New Delhi, India Program Details
Program Overview
Unite For Sight's volunteers work with the Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital , where they have a Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Department of Vision Rehabilitation and Enhancement, General Ophthalmology, Cornea, Glaucoma, Occuloplasty, Vitreo-Retina, and OT. The volunteers help the eye doctors at the eye camps, observe in the OPD and OD, and assist in developing patient education literature.
Who Can Volunteer
This program requires at least one year completed in medical school, optometry school, nursing school, or public health school. Since this program has an academic focus in the context of international health care, this program is especially suitable for medical and optometry students interested in a clinical elective for academic credit through their home university. Filmmakers and photographers may also participate.
Clinical Rotations, Academic Credit, and Research
This program is especially suitable 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 paper work required of your university so that you can receive academic credit. This program is also especially suitable for medical students, optometry students, and public health students interested in pursuing a research project, which requires that the student have a faculty mentor at their home institution as well as IRB approval.
What Volunteers Do
Medical Students, Optometry Students, Public Health Students, Nursing Students
The New Delhi program is unique among Unite For Sight program sites in that it is a practicum experience for medical students, optometry students, public health students, community medicine students, and nursing students. Students spend 2-4 weeks at the eye clinic to build practical experience in clinical work. Students gain intensive hands-on exposure in their area of specialization, and they may also pursue small projects connected to their interests. Students participate in wet labs, attend lectures, observe and learn from the ophthalmologists and optometrists, and observe surgeries.
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
The cost of living in Delhi is approximately $15/day for an air conditioned shared double room that is located approximately 5 minutes from the eye clinic. Lodging alone in a room is double the cost. Cost of food is extra.
Special Section For Students: Academic Credit, Clinical Rotations, and Research
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.
This program is also appropriate for undergraduate students, medical students, optometry students, and public health students who would like to pursue a research project, which requires that the student have a faculty mentor at their home institution as well as IRB approval. Those interested in research should read the Entrepreneurial Volunteering section of the Unite For Sight website.
Video Presentations, Films, and Narratives About Unite For Sight's Program in New Delhi
CNN Feature: Volunteering in New Delhi, India
West Virginia Medical Journal Guest Editorial: Unite For Sight in India (PDF)
6 Narratives By New Delhi Alumni Volunteers
New Delhi Photo Album By Duke Medical Student Ninita Brown
Rosh and Roshan Sethi Speak About Volunteering in New Delhi
Film About Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital
