SOSH Mission Trip to Haiti 2016

Student Optometric Services to Humanity (SOSH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing vision care services to those living in underdeveloped countries deprived of access to medical care. SOSH was founded at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) in 1969 by student Algernon Phillips, who organized the first mission trip in 1968.  Each year since then, Salus/PCO students and doctors participate in this yearly trip, bringing much needed medical eye care services to individuals living in poverty. Since the initial trip, SOSH can be found in every school of optometry in North America, bringing vision care services and eyeglasses to those in need.

This month, 16 students and two doctors from Salus/PCO traveled to Haiti where they examined around 1,200 patients in the Cap-Haitien area over the course four days, providing glasses, sunglasses, and medications when necessary. During clinic “brigade” days, patients were examined at multiple stations including visual acuities, refraction, handheld slit lamp exam, posterior segment, I-care pressure check, and optical. “We had the opportunity to evaluate a multitude of vision issues, and referred many candidates for cataract extraction and glaucoma surgery to a local ophthalmologist who agreed to do a number of pro bono procedures,” said SOSH past president Lydia Theil ‘18OD.

Students enjoyed two R&R days, in which they explored The Citadelle Laferrier, and spent time unwinding at Caramel Beach. Leisure days allow the students to recharge and gain knowledge on Haiti’s history prior to examining additional patients the following days. “Mission trips are such an eye opening experience, and I’m amazed and proud at how fantastic Salus students conducted themselves,” said Bhawan Minhas, director of On-Campus Residency Programs. “They provided care with smiles on their faces and gratitude in their hearts. I love what I do, and to see our students find a new passion makes me love it even more.”

In order to make the trip a reality, SOSH officers hold fundraisers, including bake sales and carwashes, and solicit donations of equipment, supplies, lenses, frames, and eyeglasses for the year leading up to the mission. Students are in charge of cleaning the donated eyeglasses, and identifying and tagging prescription strengths. “The SOSH mission trip is an amazing opportunity to help so many individuals who would otherwise not receive the proper care they need,” said Theil. “Everyone is so appreciative of the care we provide, and countless patients left the clinic with the biggest smile on their faces, finally being able to appreciate the world around them.”