Friday, September 28 through Thursday,October 11, 2007
VOSH: Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity
Read report by trip leader, Dr. Linda Bennett
See photos by Dr Leora Burns on Picasa, read a note by Wanda Hamilton, dispensary assistant and see article in Armenian in “Avanguard”
“Of the 935 patients who were seen, 46 required referrals, mostly for mature cataracts. Spectacles were given to 894 patients with many requiring two pairs. Well over half needed hyperopic prescription and over 200 myopic prescriptions dispensed. We filled 121 prescriptions in Armenia using all the funds in the Armenia Eyeglass fund. Only four pairs of glasses had to be made in US upon our return.”
Joe D’Amico, OD
Linda Bennett, OD
Amaras Art Alliance welcomes Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanity [VOSH] to Armenia for the second time. See pictures and articles from the first visit in 2005.
We applaud the efforts of Dr. Linda Bennett, 2007 Team Leader, and her heartfelt humanitarian services to the people of Armenia since 1995. We welcome the 2007 Team of 20 dedicated OD’s and volunteers who join this project and thank them for their time and service. We wish to extend a warm and hearty welcome again to Dr. Linda Bennett and Dr. Irving Tanzman who will join the team for a second VOSH trip to Armenia and thank them for their continued kindness, love, and attentiveness toward the Armenian people.
It is our sincere wish that they enjoy Armenia’s rich culture and ancient heritage on the homeland of the Armenian people which dates back to Noah. The Armenians have lived under the shadow of Mt. Ararat for centuries and we thank VOSH for giving its people this rare privilege of their time, talents, and substance. We are honored they have chosen our tiny country to bring their gift of vision to the many people who will be blessed not only by their service to us; but by their presence among us.
Amaras Art Alliance welcomes them to Armenia as we invite them to take time to enjoy our museums, food, people, culture, tradition, homes, and hearts. . .
Atchkit Lus, in Armenian is a good luck wish; may there be light in your eyes. Their visit will truly make this happen for our people. . .
In 2005, 1500 people were examined in 7 clinics.
In 2007 we will coordinate 5 clinics in Ushie, Too-too Choor, Eghnadzor, Lernanist, and in Maralyk we will bus in children from Artic, Gyumri, and Talin.
Volunteers and optometrists interested in this trip should contact armeniatrip@yahoo.com