Student Volunteer Optometric Service for HumanityNova Southeastern University Chapter
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About Us
Founded in 1997 by NSU College of Optometry students, our chapter of SVOSH is one of many student chapters of VOSH International. We are a non-denominational, non-profit organization located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at Nova Southeastern University's College of Optometry. Our goal is to provide primary eye care to individuals who do not have access to such care, either because of geographical or financial reasons.
Each year we travel to an underprivileged nation where the need for optometric care is great. We collect thousands of used glasses, many from the Lion's club and local optometrists, and prepare them for distribution to developing world countries. For many of the individuals we help, our services may be the only form of health care they will ever receive. Providing optometric care free of charge requires that funding be obtained for the organization. Students donate their time and effort all year long to offset expenses, but the reality is that this type of work requires thousands of dollars for each mission. In order to make it possible for students on limited budgets to participate in these missions, as much of the lodging and transportation costs as possible are paid for by donations to our group and SVOSH fundraisers at school. Students pay the difference for what is not raised throughout the year. We are thankful for all of our sponsors and are always looking forward to our next mission trip. |