Vision Aid Overseas projects are staffed and run by optical professionals – volunteers who take time out of their workplaces to travel to the developing world and provide the skills required to test eyes and dispense spectacles. Optical professionals are therefore key to the work of Vision Aid Overseas and we are keen for their support and participation.

Are you a fully qualified optical professional?

If the answer is yes then you are eligible for selection for a Vision Aid Overseas project. To qualify for a project you must:

1. Become a Vision Aid Overseas member

We only send members on overseas projects and you must be a member to be on our Overseas Project volunteer list.

2. Attend a Vision Aid Overseas training day

Our training day gives you the opportunity to decide whether you are suited to a overseas project with VAO. The day consists of short sessions about the history of VAO, our work, health and safety in the developing world and uncommon eye conditions you may need to deal with in the developing world. Training is free and usually takes place at the Dollond & Aitchison training centre in Aston Cross Birmingham.

Our next training session:

19th October 2008

3. Register for the Overseas Project volunteer list

Once you have attended training, and your membership is up to date, you can register for the Overseas Project volunteer list. Team leaders will be able to contact you to discuss future projects and your involvement.

FAQ’s

1. I am a student of optometry or pre registration, do I qualify for a project?

Unfortunately Vision Aid Overseas can not send unqualified optometrists on our projects to work as an optometrist. As we are a small organisation this probably means that you do not qualify for an overseas project, unless:

a. You are a qualified DO. Yes you are eligible for a project but you may find it difficult to fit a project around your academic calendar. Most of our projects are run in the Spring time and Autumn as this is when our team leaders and professionals can easily take time away from their work. You will not be able to practice optometry.

b. You are awarded a Vision Aid Overseas bursary from the Irvine Aitchison Memorial Fund. The Irvine Aitchison Memorial Fund provides a bursary to send students on a Vision Aid Overseas project. The students will accompany a team and be expected to assist in a number of ways including assisting the DO’s and optometrists and ancillary operations.

2. How long does it take to get on a Vision Aid Overseas project?

The time it takes to get on a project can vary but you can make an impact by being proactive! The numbers we can send each year are limited to the number of projects we can do – but as the charity expands these will necessarily increase.

3. How much does a project cost?

All project volunteers make a donation of £600 towards the cost of their project.