Optometry and Educational Projects around the world
"A society, in order to live and survive, must be characterized by an overwhelming solidarity, a capacity to understand other peoples situation, a feeling of mutual responsibility and participation. Otherwise, sooner or later, it falls apart to petty egoism. There is never them and we, there is only we. Solidarity is, and must be, indivisible."
Olof Palme, 1969
What is Vision For All (VFA)?
We are a non-profit organization that wishes to awake the interests and consciousness of people in general, and Optometrists/Opticians in Sweden and around the world in particular, on how important and desirable their contribution can be in developing countries. We work with the poor - those in greatest need. These people would never have the possibility to pay for an eye check up let alone afford eyeglasses, so in no way do we compete with the native optometrists there.
We want optometrists to experience a unique 2-3 weeks of intensive work. It is no vacation, only hard work, and simple food and lodgings. Despite this, we can assure them an unforgettable experience.
What does VFA need?
We need:
- Optometrists who can work intensively and free of charge a few weeks in a developing country.
- Volunteers who can actively work collecting the necessary funds via sponsors etc. to finance VFA projects. Help with seeking grants and other financial help.
- Assistance in writing articles before and after a trip to document VFA's work.
Does VFA have any new projects?
We have been asked to return to Perú, Tanzania, Uganda, Guatemala and Nicaragua. We have been contacted by organizations in Vietnam and El Salvador.
What more can one do?
It takes a lot of time and money to plan a successful project. Our greatest need is financial help. We also need to collect used eyeglasses. Invite VFA to your workplace, school, or religious center, to show slides, videofilm, set up a photo exhibition etc. If you are interested in learning Spanish, purchase John J. Godoy's Spanish grammar books: "Una Sola Trinchera", "Caramba 1" and "Caramba 2". 100 % of the profits will go to support future VFA projects.
The contribution of VFA during the past 17 years can be valued at 15.5 million USD!
If you want more information, please contact:
John J. Godoy
Kungsbrovägen 32 A
590 72 Ljungsbro, Sweden
+46 (0)702 - 22 56 70
"Now, more than ever, we wish to thank you for your great contribution from your beautiful country."
Marina Maradiaga P.
Vice-President of the Native American Womens Coop in Sutiaba, "Xochilt Acal" (León, Nicaragua, July, 1996)
"Si me ponen al costado la ciega de nacimiento le diré, bajo, bajito, con la voz llena de polvo: 'Hermana, toma mis ojos'."
"If they lay me at her side of the blind from birth I shall tell her, quiet, quietly with my voice full of dust 'Sister, take my eyes'."
Gabriela Mistral
Chilean, 1889 - 1957, Nobel Prize in Literature, 1945
"With great happiness we received the Optometrist Delegation from Sweden, and thanks to our request, they not only did eye check ups and distributed eyeglasses free of cost, but they also brought along the enormous love and solidarity from the honorable people of Sweden."
Gladys Báez Alvarez
Member of FSLN´s National Directorate (Managua, Nicaragua, July, 1996)
