Benji Chandra
06 August 2024
When I first considered volunteering abroad as an optometrist, I never imagined the profound impact it would have on both my professional and personal life. My three-week journey with the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) in March 2024 opened my eyes to the challenges and rewards of providing eye care in a developing country, while also offering a unique cultural experience that I'll cherish forever.
Belize, a small Central American country known for its stunning beaches and lush rainforests, faces significant challenges in healthcare delivery, particularly in eye care. With a population of just under 400,000 spread across diverse terrains, from coastal areas to remote inland villages, ensuring access to quality eye care is a formidable task.
This is where BCVI steps in, working tirelessly to prevent and cure blindness across the country. BCVI is the only public eye care provider in the country. A significant proportion of the population live in extreme poverty, so private eye care is inaccessible.
As I arrived at BCVI’s main clinic, in Belize City, I was immediately struck by the high level of patient need. This is the only clinic in Belize with surgical capacity, so some patients travel from the furthest corners of the country, hoping to receive the eye care they desperately need. The dedication of these individuals to their eye health was both inspiring and heartbreaking, highlighting the critical importance of BCVI’s work.
I never imagined the profound impact it would have on both my professional and personal life
A day in the life of a volunteer optometrist
My days at the clinic were busy and diverse. I spent one week leading the clinic, as the only clinician in [the southern coastal town of] Dangriga. I also did a day of teaching for the frontline staff, on common eye conditions and how to communicate them to patients.
In addition, I spent a week training all of Belize’s optometrists – there are only three optometrists for the whole country. They travel far and wide to outreach clinics and deal with a wide range of eye conditions, without any formal education. I was able to give clinical advice based on my hospital work in England.
The range of cases I encountered was vast. Many patients simply needed glasses. Others presented with more complex issues like cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. In these cases, our role was to provide initial care and refer them for further treatment or surgery.
One of the biggest challenges was adapting to the limited resources available. Unlike my fully-equipped practice back in the UK, here we often had to be creative in our approaches.
This constraint, however, honed my clinical skills in unexpected ways. I found myself relying more on my diagnostic abilities and less on advanced technology – a valuable lesson in the fundamentals of optometry.
Language barriers presented another hurdle. While English is the official language of Belize, many patients spoke Spanish or one of the indigenous languages. With the help of translators and a lot of patience, we managed to communicate effectively, reinforcing the universal language of care and compassion. My Spanish learning also came in very useful.
I found myself relying more on my diagnostic abilities and less on advanced technology
The dentist with glaucoma
Every day brought new stories and experiences, but some patients left an indelible mark on my memory.
One patient was Sophia, aged 26. She came into clinic with a large white patch on her cornea. She had already been to different eye care professionals, and been prescribed multiple antibiotics and antiviral medication, assuming it was a corneal ulcer.
After examination, it looked like corneal hydrops, especially because the patient had no pain and had a history of keratoconus.
However, there was no corneal specialist available, even privately, in the whole country. Sophia was ready to fly immediately to Panama for treatment. After our assessment she was relieved, and still did go to Panama for a corneal review – but not as urgent as she had thought she might have to.
Then there was Samson, in [the town of] Punta Gorda. Samson is currently the only dentist in the whole region, and has glaucoma. It felt rewarding to help manage his glaucoma and drops regime in order to maintain his eyesight.
These moments of joy were balanced by more challenging cases. I encountered several patients with advanced glaucoma who had gone years without treatment, their vision irreparably damaged. These cases were stark reminders of the importance of regular eye checks and the need for greater public health education about eye care.
Beyond the clinic
While the work was intense, I also had opportunities to experience the beauty and culture of Belize. On my days off, I explored the country's beautiful landscape, marveled at ancient Mayan ruins, and sampled delicious local cuisine. These experiences not only provided a welcome respite from the clinic but also deepened my understanding and appreciation of Belizean culture.
I was particularly struck by the warmth and resilience of the Belizean people. Despite facing numerous challenges, they approached life with optimism and a strong sense of community. This spirit was also evident in the BCVI staff, who worked tirelessly with limited resources, always maintaining a positive attitude.
As I reflect on my time in Belize, I’m amazed at how much I learned and grew in just three weeks. Professionally, the experience honed my clinical skills and reminded me of the importance of thorough examinations and creative problem-solving. It also broadened my understanding of global eye health issues and the challenges faced by developing countries in providing comprehensive eye care.
On a personal level, the experience was truly transformative. It reminded me of why I chose optometry as a career – the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Seeing the immediate impact of our work and the gratitude from patients was incredibly rewarding.
The experience also gave me a new perspective on the healthcare system back home. While we face our own challenges in the UK, I returned with a renewed appreciation for the resources and access to care that we often take for granted.
My time volunteering with BCVI in Belize was more than just a professional experience – it was a journey of personal growth, cultural immersion, and renewed passion for my profession. It reminded me of the global nature of eye care and the universal human right to sight.
As I returned to my practice in the UK, I brought back not only new skills and perspectives but also a reinvigorated commitment to making a difference through optometry, both at home and around the world.
Whether you're a seasoned optometrist or a recent graduate, I encourage you to consider volunteering abroad. The challenges you’ll face and the lives you’ll touch will not only make a difference in a community that needs your skills, but will also profoundly impact your own life and career. In giving, you receive so much more in return.
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