Hepburn Internship: Unite For Sight Ghana Kristina A. Sandquist ‘13

Goals/ Objectives Volunteer as a Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Ghana which partners with five local eye clinics to improve access to eye care in low-income areas. Observe and assist doctors and nurses to gain clinical experience and learn about eye pathology in West Africa. Learn about the most effective ways to reduce patient barriers to health care.

Activities/ Responsibilities Assisted three eye clinics (North Western Eye Clinic and Save the Nation’s Sight Eye Clinic based in Accra, Friends Eye Clinic based in Kumasi) Participated in outreaches with each clinic helping to take visual acuity, distribute medications and glasses, and record patient information across Ghana. Observed surgeries sponsored by Unite For Sight.

Outcomes Gained practical experience in interacting with patients with varied socio-economic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. Learned about how different clinics tackle patient barriers to health care in low-income settings Learned how international NGOs can effectively and responsibly partner with local medical institutions to provide low cost, high quality, sustainable medical care to low-income communities Learned about eye pathology and eye conditions found in West Africa

Appreciation Thank you to the Ghanaian ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, and volunteer coordinators who taught me a great deal and helped ensure that my internship went smoothly and safely. Thank you to the Katharine Houghton Hepburn Centre for funding for this internship!