Jodhpur, India Program Details

Program Overview

Unite For Sight's volunteers work with Dr. Sanjiv Desai of Tarabai Eye Hospital to create a cataract-free zone in Jodhpur.

During the Fall, Winter, and Spring, volunteers work with Dr. Desai and his eye clinic staff to provide screening outreach programs and free cataract surgeries. The goal is to provide a "Cataract Free Zone.'

Unite For Sight's cataract surgery programs with Tarabai Desai Eye Hospital provide sight-restoring surgery to blind patients. Patients are screened in rural villages and brought to the eye hospital for surgery. During a 7-10 day period, approximately 2,500 patients are examined and treated free of cost. Unite For Sight funds the surgeries so that no patient remains blind due to lack of funds.

Who Can Volunteer

The program between the months of September and April (Fall, Winter, Spring) is suitable to anyone 18 years and older who has an interest in international service and health. Volunteers range from gap year students, undergraduate students, and medical students to public health students, public health professionals, nurses, opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, ophthalmology residents, and others.

However, the school screening program each July (Summer) requires that volunteers be medical students, optometry students, optometrists, ophthalmologists, or ophthalmology residents.

What Volunteers Do

Standard Volunteers

During Fall, Winter, and Spring, volunteers work with Dr. Desai's ophthalmic staff to provide screening outreach programs in rural villages. Those requiring surgery receive care by Dr. Desai that is sponsored by Unite For Sight.

During the Summer, the volunteers work with Dr. Desai and his eye clinic staff to implement a vision screening program in schools. The goal of the program is early detection of visual impairment among the pediatric population. Volunteers assist the eye doctors in all aspects of the program, which has the following components:

1. Screening for visual acuity, color vision defects, latent squint/convergence
2. Anterior segment examination for eye diseases
3. Refraction and dispensing of eyeglasses
4. Follow-up care at Tarabai Desai Eye Hospital
5. Eye Health Education
6. Impact assessment

In addition to providing eyeglasses, children are also diagnosed and treated for conditions such as allergic conjunctivitis, traumatic cataracts, and congenital cataracts.

During July 2007, a total of 5,660 children were examined by Unite For Sight's volunteers and the eye doctors of Tarabai Desai Eye Hospital.

Volunteers have an opportunity to observe surgery in the operating theater year-round.

Eye Care Professionals

Ophthalmologists work with Dr. Desai to provide eye care and both Phaco and SICS surgery. Optometrists work with the eye clinic's staff to provide eye care outreach programs in rural villages.

Filmmaker and Photography Volunteers

Unite For Sight filmmaker and photographer volunteers document the voices of patients who receive sight-restoring eye care through Unite For Sight programs. The videos and photos promote awareness and information about global eye care needs and also demonstrate the commitment and dedication of Unite For Sight's local partner eye doctors who work tirelessly to provide eye care to those living in extreme poverty. The opportunity allows students, filmmakers, and photographers an opportunity to learn about development issues while making a significant impact.

Living and Lodging

Volunteers lodge at a local hotel. The lodging expenses are approximately $25 per day, and food expenses can be up to $15/day.

Special Section For Students: Academic Credit and Clinical Rotations

This program is suitable for undergraduate and public health students interested in pursuing an internship for academic credit, as well as for medical and optometry students interested in pursuing a clinical rotation for academic credit. You should consult your academic institution regarding how you can arrange this type of course credit. Unite For Sight will complete necessary paperwork required of your university so that you can receive academic credit. Please read the Academic Credit section of the Unite For Sight website.

Videos, Films, and Narratives About Unite For Sight's Program in Jodhpur