Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity

UAB School of Optometry’s Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) members bring vision screenings, full eye exams and prescription lenses to those in need. As students serve at local events and clinics, they are also earning points toward selection, and financial assistance, toward an international service opportunity. The 2026 trip is planned for August to Kuna Nega outside of Panama City, Panama. Plans are in the works to provide full eye exams and glasses in one of the more rural areas of the country. Funds raised by the SVOSH team and from philanthropic donors help with students’ travel expenses and living expenses on international trips as well as travel assistance for those in remote areas traveling to the vision care site. Travel costs to the international site and lodging while in country are about $2,000 per student.

For a full list of UAB Giving Days projects, click here.