The VHI Story

• Every 5 seconds someone in the World goes blind.
• One child loses their sight each minute of every day.
• 45,000,000 people in the World are blind.
• 25,000,000 adults and children are blind due to cataracts.
• 80% of adults and children with cataracts live in under-developed nations.
• 80% of the World’s blindness is treatable with proper medical care.
• There is much work to be done!

Even the most basic vision care is out of reach for most in rural Latin America, where there is perhaps one ophthalmologist for every 350,000 people, and where unemployment, lack of insurance, malnutrition, and the burden of poverty compound an already serious medical problem.

Ophthalmologist, Rodney E. Abernathy, MD, recognized the need for accessible and affordable vision health services in the developing countries of Latin America. As a tribute to his memory and his pioneering work Vision Health International (VHI) was founded in 1985 with a mission that rings current and true to this day.

The mission of VHI is to improve the vision health of medically underserved people in developing countries by providing free-of-charge professional surgical, medical, and educational services at the invitation of the host country. In addition to providing direct patient care, an integral part of our mission is the capacity building of local medical personnel and the transfer of technology to the medical communities of the countries served. Educational activities include direct training of medical personnel in the latest surgical techniques, pre- and post-operative care, specialized oculoplastic instruction, and patient exams. The transfer of technology is accomplished through the donation of surplus surgical supplies and equipment to local medical professionals to allow for continuity of care.

Since its founding, VHI volunteer medical teams have provided over 15,000 eye exams, dispensed over 13,000 pairs of eyeglasses, and performed over 3,000 sight-restoring surgical procedures in the following countries.

Costa Rica
The Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua
Peru
Poland

After 28 missions with VHI I can say, with great satisfaction, that our work has made a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of people. My work with VHI affirms—both personally and professionally—my decision to go to medical school. Rick Whitten, MD, Fresno, California

Delivery of Care

Physicians, nurses, technicians and other volunteers donate their time, talent, and resources on each VHI trip. VHI participants pay their airfare and a portion of in-country costs for meals and lodging. The host country provides in-country transportation and meals at the project site. Diagnostic instruments, surgical equipment, eyeglasses, and surgical supplies are made available through the generosity of private donors. VHI receives no government funding for its operations.

Critical to the success of VHI’s efforts are the collaborative relationships with government agencies and the health and vision care professionals in each of the host countries we visit. All services are performed in local facilities with the assistance of local personnel. Return trips to many program locations extends the delivery of vision care in the region and helps build long lasting relationships with local professionals and patients

For me, VHI brings into focus why I chose nursing as a career. I realize that with even modest resources we can accomplish a great deal for the people we see. On just one trip and in just one week’s time many, many lives are profoundly changed for the better.
     Nancy Burns, RN, Milwaukee, Wisconsin