The Volunteer Experience
Training and Immersion Impacts Alumni
Unite For Sight's globally-competent alumni are the change-makers of today. Driven by their idealism and enthusiasm, they can bring innovative ideas and fresh insights to the table, building a better world for all. They embrace diversity of ethnicity, religion, age, gender, culture, cognitive ability, and life experiences. Their important skills include acceptance of and respect for different cultures, an ability for cross-cultural communication, and a comprehensive understanding of global health. They can synthesize academic knowledge from comparative fields and use an interdisciplinary, culturally-appropriate approach when tackling global issues. Equipped with these skills and ethical dispositions, Unite For Sight's alumni are ready to make a difference in the world. 99% of alumni rate their experience as "excellent" or "good" on a scale of "excellent," "good," "satisfactory," and "poor". More than 85% rate their experience as "excellent".
What Our Volunteers Say About Our Ghana Program
"Volunteering with Unite For Sight was the single most rewarding experience of my professional education as a PharmD/MPH student. Unite For Sight teaches students about the importance of developing ethical and sustainable public health interventions through experiential learning, and this volunteer experience has immensely shaped my professional goals as a future pharmacist and public health practitioner. I would highly recommend the Global Impact Fellowship to any student interested in a quality volunteer experience in international health."
— Page Crew
"Volunteering with Unite for Sight was one of the most formative and influential experiences in my life. The 7 weeks spent in Ghana solidified my interest in global health and development and my desire to work in developing countries in the future. During my time in Kumasi and Accra, I participated in outreaches as a volunteer, and I was also able to conduct my own research project that allowed me to interact directly with cataract patients. Participating in research gave me a new perpective on healthcare and exposed me to the difficulties and frustrations associated with the research process. Despite these obstacles, it was extremely satisfying to contribute to the discourse on global healthcare delivery. In addition to the work that I did, I was also able to experience the beautiful and diverse culture of Ghana, from the wildlife at Mole National Park to cooking my own fufu with a local family. More importantly, I was able to interact with some of the warmest and most generous people I have ever met, and to experience a lifestyle that is completely different than my own. I will always remember the wonderful Ghanaian people and the motivated volunteers that made my experience so meaningful."
— Michael Celone
"Unite For Sight’s international voluntary program is one that allows passionate young adults to see the reality of international development, and to open their minds to the possibility of serving the underprivileged while providing them the opportunity to support quality eye care in areas that need their contributions." Read Sueyan's complete narrative at "Volunteering in Ghana: Hands-On Realities to International Development"
— Sueyan Yuen
"I absolutely, positively LOVED my experience with Unite For Sight in Accra, Ghana!!! Just thinking about it makes me want to go back! I traveled at the end of my 4th year at medical school with my dad, Dr. Richard Prince, a practicing ophthalmologist in Pennsylvania. Together and with the wonderful eye staff at the Crystal Eye Clinic in Accra, we examined, refracted, and performed surgeries on hundreds of patients during our stay. Of course, eye care is my passion, but it's even more incredible to bond with the people in Ghana. I still keep in touch with the ophthalmic staff from Ghana to date. It's been a lifelong dream to become an ophthalmologist and work with my dad. Now, nearly completing my residency in ophthalmology, my dreams have broadened, and I look forward to traveling the world with my dad, providing eye care to those in need with UFS. Thank you, Unite For Sight, for providing this amazing opportunity!"
— Dr. Jessica Prince
“The nearly 3 months I spent with Unite For Sight in Ghana were among the most inspirational in my life. The Ghanaian doctors, nurses, and support staff are an incredibly devoted, knowledgeable, and gifted group of healthcare providers and health educators, and the Ghanaian people welcome visitors to their happy, happy homeland with open arms and bright, wide grins.
The Unite For Sight model of pre-departure training combined with on-the-ground volunteer work cannot be beat for anyone interested in ethical global public health and healthcare delivery. What’s more, as a veterinarian (DVM, MPH), I am daily surprised to find myself benefiting from lessons I learned while volunteering with UFS: from cross-cultural interactions in my clinic, to improved health education, to sitting back and appreciating when things run on “GMT” (Ghana Mean Time). I cannot recommend this program more highly."
— Bonnie Price
"It has been two months since I returned from Ghana, though many of my memories are vivid enough to feel as if I only came home yesterday. After this whole experience, I feel as if my desire to become a physician and serve others has increased a thousand fold...I am definitely looking forward to the future and feel more motivated than ever to continue my involvement in global health." Read Maggie's complete narrative at "My Experiences as a Global Impact Fellow in Ghana"
— Maggie Lovett
"The month I spent in Ghana was truly eye-opening and an experience that I will remember for a lifetime. It was remarkable to witness firsthand the number of lives that were changed because of the work of the Crystal Eye Clinic and Charity Eye Center teams. Not only did they provide eye care to those who would otherwise not have access to it, but they were truly passionate about the work that they were doing. I was inspired by the time and dedication that they put into providing eye care and saw the incredible difference that they made in the lives of others. Also, after seeing numerous patients everyday and observing surgeries, my decision to pursue a career in optometry was solidified. I absolutely loved my time in Ghana and hope to return after completing my degree to be able to further aid the clinics."
— Delaram Shirazian
"The UFS experience was unique for me since I was able to accompany my daughter, Lauren. I had been on several missions previously, but never with my daughter. I was superbly impressed with the enormous impact it had on her to understand (and experience first hand) the cause of the world health problems especially in the area of eyesight in the impoverished world. The satisfaction gained from providing simple, economical, advanced and humanistic medical care in African countries cannot be underestimated or taken for granted. I am indelibly touched by the kindness and hospitality and the selfless and humanitarian work of the eye clinic; these are fond memories which are incredibly heartfelt. Also kudos to Dr Clarke."
— Dr. Wilson Ko
"My six weeks in Ghana exposed me to the challenges and rewards of working in a low resource area as a health professional, and my experiences have shaped my activities and goals in medical school. The training I received through Unite For Sight prior to going abroad was incredibly beneficial while I was volunteering and continues to be of value in my current global health endeavors. The clinic staff in Ghana was phenomenal; they welcomed me with open arms, helped me navigate the new cultural terrain, and enthusiastically shared their experiences working at the clinic. In addition, I made lasting friendships with the other volunteers who positively contributed to my learning and experience in Ghana. I highly encourage everyone who is able to volunteer with UFS!"
— Lauren Coogle
"Participating in Unite for Sight Global Impact effort was one of the most incredible and amazing volunteering experiences. There is nothing comparable to being physically in Ghana to experience what the locals do to help their own people. Their positive attitudes and their friendly characters are infectious. You gain greater insight and appreciation to their culture and the many challenges the locals face day to day. I am grateful to have this opportunity to join in this effort."
— Sue Chen
"My experience with Unite For Sight was absolutely profound and I returned from Ghana, forever changed, with memories that will last the rest of my life. Interacting with local patients and healthcare professionals, as well as with other volunteers and Unite For Sight staff, made my experience wonderful and unique. I was able to apply learned skills and face new challenges on a daily basis. I quickly grew to love the country and culture, and enjoyed the fact that I was making a difference and improving people's lives. I learned to understand the role and importance of sustainable healthcare delivery and its mechanisms in the context of eye care in Ghana, as well as the role of effective communication in global public health. I also gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in optometry, eye pathology, and ophthalmic surgery."
— Kevin Welch
"My time spent with Unite For Sight in Ghana was a highly valuable experience and has helped shape my career by enhancing my passion for international eye health. Having never worked in a developing country before, I was able to contrast the eye care delivery with what I had been helping to provide in the UK. I saw the differences and similarities, and areas that we could learn from from Ghana (such as the high volume and turnover in cataract surgeries) as well as how Ghana could learn from us. I saw a diverse range of pathology in Ghana that I had not seen in the UK before, and learned the basic principles of refraction. I also was able to understand the steps of Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS). I was really impressed by the efficiency and transparency of the UFS programme as well as the ethical principles that volunteers abide by. I hope to build upon my time spent in Ghana as a Global Impact Fellow in the years to come. Volunteering as an ophthalmology resident trainee was a fantastic opportunity."
— Dr. Jeremy Hoffman
"Unite For Sight is a uniquely conceived, well-run, and well-executed organization that combines the strength of our first world resources -- fundraising and a pool of well educated, motivated volunteers -- with a self-sustaining, established network of local surgeons and health providers that will continue to grow and enhance the quality of care for a population in need on a global scale." Read Dr. Calvin Eng's full narrative.
— Dr. Calvin Eng
"My Unite For Sight experience as a member of the Global Impact Lab research division was truly inspiring and impressive. Coming in with the strong goal of learning more about vision health through a self-designed research project, I chose UFS under the keen notion that choosing a trustworthy and efficient global health organization was crucial for my learning experience. The UFS staff and partners in Ghana not only supported my mounting research efforts and needs as a student researcher, but also gave me opportunities to experience all and beyond the nuts and bolts of exploring various types of vision health outreach projects outside the clinical settings, while working with the knowledgeable local members shoulder to shoulder between the valleys and over the mountains. Dr. Michael E. Gyasi and his staff were amazing, and they are my lifetime advisors and friends even at this very moment."
— NaYoung Lee
"Working alongside with Unite For Sight was a unique and tremendously rewarding experience. Prior to my trip, I learned many important points regarding different cultures and the ramifications of providing care in Africa through the modules provided by Unite For Sight. I was fortunate enough to share my experience with my daughter (then a junior in college), and together we felt a strong bond in that we were able to improve not only the patient’s sight, but their quality of life. The people of Ghana, Africa were extremely appreciative of our efforts. Upon our return, we both felt a wonderful sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I would recommend volunteering through Unite For Sight for anyone who wants to reach out and help those most in need of care."
— Dr. Gerard D’Aversa
"I remember there was one old lady, who unexpectedly stood up among the other patients to testify about how much Unite For Sight had transformed her life. She had cataracts that were blinding here gradually, and thus made it impossible for her to work to support her family. She had been a beneficiary of Unite For Sight’s program, and had received free surgery that had restored her vision...The Global Health Volunteer program is one you put a lot into, but then you come out feeling that you have gotten so much out of it. This program solidified my interests in delving into the healthcare industry as a career. This to me is an exciting industry, and there is so much to be done. I personally admire the principles and philosophy behind Unite For Sight’s work, that’s why I accepted whole-heartedly to represent them on Princeton University’s campus." Read Daniel's complete narrative at "Reflections on Global Impact Volunteering in Ghana."
— Daniel Yeboah-Kordieh
"My experience volunteering with Unite For Sight was extremely rewarding and fulfilling. The friends I made while in Ghana will always have a special place in my heart. I was able to experience a new and exciting culture and feel that I was personally making an impact in the lives of others. I cannot describe the feeling of traveling to remote villages with glasses and medication, and seeing those very same people having corrective eye surgery the next week! Knowing that I was able to help change those lives forever has really impacted my life choices as well. I thank Unite For Sight not only for helping those in need, but also for providing such a meaningful volunteer experience."
— Jamison Gordon
"Imagine slowing losing vision over time, becoming blind for 10+ years, and then having it totally restored after a 10 minute medical procedure. This miracle happened everyday at the clinic where I volunteered. The more patients I screened, the more sight restoring surgeries I saw, the more involved I became. After grasping the local language (Twi) from daily lessons both self-taught and from locals, I conducted full visual acuity tests in Twi. I then initiated a video project that teaches language requirements for volunteers. I am humbled by the work that the local health care workers perform every day. These outreach programs are very powerful and spark further change. One of the local health care professionals, who is now a friend of mine, became a cataract surgeon, and has now founded a nonproft in his own country of Liberia. I recommend Unite for Sight to everyone thinking of volunteering abroad. Unite for Sight was life changing for me and was one of the most important and influencial experience that I have had."
— Terry Heidt
"As a Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow, I witnessed the tremendous need, demands, and challenges in administering health care to underserved communities. I routinely met people suffering from eye problems that are treatable and even preventable. I was extremely gratified that a simple pair of reading glasses or a quick cataract surgery greatly improved the quality of life for many Ghanaian people. At Charity and Crystal Eye Clinics, I had the opportunity to work with some of the most dedicated, intelligent, caring, and enthusiastic healthcare professionals I have ever met. After driving for hours on bumpy roads and seeing hundreds of people, they left late at night with smiles on their faces and enthusiasm to drive to another remote village the next morning. I am very thankful for my volunteering experience with health care providers in Ghana and witnessing their whole-hearted dedication to helping the underserved."
— Rose Healy
"I had been involved with some eye care missions over the years (with other organizations) in Mexico, Central and South America, but I really didn’t have an appreciation for what is needed to create a sustainable program until my experience with the Unite For Sight Program in Ghana last August. This was truly sustainability in action, as exemplified by the work of North Western Eye Clinic in Accra in conjunction with Unite For Sight. I found the outreaches to be pretty grueling and work intensive, but this is what is required to have a successful program. After seeing 100-200 patients on any given day, and witnessing the cataract surgeries on patients that I had referred, the positive results of this approach were obvious; the barriers to accessing the needed health care had been demonstrably overcome."
— Dr. Brian Hudson
"After volunteering domestically for several years with Unite For Sight, I was fortunate enough to fully experience the organization's impact while volunteering in Ghana. By far the most important thing I discovered is how important people are in making experiences worthwhile and enjoyable, from the community members to the clinic staff to the fellow volunteers. One huge thing I was hoping to learn from volunteering with Unite For Sight is if I wanted to pursue further education in global health or optometry. Although the work with Unite For Sight was based around eye care, it wasn't the type of work I was doing that has helped steer me more toward optometry, but rather just how much I discovered I love working with people."
— Adam VanDeusen
"It was a regular day during a semester filled with biochemistry and other assorted sciences when I sat down at my computer to check my email. My flooded inbox contained many items that I expected to find from professors and friends of mine. There was one message, however, that really grabbed my attention. The Schreyer Honors College was informing their students of an organization called Unite For Sight that battles blindness around the world by partnering with local eye clinics to provide socially responsible global health to some of the world’s poorest countries. At the time, I had no idea that this simple email would change my plans for the summer and, ultimately, the way I view medicine...If you’re planning on working with Unite For Sight, be ready for a little bit of magic to happen. An open mind, some hard work, and the ability to be flexible really can enable you to help make a difference in the world, one set of eyes at a time." Read Erik's complete narrative at "My Experiences as a Global Impact Fellow in Tamale, Ghana"
— Erik Auker
"My summer experience in Ghana allowed me to experience first-hand patient interaction which is essential in my future healthcare training; the global context of this interaction added a unique enhancement to my undergraduate work. Personally, helping individuals in such a way was amazing. I could truly see happiness on their face and it was incredible. My experience in Ghana solidified my desire to continue my course work and ultimately work in the medical field. While working as a volunteer with Unite for Sight, all of my study abroad goals were met and a few more! I made this happen by being very involved while abroad. I was flexible, patient, dependable, and enthusiastic. I immersed myself in the Ghanaian culture and took part in local traditions. This was a wonderful experience that will be of great professional and personal significance as I venture into my future."
— Kacy Wilson
"What a day fortune granted me when, perusing through the vast library of information on the Internet for medical volunteer experiences, the name Unite For Sight popped onto my screen. There was a great deal of other programs I had read about, and it had been a long day of learning as much as possible about international programs, NGOs, and the like, but the seriousness and professional attitude of the program kept me reading on. Very quickly UFS became my reality. It had all the elements I thought to look for, such as actual volunteering instead of medical tourism, far away places, and a seemingly well developed strategy. It also had a lot of elements that I did not think or know to look for, including extensive training, a fellowship, research, a responsive administration, and global health certificates. Unite For Sight certainly is, folks, a complete and wholesome volunteer package. And yes, it will change your life! Be prepared!" Read Arch's complete narrative at "Hot Days and Bright Hearts in Tamale: Reflections on Being a Global Impact Fellow"
— Arch Martin
"Volunteering as an ophthalmologist in Accra, Ghana, was a valuable experience that I would highly recommend. Each day was filled with new and rewarding opportunities. I spent two weeks during May involved in the Unite For Sight program there. A number of the days involved outreach to poorer communities outside of the center of Accra, working along side a local staff optometrist, screening patients in temporary centers set up in churches and other fairly crude but adequate facilities. During the outreach, we interacted with local people, the local volunteers, community organizers and Chiefs, and the patients, who were extremely appreciative of the attention and help. Each day brought us to a different location, screening people with different languages and ethnic backgrounds. We were supported by a number of other Unite For Sight volunteers, mostly college and graduate students interested in healthcare and public health careers. Spending constructive time with these young, motivated student volunteers was also rejuvenating. I planned my own volunteer program so that I overlapped with one of my own sons, a college student working as a medical outreach volunteer, so that we could work together." Read Dr. Jim Patalano's complete narrative at "Reflections by an Ophthalmologist on Volunteering in Ghana"
— Dr. Jim Patalano
"From discussions with Ghanaian ophthalmologist Dr. Wanye, I learned about Ghana’s nationalized health care, how the government health care system pays medical personnel, and the role of public and private care. Through my Unite For Sight internship in Ghana, these additional opportunities to learn about health care fostered a greater foundation for me as I pursue a career in global health...I have gained more confidence in the pursuit of my career goals, and I look forward to future medical work experiences abroad." Read Nicole's complete narrative at "My Experiences as a Global Impact Fellow in Tamale, Ghana"
— Nicole Penwill
"Volunteering with Unite for Sight in Ghana was a life-changing experience. Through this capacity, I learned a great deal about Ghana and about effective global health delivery models relating to eye care, but with the ability to extrapolate to medicine in general. Eye health is a very large concern in many parts of the world, and to be a part of a team aiding those in need was an honor. After being in Ghana, I cannot stress enough the importance of each volunteer's fundraising efforts to treat cataracts. Unite for Sight in an incredible organization, and the opportunity they offer college and medical students is, well, life-changing. I had the time of my life, learned more than I could have imagined, and made very good friends with people whom I would have never otherwise met. To all those thinking about participating in the Global Impact Corps, I strongly encourage you to go for it. You will have an dramatic, positive effect on many people and will have an amazing experience in the process." Read Robert's complete narrative at "Volunteering Abroad in Ghana"
— Robert Rudy
"The three weeks I spent volunteering with Unite For Sight as a Global Impact Fellow in Tamale, Ghana were some of the most interesting and rewarding of my life, combining the opportunity to learn about life in Ghana, a country new to me, experience the challenges of improving global health and do concrete, useful work to help others." Read Sophie's complete narrative at "My Experiences as a Global Impact Fellow in Ghana"
— Sophie Brigstocke
"Explaining in words my feelings for Unite For Sight and the people of Ghana would be an impossible feat. My time spent in Africa has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Above all, meeting the people and learning their culture was the most heart warming aspect of the trip. Just a smile and a wave would have the kids screaming and grown men and women wanting to be your best friend. They truly appreciated us being there and doing our part to help out their communities. I still keep in touch with my friends there today, and I can only hope that someday I will be able to return to meet them. If nothing else, I will surely be working with Unite For Sight again. As a future optometrist, there is nothing more challenging and intellectually stimulating than to be put in that sort of setting. It has prepared me to finish school back in the U.S., and also to begin optometry school with more confidence that this is surely what I am called to do for the rest of my life."
— Emily Arzonico
"At Stanford University, I had studied a great deal about inadequate access to healthcare and the health disparities still existing in the world today; however, such issues did not become real for me until I witnessed the debilitating effects of such problems first-hand in Ghana. My Unite For Sight internship opened my eyes to the work that remains to be done in developing countries, and showed me the importance of establishing sustainable projects that empower individuals to help their local communities long after the volunteers are gone." Read Joyce's "My Experience Volunteering in Tamale, Ghana"
— Joyce Ho
"The dedication of the clinic staff, the ophthalmologists, and Unite For Sight really made me proud as a volunteer to be part of such amazing work. I've shared so many laughs, tears, smiles and more with the wonderful Northwestern and Crystal Eye Clinic teams and accompanying volunteers. It left me wanting more, so I returned a year later, and it was just as exciting and another immense learning experience. What I learned could not be taught, only experienced: the meaning of dedication, the value of human life, and above all, I learned and saw how I dealt with situations totally alien to my experience in practice. I'm so grateful for the chance and insight that I have gained. I learned more about myself than I could have thought. Thank you, I truly left a changed and better person for it. I would recommend volunteering with Unite For Sight. If you're thinking about it, do it, do something amazing and gain from it, like I did. Read Maya's "Reflections on Volunteering Twice in Ghana"
— Dr. Maya Patel
"On an average day of surgery, Dr. Wanye worked nonstop for six hours, seeing 10 patients and operating on 13 eyes with mature cataracts. The procedure itself was twenty minutes and involved using basic tools, many of which I was confident I could find in my medical pharmaceutical lab kit from high school. On one of the outreaches we encountered an eight-year-old girl who was blind. She had been born with bilateral cataracts. In the states, the cataracts would have been removed right after birth, never given the opportunity to mature. Dr. Wanye had to perform surgery for merely forty minutes to give the girl the gift of sight. Without the service and support of Unite For Sight volunteers thousands of Tamale Ghanaians would be suffering from preventable or curable eye conditions." Read Farhana's "The View From Ghana"
— Farhana Begum
"Most of all, I met some of the most incredible people in Ghana. The ophthalmic nurses I worked with and spent much of my free time with regularly had the greatest dedication to the organization: two of the nurses left their family in Liberia to work long hours in Ghana. The other nurse, Dennis, left his job in Great Britain, where he had studied and practiced and his wife is studying, to return to his homeland with his children. It is their dedication to the mission of Unite For Sight that makes the organization so successful in Ghana, and I was honored to work with them." Read Carolyn's complete letter to her funders at Princeton.
— Carolyn Smith-Lin
"With my strong interest in the operation and functioning of clinics abroad, my experience with Unite For Sight has been remarkable. Unite For Sight works very efficiently and effectively at extending eye care to multitudes of patients each week, and serves as a model for other nonprofit organizations by incorporating both idealistic and practical methods to ensure the greatest success." Read Julia's complete narrative at "My Experiences as a Global Impact Fellow in Accra, Ghana"
— Julia Goldberg
"My most precious belongings in my college dorm room are the two paintings of Ghanaian women that I bought in Accra. Each time I see these paintings, I am reminded of the incredibly rewarding and stimulating experience I had in Ghana last summer while volunteering with Unite For Sight as a Global Impact Fellow in Accra and Kumasi." Read Naima's complete narrative: "Reflections on Volunteering Abroad in Ghana".
— Naima Ross
"In contrast to studying public health in an academic setting, Unite for Sight allowed me to gain perspective on the way that public health is actually done in the field. As a result, I became so interested in community health that I went on to work for the Pan American Health Organization on a children's environmental health project at the U.S./Mexico border. I am interested in combining my interests in global health with my background as a scientist in my future work to better understand health disparities and strategies to help communities that most need it. I'm an undergraduate in the chemistry department at Princeton. I plan on applying to either MD or MD/PhD programs after Princeton."
— Atrish Bagchi
"My experience with Unite For Sight ended up being so much more than I expected. I went to Ghana with the intentions of helping others and exposing myself to a lifestyle entirely different than my own. Working with the staff at Crystal Eye Clinic and getting to know the people of Ghana was very eye-opening and rewarding; it was inspiring to see how hard everyone worked, while still balancing a peaceful, laid-back lifestyle. The people of Ghana truly cherish their life, their health, and pray for every day they are given. It was humbling to see, and definitely impacted my outlook on life for the better."
— Nicole Kozeny
"During my time working with Unite For Sight in Ghana, I was inspired by the remarkable efforts of local ophthalmologists and staff to provide both local and remote villagers with access to proper eye care in the form of exams, prescriptions, and free corrective eye surgeries. As a Global Impact Fellow, I had the pleasure and the privilege to work alongside these dedicated professionals on a day-to-day basis." Read Patricia's complete narrative at "Reflections on Volunteering Abroad in Ghana"
— Patricia Mae Santos
"[T]he true gem of the whole experience is the Ghanaian people themselves. I have traveled now to 27 different countries, met all kinds of people, and I can verily attest that Ghanaians are among the warmest, most genuine peoples I have had the pleasure to come across." Read Barron's entire narrative at "Reflections on Global Impact Volunteering in Ghana."
— Barron Heymann
"During my time in Ghana, I worked with three eye clinics in Accra and one eye clinic in Kumasi. The relentless energy, optimism and enthusiasm exhibited by the doctors and their teams were unbelievable and truly awe-inspiring. I have never witnessed such selflessness and commitment to and love for work. I was also very impressed by the integrity of the people that I worked with – some of their personal stories were incredibly moving and explained their professional ardor. Ernest – an optometrist working for the Crystal Eye Clinic in Accra – for instance, won a scholarship to attend one of the best Ghanaian high schools, where he would sometimes go hungry because he spent his money on textbooks instead of food." Read Vera's complete narrative at "Reflections on Volunteering Abroad in Ghana"
— Vera Wunsche
"I am currently a 4th-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine applying to ophthalmology residency programs. It has already been two full years since I volunteered abroad in Ghana as a Global Impact Lab Fellow in Accra, Ghana for two months. So much has happened since that time, and I have benefited tremendously from the knowledge and experience I received from being a Global Impact Fellow in Ghana." Read Andrew's complete narrative at "Reflections on Global Impact Volunteering in Ghana"
— Andrew Francis
"This volunteer experience reaffirmed and enlightened my passion for public health at the global level. By working alongside the dedicated Ghanaian personnel, I was able to witness firsthand how we, as educated public health providers (no matter the origin), can physically repair the gaps in the global healthcare system one patient at a time. The graciousness of the patients and the excitement you see when patients of any age feel more empowered, self-sufficient, and valuable once their health has been addressed and ‘repaired’ is what makes this volunteer experience as irreplaceable to me as it has become. Ghana is place I would recommend anyone to visit – whether an interest in medicine sparks the trip or not – it is a place of such natural beauty, non-stop smiles, unique food, and great sports. By offering an unprecedented approach to global healthcare delivery, Unite For Sight is aiding in Ghana’s growth towards health and prosperity – I could not be happier that I was able to be a part of that!"
— Bridget Meedzan
"The month that I spent in Ghana at Crystal Eye Clinic and Northwestern Clinic had an incredible impact on my goals as an aspiring physician. The doctors, assistants, and volunteers were so dedicated to improving the quality of eye care in their community, and I hope to always exhibit the same dedication in my own career. Having such a life-changing effect on people’s lives and seeing their immense gratitude was inspiring and, as I enter medical school this fall, I hope to continue my involvement in global health. This experience gave me a great foundation for a medical career and I want to promote the same sustainable health care that I saw first-hand with Unite for Sight."
— Danielle Hielfarb
"Volunteering abroad with Unite For Sight is a unique opportunity to serve others and gain experience in the care of patients. As a medical student volunteer, I was able to view a variety of medical and surgical therapies and was also able to conduct research on diabetes and cataracts during my trip to Ghana. My third international medical experience was with Unite For Sight, and I believe that the organization is centered on patient care and cultural competency. They emphasize programs that are self sustaining and that promote the long term well-being of the involved community. I think that there is something for everybody with Unite For Sight, not just medical professionals and students. In my group, we had a variety of volunteers with diverse talents and experiences that our team utilized well, from board certified ophthalmologists to high school students, and each was able to learn from their time in Ghana and contribute in their own way. Trips like the one I took for Ghana are life changing, and while there is a lot of work required to prepare for such an experience, I recommend it strongly to all interested parties."
— Andrew Holcomb
"Unite For Sight provided me with an opportunity to acquire, through direct perception, an understanding of global health practices in a developing part of the world. By participating in outreach programs, I witnessed what was once read from textbooks, beginning day one! Simultaneously, a collaboration was formed to conduct an epidemiological research study. Our topic was carefully chosen from a small yet significant list of REAL life problems from the eye clinic that required needed examination. To this end, we were able to concentrate our efforts into discovering hidden obstacles that were never before observed. Using this revelation, we were able to share this information with clinics in the field so that positive changes would be made in policy and approach, and finally publish - so that other practitioners would learn, and faithfully further its work." Read Daryl's published research at http://ispub.com/IJE/11/1/1588
— Daryl Ramai
"I spent six weeks of the summer working as a Global Impact Fellow in Tamale, Northern Ghana, where I volunteered at outreach programs and clinics across twenty-three different villages, four hospitals and at least five districts. This experience was so immersive and insightful that it spanned from tackling the eye health of local communities to delving deep into the heart of the local culture and its influence on health care provision." Read Samuel's complete narrative at "Memories from Tamale, A Life-Changing Experience"
— Samuel Kitara
"Your exposure and learning on the Global Impact Corps Fellowship is not limited to the day-to-day operations of the diagnostic, pharmaceutical, and surgical care you help to provide. In fact, the experience broadens very quickly-- almost from the first moment you arrive-- to present you with a raft of social and environmental determinants that affect the sight of our patients long before Unite For Sight can intervene. Learning to use these determinants to inform our team's clinical interventions was truly beneficial for me as an aspiring physician--- I can only hope to bring that holistic way of thinking to my future patients years down the road."
— Jordan Stone
"Even with the elevated poverty rate in many areas of the country, Ghanaians are among the happiest and friendliest people I have ever experienced. The amount of gratification from the villagers was more than I could have ever expected, and it was sometimes difficult to not become emotional. I am confident that the 500 glasses I donated have been efficiently put to use by those that needed them the most. I will never forget the optimistic attitudes of the people in the villages, as they have inspired me to be more thankful for each day that passes. Although my time in Ghana was short, it was an absolutely unforgettable experience." Read Kayla's complete narrative at "Reflections on Volunteering Abroad in Ghana"
— Kayla Dmytruk
"My Unite for Sight experience was extremely unique and unforgettable. I learned a lot about life in Ghana by working directly with local staff and patients, eating Ghanaian foods, learning the Azonto dance, and just by living in Ghana for a few weeks. While at the clinic, Dr. Baah and his family could not have been more welcoming. They ensured that we felt right at home, and we were treated with a lot of respect. By traveling into the rural areas of Ghana I was able to see first hand the impact of Unite For Sight on improving the lives of many people. On the bus ride back to Hohoe, the faces of the people who underwent surgery are something that I will never forget. The gratitude and happiness were overwhelming. This experience furthered my understanding of global health, and my desire to provide health resources to those who do not have the same access as we do."
— Carly Diamond
"Although I was only in Ghana two months, I felt like a part of the Unite For Sight community by the end of my stay. The fact that the daily outreaches typically set up on a monthly rotation continue year round with or without the flood of summer volunteers was astounding to me...Although my time in Ghana was ultimately short and my individual impact small, being a part of Unite For Sight is long term, and the experience is one I would not trade." Read Abbie's complete narrative at "Reflections on Global Impact Volunteering in Ghana."
— Abbie Naus
"When I first volunteered with Unite For Sight, I went with my dad. His uncle, my grandmother's brother, had passed away not long ago. He was a history professor, learned in the Netherlands, before he lost his eyes in the last ten years of his life. It was in homage to him that we made our trip to Ghana. I remember how Dr. Kyei had my dad sit next to him while he treated patients. I won't ever forget how my dad got up and led me over to his side behind the curtains. "I want you to see this." I sat down quietly in front of a man not yet forty years old who was all but blind in both eyes and struggled to catch what light he could from the sides, turning his head to try to see the man speaking to him. If he had sought treatment only a few years earlier, he would have saved his now doomed photoreceptors. 80% of blindness is preventable, but it struck me now as more than a figure. I might speak of wonderful times in Ghana, but they do say that hindsight is always 20/20. And that is why this most painful memory of this patient is the one I keep, because it is the most honest, the most urgent, and cruel though it may seem, the most enlightening."
— Omar Mahmood
"The unparalleled experience with Unite for Sight in Ghana provided me with a deeper understanding of how medicine and public health are inextricably linked. I hope to incorporate the tools and knowledge I garnered through this volunteer opportunity as a future healthcare provider."
— Taygan Yilmaz
"My Unite for Sight experience was extremely unique and unforgettable. I learned a lot about life in Ghana by working directly with local staff and patients, eating Ghanaian foods, learning the Azonto dance, and just by living in Ghana for a few weeks. While at the clinic, Dr. Baah and his family could not have been more welcoming. They ensured that we felt right at home, and we were treated with a lot of respect. By traveling into the rural areas of Ghana I was able to see first hand the impact of Unite For Sight on improving the lives of many people. On the bus ride back to Hohoe, the faces of the people who underwent surgery are something that I will never forget. The gratitude and happiness were overwhelming. This experience furthered my understanding of global health, and my desire to provide health resources to those who do not have the same access as we do."
— Carly Diamond
"Although I was only in Ghana two months, I felt like a part of the Unite For Sight community by the end of my stay. The fact that the daily outreaches typically set up on a monthly rotation continue year round with or without the flood of summer volunteers was astounding to me...Although my time in Ghana was ultimately short and my individual impact small, being a part of Unite For Sight is long term, and the experience is one I would not trade." Read Abbie's complete narrative at "Reflections on Global Impact Volunteering in Ghana."
— Abbie Naus
"When I first volunteered with Unite For Sight, I went with my dad. His uncle, my grandmother's brother, had passed away not long ago. He was a history professor, learned in the Netherlands, before he lost his eyes in the last ten years of his life. It was in homage to him that we made our trip to Ghana. I remember how Dr. Kyei had my dad sit next to him while he treated patients. I won't ever forget how my dad got up and led me over to his side behind the curtains. "I want you to see this." I sat down quietly in front of a man not yet forty years old who was all but blind in both eyes and struggled to catch what light he could from the sides, turning his head to try to see the man speaking to him. If he had sought treatment only a few years earlier, he would have saved his now doomed photoreceptors. 80% of blindness is preventable, but it struck me now as more than a figure. I might speak of wonderful times in Ghana, but they do say that hindsight is always 20/20. And that is why this most painful memory of this patient is the one I keep, because it is the most honest, the most urgent, and cruel though it may seem, the most enlightening."
— Omar Mahmood
"The unparalleled experience with Unite for Sight in Ghana provided me with a deeper understanding of how medicine and public health are inextricably linked. I hope to incorporate the tools and knowledge I garnered through this volunteer opportunity as a future healthcare provider."
— Taygan Yilmaz