Kansas VOSH

Dr. Marks on VOSH trip to LaPaz, Bolivia in 1999

Through the efforts of Hillsboro, Kansas optometrist, Dr. Franklin Harms, Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) was founded in 1972. VOSH was the first vision care project in the United States to direct state volunteer professionals to all areas of the world. Although initially created under the auspices of the Kansas Optometric Association and the Kansas Optometric Foundation in cooperation with the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation, VOSH is now an international organization. Kansas VOSH has utilized volunteer Kansas professionals to bring vision care services to every Central American country, as well as countries in South America and islands in the Caribbean.

Generally a VOSH team will include five to seven optometrists who examine eyes and treat diseases as well as provide visual correction. Other team members include five to six optometric assistants and optical dispensers. Some trips include an opthalmologist who performs surgery. All volunteers pay their own travel and living expenses. Local Lions Clubs throughout Kansas have been instrumental in providing funding as well as collecting of lenses and frames.

Kansas VOSH publishes notices about upcoming trips in the "Light Rays" along with details on how to volunteer. During the KOA Convention, informational meetings are scheduled for those interested in getting involved.