Dhenkanal, India Program Details
Program Overview
Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellows work with the Kalinga Eye Hospital at the eye clinic and in rural village outreach programs. Kalinga Eye Hospital & Research Centre is located in Dhenkanal, in the Indian state of Orissa. Kalinga Eye Hospital and Research Centre is an independent unit of NYSASDRI, Orissa's leading NGO that also organizes several other public health initiatives in the area. Kalinga Eye Hospital provides ophthalmic services in 7 districts of central Orissa, covering a population of approximately .7 million. In addition to providing regular ophthamic services, the eye clinic conducts surgeries, organizes outreach screening camps in rural areas, conducts screening camps for school children, and implements programs for early detection and prevention of eye disease and training to village teachers, workers, and volunteers.
During their stay, Global Impact Fellows assist hospital staff and doctors in rural villages. They also spend extensive time at the eye clinic and learn about eye disease by observing the eye clinic's doctors. Global Impact Fellows observe eye exams, treatment, and surgeries. Fellows have an option to work five, six, or seven days per week.
Educational Opportunities
This program is unique in that Global Impact Fellows also assist Kalinga Eye Hospital with management projects. Unite For Sight works with each Global Impact Fellow to determine what skills, talents, and expertise they can bring to a project at Kalinga Eye Hospital. Past projects have included grant writing, report research and writing, writing case studies, marketing research, film and photo projects, and similar support activities that are important to the eye clinic's long-term sustainable operations. Participating on these special projects provides Global Impact Fellows with an immersive understanding about sustanable eye care and NGO management in India.
Who Can Be A Global Impact Fellow
This program is suitable to anyone 18 years and older who has an interest in international service and health. Fellows range from gap year students, undergraduate students, and medical students to public health students, public health professionals, nurses, educators, opticians, optometrists, and others.
What Global Impact Fellows Do
Standard Global Impact Fellows
Global Impact Fellows participate in village outreach programs that provide care to patients living in extreme poverty. The outreaches occur 2-3 days per week and are located approximately 1-4 hours from the eye clinic. A Kalinga Eye Hospital doctor, as well as a medical assistant, nurses, and a financial manager travel together with the Global Impact Fellows to the villages. The outreaches run about 4 hours, during which time the doctor sees the patients with acute eye problems while the medical assistant prepares cataract patients for surgery. These patients are brought to the hospital to spend the night before their surgery the next day. Global Impact Fellows have the opportunity to observe cataract surgeries at the clinic, observe the eye doctors provide eye exams, and they also assist with preoperative and postoperative surgery patients.
Global Impact Fellows also develop their own project or program to assist Kalinga Eye Hospital. Unite For Sight works with Dhenkanal Global Impact Fellows to design and develop a plan in which they can use their skills, expertise, and talents to best support Kalinga Eye Hospital's work. Past projects have included grant writing, report research and writing, writing case studies, marketing research, film and photo projects, and other projects that help to expand and enhance the work of Kalinga Eye Hospital.
Filmmaker and Photography Volunteers
Unite For Sight filmmaker and photographer volunteers document the voices of patients who receive sight-restoring eye care through Unite For Sight programs. The videos and photos promote awareness and information about global eye care needs and also demonstrate the commitment and dedication of Unite For Sight's local partner eye doctors who work tirelessly to provide eye care to those living in extreme poverty. The opportunity allows students, filmmakers, and photographers an opportunity to learn about development issues while making a significant impact.
Living and Lodging Expenses
The lodging, living, and transport expenses to and from the airport are $200 for a 15-day period, and $300 for a 30-day period. Lodging is provided in a dormitory/guest house within Kalinga Eye Hospital. A cook is responsible for preparing meals, but Fellows may also choose to buy and prepare their own food. Local transport and accommodation are coordinated by Kalinga Eye Hospital.
Special Section For Students: Academic Credit and Clinical Rotations
This program is suitable for undergraduate and public health students interested in pursuing an internship for academic credit, as well as for medical and optometry students interested in pursuing a clinical rotation for academic credit. You should consult your academic institution regarding how you can arrange this type of course credit. Unite For Sight will complete student performance evaluations required by a university so that a student can receive academic credit. We can also provide a letter for the university that confirms a student's planned participation in the Unite For Sight program, as well as details regarding the student's pre-departure online global health coursework and global health field participation. Please read the Academic Credit section of the Unite For Sight website.
Narratives, Films, and Videos About Unite For Sight's Program in Dhenkanal
"The Power of Visionary Work," By Komal Patel, Unite For Sight Volunteer in Dhenkanal
4 Narratives By Kalinga Eye Hospital Alumni Volunteers
Photo Gallery: Volunteering Abroad With Kalinga Eye Hospital
Komal Patel Discusses Volunteering And Her Entrepreneurial Education Project With Kalinga Eye Hospital
Nicholas Aurelio Speaks About His Volunteer Experience With Kalinga Eye Hospital
Mousumee Panigrahi Speaks About Volunteering at Kalinga Eye Hospital