Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Equipment Needed!

The Christian Ophthalmology Society (COS) is organizing a volunteer relief effort to help COS board member Dr. Duranda Ash meet the eyecare needs of her country in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. By God’s grace, Duranda’s office was the only ophthalmology office in Freeport, Bahamas, to survive major damage and she has been in conversation with the Minister of Health to develop an aid plan. He is behind her efforts and is willing to allow those with US medical licenses to be registered much more easily so they can help out quickly.

We would like to find out who is willing and available to help out over the next several months during this time of need — Ideally for one or two weeks (or longer if you can do it).  We will be working to staff both Duranda’s Freeport clinic and her Nassau clinic (where there are many displaced people) with an ophthalmologist and/or an optometrist. Dr. Ash’s staff will serve with the volunteers at both sites.  If you think you might be able to volunteer, please let us know by filling out this form.

Vision Outreach International (VOI) is assisting in coordinating the trips.  You can find most of what you need to know about applying to go on a trip on the VOI webpage called Bahama Blessing.

If you are unable to volunteer, there are some other ways you can help:

• Donate financially.  If you wish to make a financial donation to the Hurricane Dorian relief efforts, please go to this link: http://cosw.org/about-us/donate-now
• Donate equipment.  This is a particularly good time to donate equipment given that the government of the Bahamas is waiving all taxes and fees to bring things into the Bahamas. Equipment that has already been located for donation includes: an OCT machine and potentially a phaco machine (Infiniti). We believe that Duranda needs 2 – 3 lanes of equipment. If you know of someone who can donate equipment, please let them know that all they need to do is get the equipment to Florida near West Palm Beach.  We can arrange for it to be shipped to Bermuda from there.

Please let us know if you have any questions or other ideas by sending an email to info@cosw.org.
Thank you all for your support, concern and prayers.

— COS Board