Volunteer with
Light Without Borders
Light Without Borders relies completely on volunteer optometrists and ophthalmologists. As a volunteer, we ask that you devote at least 5 days of your time. During that time you will busy – we have a long waiting list of patients – but our clinic in Moria is well ordered and the patients are always very pleased and grateful.
The clinic has sufficient equipment for optometry, and you will not need to bring any further equipment – unless you wish to do so.
Your help makes an enormous difference to people who have lost almost everything. By seeing clearly again they may begin to rebuild their lives.
Other staff are always present to support you and coordinate patient appointments and the supply of prescription glasses.
Most of our work is within the clinic in Moria camp, but occasionally we run a day optometry clinic in Kara Tepe, a refugee camp mainly for families and the more vulnerable, to help those who cannot travel to Moria camp.
The working language is English. A translator is always present to translate discussions with the patients into English. Many of our current patients come from Afghanistan or west Africa. We see adults and children.
You will need to fund and arrange your travel to Lesvos, and your accommodation and board. You will find a lot of useful information on the Facebook Information Point for Lesvos Volunteers site.
Most volunteers stay in Mytilene, which is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and interesting town, with several good tavernas and bars. The island of Lesvos has some spectacular scenery and coastlines – and a great place to have a short holiday break.
We have equipment for one optometrist to work, and our clinic is small. So we generally have only one visiting volunteer optometrist at a time. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us for more information, and to discuss suitable dates for your visit.
We will arrange access passes for you, without which you cannot enter the camp.
“My experience there was very positive and I was very happy with the work done, trying to help on a small scale those people who have to live this situation and in unfortunate conditions. I encourage optometrists and ophthalmologists to collaborate as volunteers in this small, but great project, and anyone who wants to help in any way: donating glasses, ophthalmic and ophthalmological material, with small economic contributions or joining Teaming”
Marina Marín, volunteer optometrist.