for the opportunities available to me, and memories that I will cherish forever.
-Alana Terrizzi, Class of 2014
On the 2010 SVOSH Trip to El SalvadorBeing a part of the VOSH trip to El Salvador was definitely an eye opening experience. There was a huge need for eye care in the rural areas of the country and being able to help deliver it was rewarding. The vision program in the country called FUDEM took care of all the logistics of the trip, so all we had to do was be ready to provide care at the various sites. I learned a ton of practical knowledge from working with patients, as well as from the doctors supervising the trip. Hanging out on the tropical beaches wasn't so bad either.
-Andrew Ngo, Class of 2013
On the 2010 SVOSH Trip to El SalvadorI was fortunate enough to be able to volunteer
at the Fullerton Armory Vision Screening. As a first year student with
limited patient interaction experience, I was able to assist in a
number of ways including taking visual acuities, autorefracting,
performing lensometry, and even training and use of a handheld
tonometer. The patients at this vision screening were homeless - a
demographic who is in dire need of health services. Not only did VOSH
give me the unique and rewarding experience of being able to serve
Orange County patients in great need, they also provided me with a
practice environment for my clinical skills to be used in my second,
third, and fourth years of optometry school. If one can find the time
to volunteer, I highly recommend becoming involved in the local and
international vision screenings that SVOSH sponsors at SCCO. -Daniel Brinchman, Class of 2014
On the 2010 Vision Screening at the Fullerton Armory
As a first year optometry school student with only a quarter of school underneath my belt and no experience with vision screenings, I didn't think that I had anything to contribute to the community. However, my volunteer experience with VOSH at a site in Venice, CA proved otherwise. I was able to take visual acuity measurements as well as use the autorefractor on the participants. What stuck out to me most was working in the optical dispensary area with the seasoned optician. Not only did the optician teach me a few techniques about taking measurements to fit glasses on patients properly and even about being a future optometrist, but I also got to take part in the excitement when men and women whom we were serving got a new pair of glasses! Through the generosity of doctors and donors, we were able to dispense brand new glasses for free! From lighting up a face through the giving of reading glasses to sharing a patient's thrill for choosing a desire frame that would be made into glasses that fit their prescription--it all gave me a glimpse of the effects such a vision screening event can have on the people it serves. So for the continued impact VOSH can have either in the local communities or beyond, I am excited to deepen my involvement in the future!
-Julia Lee, Class of 2013
On the 2009 VOSH Int'l vision screening in Venice, CA
I learned so much in that single day from the Optometrists, Opticians, and 3rd year students! It was a very rewarding experience and I came away with much more than I expected. We took visual acuities with charts and autorefractors. The second years performed refractions and the third years did pathology and special cases. We saw patients with severe glaucoma causing blindness who can no longer afford treatment and another with histoplasmosis. We were able to see these cases first hand through teaching mirrors and learn about the diagnosis, causes, and treatment. The third years also taught me how to use an opthalmoscope and slit-lamp. After patients were measured for a prescription we helped them choose frames and learned how fit it to their pupilary distance. I'm glad I was able to help out in such a great cause and furthermore I'm sure that my classes will be a lot more applicable and fascinating after such a trip.
-Rebecca Delshad, Class of 2013
On the 2009 VOSH Int'l vision screening in Venice, CA
I was pleased to have had the chance to help out during the VOSH vision clinic in Venice, CA. It was rewarding to have been a part of the team that provided vision care to hundreds of people that would otherwise likely continue to go without. It was also a reminder that the lack of basic eye care services is not a problem that is limited to other parts of the world but also exists closer to home. The patients were genuinely grateful and happy to have us there and for me that was the best part of my experience. Knowing that I've had positive impact on people’s lives is a great feeling and the reason that I will continue to be involved and volunteer with VOSH in the future. -Ramon Merino, Class of 2012
On the 2009 VOSH Int'l vision screening in Venice, CA
The VOSH clinic at Venice beach was an unforgettable experience. This was the first time I was able to take part in a vision screening on such a large scale, and practically in our own backyard. It was truly rewarding to be able to help over 200 men, women, and children in the local community, to improve their daily lives by simply helping them with their vision needs. -Danielle Roth, Class of 2013
On the 2009 VOSH Int'l vision screening in Venice, CA
My experience was amazing. -Paul Kwon, Class of 2013
On the 2009 VOSH Int'l trip to El Salvador