03 January, 2004
BRA and VOSHS to hold eye care missions to the bateyes
As part of its Blindness Prevention Program, BRA will sponsor with the Chicago-based Volunteer Optometrists for Service of Humanity (VOSH) an eye-care mission trip to be held from January 17-24, 2004 in the bateyes located in the province of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic.
More than 22 optometrists, faculty and students will work along-side local lions club members and optometrists affiliated with the Batey Relief Alliance to provide care and eye glasses to more 2000 needy residents. Dr. Gary Blackman, founder of the group, said, “I have been to the Dominican Republic in the past and seen the critical eye care needs. I am excited to be back and to bring help.” Eye surgeries will also be performed for cases of cataract or glaucoma. “It is always a pleasure of working with a VOSH group. BRA’s eye care success in the Dominican Republic is due, in part, to past positive experiences with VOSHs all around the United States,” said BRA’s Executive Director, Ulrick Gaillard.
Two other mission trips with the VOSH-Wisconsin and the SVOSH at the Ohio State College of Optometry are scheduled for February and September. Support our Blindness Prevention Program by making a money donation on line at www.bateyrelief.org.
