Haiti Optometry Students Answer Call to Help Mobile Clinic

In 2013, Optometry Giving Sight (OGS), Université de Montréal, the State University of Haiti, and the Brien Holden Foundation established a consortium that began work on establishing an optometry school at the university. Despite significant political turmoil and other challenges, the school continues to train students to expand the optometry profession in the country and provide desperately needed vision care to the estimated 1 million-plus individuals in the country who suffer from blindness or vision impairment.*

This article originally appeared as a LinkedIn post and is shared here with the permission of its creator, optometry student Jean Francois Erickson. The numbers shown after each student’s name indicate that student’s year in the optometry program.

Optometry Giving Sight applauds Mr. Erickson and his fellow students for their perseverance and commitment to the optometry profession and for undertaking this valuable outreach initiative.

Image of Haitian optometry students in a group smiling.In a context marked by trying situations for the population, a Haitian association known by the acronym AHDH (Haitian Association for Human Development) operating from the United States has launched an appeal, a request for volunteering for a mobile eye clinic. A group of optometry students from the School of Optometry of the State University of Haiti responded to this request. From November 18 to 23, 2024, there were 5 of them: Kimberly Alexandre O5, Leandro Thezard O4, James Hugson Luxana O4, Romekyle Georges O3, Jensen Petidor O3. With the organisation’s professionals understaffed following the halt of flights at the country’s main airport, they faced new challenges.

This initiative, which is made possible thanks to a partnership between AHDH and a local organization, CODEVA (Coude-à-coude pour le Développement Valléen), responded to a growing urgency: to offer eye care to an often neglected population. The inhabitants of the valley at St. Joseph’s Hospital receive this care only in this kind of extraordinary case. This has greatly testified to the need for care of all kinds in this locality, one among many.

Photo of a Haitian optometry student examining a woman's eyesWith a patient-centered approach, 228 received appropriate care, including more than sixty glaucomatous patients, 4 for laser procedures, 14 patients for cataract surgeries, cases of conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, chalazion, retinopathy and problems related to eye trauma and serious infections, often not treated due to lack of local resources. Each consultation included a vision exam, an eye health assessment, and recommendations for follow-up. For complex cases, referrals to specialists have been arranged. More than 200 corrective glasses were donated as well as eye drops and other medicines free of charge. Several individuals, including glaucoma sufferers, testify that they have not received this appropriate care for semesters or even years. This has led to complications especially in those requiring regular eye follow-ups.

It was an exceptional experience for these young shoots carrying hope and already making the pride of the Pearl. This experience underscores the critical importance of increasing the number of mobile clinics to serve remote areas of Haiti. This mission proved that with determination and solidarity, it is possible to make a tangible difference in the lives of communities. The School of Optometry’s Student Committee salutes the commitment of these young professionals and organizations while reiterating its thanks to the international and national communities on behalf of the school. They continue to work tirelessly for quality eye care in Haiti.

Erickson JEAN FRANCOIS
President of the Student Committee of the UEH School of Optometry

*From https://www.iapb.org/learn/vision-atlas/magnitude-and-projections/countries/haiti/