MEDICS works with volunteers and volunteer organizations to collect, clean, screen, sort, and deliver eye glasses to those individuals who don't have access to visual health services. This program is cost-effective in using a usable commodity which would likely be thrown in the trash or forgotten in a dresser drawer. Utilizing volunteers gives those individuals and their organization a sense of real and definable accomplishment. Each mobile clinic sent overseas by MEDICS International includes a minimum of 5,000 pairs of eye glasses. Thereafter, they are re-stocked with glasses carried by short-term mission teams. MEDICS International's mobile clinics are equipped with auto-refractors, which allow medical teams to fit up to 200 adults and children daily. Ideally, we prefer to include an Auto-Lensometer, which allows accurate neutralizing (reading lens prescription) of used glasses. MEDICS International's Sight Program can be thought of as a three-legged stool with each leg integral to the stability and usability of the stool. (While this program focuses on visual needs, the same concept is adaptable for a variety of physical, social, and spiritual needs which affect a community.) MEDICS International works with U.S.-based churches and organizations to develop a view of their needs and the resources available within their community (Local View).   How to identify needs of local high-risk, low-access populations   How to organize community-wide projects which focus on vision   How to network with secular and faith-based ministries for points of service   How hands on experience for volunteers in meeting needs of others transforms the volunteers   MEDICS International works with U.S.-based churches and organizations as they develop a Worldwide View of developing countries and their cultures.   How to identify needs in the developing world   How to organize effective outreach for vision and health development programs   How to meet needs in a manner that is constructive toward long-term self-reliance as individuals, families, communities, and nations   Provide hands on experience as a part of a global short-term overseas mission   MEDICS International works with international churches and mission agencies within developing countries to develop a Local View of needs and available resources.   How to develop local community health education (CHE) committees to provide ongoing community education on vision and other health issues   How meeting physical needs is loving our neighbor and building a bridge to their hearts   How to mobilize resources (local, regional and national) for the purpose of community health and development If you or your organization would be interested in volunteering or donating (supplies, equipment, pharmaceuticals, or finances), please contact Dr. Bob Rosser, Director of Sustainable Development, (918) 258-1155 or bob@medicsintl.org. MEDICS is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt Christian ministry.     © Copyright 2005 by MEDICS Internaitonal Care, Inc.