Does IEF use volunteers for its programs?
IEF often uses local volunteers from the communities where our programs are conducted. Community health workers, village leaders, community members, and school teachers receive training in primary eye care and disease prevention to support and supplement the work of our staff. Local activities for volunteers include: • Basic vision screening • Dispensing Mectizan® tablets for onchocerciasis • Dispensing vitamin A capsules for children • Basic nutrition education • HIV/AIDS prevention education Due to the nature of IEF’s programs, we do not use short-term volunteers. We employ local ophthalmologists, nurses, physicians, and public health specialists within the countries where we work. IEF’s Society of Eye Surgeons and partners help when there is a specific need for a sub-specialist ophthalmologist, epidemiologist, or public health expert. For volunteer opportunities, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Volunteer Registry online.
