Volunteering in Malawi - Optometry

Hey everyone, my name is Dhavina and I am currently in my second year of studying Optometry at Cardiff University. I have been selected, alongside 9 other optometry students, to travel around rural villages in Malawi to perform free sight tests in summer 2024. We will be conducting eye tests, providing glasses, referring those to hospital who need it and also provide essentials (e.g., clothing and medication) for those who are not privileged enough to access it.

We will be based in the rural areas of Blantyre where we will be testing as many people as possible, especially children in orphanages. Your donations will help fund our trip by providing spectacles, equipment and resources for the eye hospitals out there, fund cataract surgeries as well as other medications and treatments for the patients.

There are only 34 optometrists supporting a population of approximately 19 million. This lack of support in eyecare has resulted in many affected from participating in doing day-to-day tasks and activities. Helping these individuals will improve their quality of life as well as opening doors to improved education, more employment opportunities and simply a better life by simple a pair of glasses.

We are also looking for any old glasses that you no longer need and can help someone else. Please let me know if you have any glasses, sunglasses, sun hats, or toys that you wish to donate.

Any contribution, will go towards making someone's day brighter. Join us in making a meaningful impact to bringing clear vision for those who need it most!