WesternU College of Optometry student brings sight and service to San Carlos with VOSH International

Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry student Navin Dosanjh went on a life-changing service mission with VOSH International, where he joined a team of dedicated eye care professionals and students to provide vision care to underserved communities in San Carlos, Mexico. The mission, held from March 7–16, 2025, offered essential eye health services to hundreds of patients in a region where access to care is severely limited. VOSH International (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) is a global organization committed to providing accessible eye care in underserved areas through the work of volunteer optometrists and optometry students. Dosanjh was recommended for the program by College of Optometry Chief of Vision Therapy Services Bradley Habermehl, OD, FCOVD, whose mentorship helped spark a deeper commitment to service-based optometry. Dr. Habermehl was a preceptor during Dosanjh’s clerkship at the WesternU Eye Care Institute (ECI).

During the mission, Dosanjh participated in delivering comprehensive eye exams, performing trial lens refractions, fitting glasses, and educating patients on proper eye care. Most patients who visited the temporary pop-up clinics had never received an eye exam before, and many were living with undiagnosed conditions such as cataracts and pterygiums—common in this region due to intense sun exposure, wind, and arid conditions.

“This was one of the most meaningful experiences of my journey as an optometry student,” Dosanjh shared. “It reminded me exactly why I chose this profession—to help people see the world more clearly and live fuller lives.”

Despite the environmental and economic hardships faced by the people of San Carlos, the community welcomed the team with open arms and overwhelming gratitude.

“[It was] incredibly touching to work with elders and children—many of whom were experiencing clear vision for the first time,” Dosanjh said. “Something as simple as a pair of glasses changed lives right in front of our eyes.”

Language also played a key  role in connecting with patients. To better serve the local population, he learned to perform refractions in Spanish, bridging communication gaps and deepening the bond with the patients they served.

The mission allowed him to put classroom and clinical training into practice in a real-world setting—an invaluable experience in developing both technical skills and cultural competence.

“I left with a stronger sense of purpose, a better understanding of health disparities, and a renewed passion for this field,” he reflected.

The impact of the mission has extended beyond the borders of San Carlos. Upon returning, Dosanjh accepted a leadership position as Vice-President of the SVOSH (Student VOSH) Club at WesternU. In this role, he hopes to inspire and guide fellow students in pursuing future mission opportunities that promote equitable access to vision care.

“Serving alongside such passionate doctors and volunteers was an honor,” Dosanjh said. “I’m especially grateful to Dr. Bradley Habermehl for his guidance and to Dr. An Vo, who taught me the essential refraction skills I used throughout the mission. Their mentorship helped prepare me for one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Looking ahead, he hopes to continue participating in international service missions and advocating for vision health in underserved populations.

“This experience has solidified my dedication to providing not just high-quality care, but care that’s delivered with empathy and heart,” he said.