A Sundre optometrist was part of a recent initiative to provide eye exams and glasses to students in the Philippines.
"We provided care to different schools,î said Tanya Sitter, 37, adding most of the recipients were children.
The group left for about two weeks in November and mainly worked in Manila as well as the surrounding area. The project was the culmination of a collaborative partnership between Canadian Vision Care and the Special Philippine Eye Care Solutions (SPECS) Foundation, a Filipino based charity founded by Andronica Roma, a businesswoman who organized the conversion of two old train cars into an eye clinic.
The Eye Train, as it is called, also provides an opportunity for Filipino optometry students to practice their trade. The clinic is largely funded so people who otherwise could not afford to cover the costs can get an eye exam, said Sitter.
"Everyone who works there is a volunteer.î
One day was spent working at the Eye Train clinic, as well as several other visits to a special education school for children with multiple disabilities, a school for the deaf and a regular elementary school.
Sitter and other volunteers also mentored Filipino optometry students.
"We actually provided full exams to the kids and we helped instruct optometry students as well.î
Frames from glasses donated by Canadians and Filipinos were made available to students who needed a pair, and the lenses were made in a Filipino lab. The costs of the lenses were covered by the SPECS Foundation, said Sitter, adding the children should all have their new glasses by now.
Sitter and the volunteers who went to the Philippines had to cover their own airfare, but Canadian Vision Care subsidized their costs during their stay.
"It was really good,î she said about the trip.
"This is probably my sixth or so trip like this and it's always a learning experience.î
Other places she's visited for similar trips include Africa, Tanzania, Guatemala, Mexico, Kathmandu and Nepal. Such experiences always help a person to appreciate everything that's available back at home, she said.
"It's often taken for granted in Canada the things we do have.î
The trips also provide a unique and valuable opportunity to meet local people and see places most tourists wouldn't otherwise get a chance to see, she said.
But as much as she enjoys the opportunities, it's not about going off on a relaxing vacation.
"You're out of your element.î
Communication can sometimes be a challenge, but everyone on this trip spoke English. Also, the quality of equipment and technology generally doesn't compare to what's available back home, which can complicate matters in terms of surgical care.
"If they need ongoing care or surgical care, it's more challenging.î
But for the most part, the children checked on this trip mostly just needed glasses. Helping people who otherwise wouldn't be able to see clearly get a pair of glasses is its own reward. On some of the missions, the volunteers get to be there when the people they helped get their glasses.
"Not this time, which was too bad ó it's always good to see people get their glasses.î
People are very grateful for the care they receive on these missions, she said, adding she has every intention to continue efforts to bring vision care to people in need.
"I'll never stop volunteering.î
