Description

* 45 million people in India are visually impaired
* There are 12 million blind people in India
* 1 in 3 of three of the world's blind is Indian
* 80% of the blindness in India is either curable or avoidable

As these figures suggest, blindness and other visual impairments are significant challenges in modern India. However, healthcare services for the visually impaired are overwhelmingly located in urban cities while a majority of the population lives in rural areas. Despite these grim statistics, there are organizations working to bring eyecare to the individuals and communities most in need.

Through CFHI's Sight for All Program, you can join one such organization in their effort to reduce preventable visual handicaps. Unlike other programs offered by CFHI, this program is based out of one organization where students will rotate through the various departments and activities.

Located in Delhi, VENU Eye Institute and Research Centre is a non-governmental organization with a mission to bring quality eyecare to the doorstep of the visually-afflicted, the majority of whom live below the poverty line in urban slums and rural areas of India. VENU has been in operation for over 25 years, working to make some of the most sophisticated diagnostic and surgical facilities available to victims of curable or preventable causes of blindness.

Through VENU, participants will be exposed to primary mobile eye care clinics, observe ophthalmic procedures in the operating theater, and participate in advanced level classes at the institute. Participants will also have the opportunity to observe and participate in VENU's Community Based Rehabilitation program, which includes trainings for community level field workers at satellite hospitals in surrounding villages.

Highlights

Clinical Rotations
CFHI's rotations are designed to offer you clinical and public health experience relevant to your level of education. The program includes the following educational aspects:

* Pre-trip orientation materials & web conference opportunities
* Orientation upon arrival, including cultural adjustment exercises
* Scheduled meetings with Medical Director and Local Coordinator
* Public Health and/or Clinical rotations Monday-Friday, working with a local physician or professional who has opted to participate in CFHI as a teaching preceptor
* Information sessions that highlight the health care system in that country, common cases you will encounter and other site-specific information
* Post-trip debrief materials & other on-going alumni activities/services

Qualifications

This program is open to participants who are 20 or over at the time of participation.We accept students of all nationalities with interest in international health and relevant educational background. Participants may be any of the following:
* Ophthalmology Students
* Medical Residents, MD & DO
* Medical Students, MD & DO 1-2
* Medical Students, MD & DO 3-4
* Pre-Medical Students
* Post-bacc pre-medical students
* Gap year pre-medical students
* Graduate nursing students
* Nursing Students
* MPH Students
* pre-MPH Students
* Physicians Assistants Students
* Naturopathic students

If you do not fit into one of these categories, please contact us to see if you would be eligible to apply.

Intern Types

• Health Sciences
• Medicine
• Nursing

Languages

• English

Subject Areas

• Health Sciences
• Internship Programs
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Optometry And Vision Sciences
• Public Health

Cost in US$:

Approx. 2,500 for 4 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

20 and over

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

as available-- see CFHI website.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Child Family Health International's Mission Statement

Child Family Health International (CFHI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that conducts socially responsible global health service-learning programs for medical, pre-medical, nursing, PA, MPH, and other health science students. CFHI's 20+ programs in 5 countries connect students with local health professionals -transforming perspectives about self, global health and healing. CFHI supports local communities worldwide through these global health education programs, medical supply donations, as well as other community initiatives. CFHI is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the ECOSOC of the United Nations.

Year Founded

1992