Frequently Asked Questions |
How long does someone typically volunteer? |
The length of your volunteer service is up to you. The EVR will "match" you to volunteer sites according to the length of time you specify. There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities listed in the EVR, ranging from two week missions to one year. The majority of eye care professionals engaged in volunteer activities internationally seek two-week missions.
|
| Who pays for travel expenses? |
There are a variety of organizations and institutions seeking volunteers through the EVR. A few are well funded organizations that organize medical missions and are able to provide financial assistance to volunteers. Some volunteer sites are institutions in economically developing nations that are unable to help with volunteers' expenses. Some organizations fund only long-term volunteers. The most common scenario is a volunteer pays for their own airfare and the host provides on site accommodations, meals, and local transportation. However, final financial arrangements are between the volunteer and organization.
|
| Can family members accompany me on volunteer missions? |
Family members are welcomed on some missions, and not on others. The information you receive on "matched" volunteer sites includes contact information. Contact the organization or institution of interest to you, and ask for details.
|
| I'm still in training and not yet qualified to perform surgery in my country. Can I gain surgical experience through volunteering internationally? |
No. If you can't perform surgery in your own nation, you should not perform surgery in another nation. Medical ethics don't shift when crossing borders. Consider well-organized team missions where you might work under the supervision of a fully-trained and experienced colleague, or use the EVR to survey possibilities for the future when you complete your training and have experience.
|
| I'm looking for permanent employment in another country. Can the EVR help me? |
No. There are no paid, permanent positions for eye care professionals listed in the EVR. Contact the national ophthalmological society in the nation where you are seeking employment for information.
|
| What should I do before I go? |
Volunteers should be aware of and investigate medical regulations in the country of service, visa requirements, health issues and any malpractice insurance concerns.
|
| Where can I find more information? |
| In publications developed by AAO members:
|
