MONTE PLATA, D.R. – As part of its Blindness Prevention program in the Dominican Republic, the Batey Relief Alliance (BRA) is partnering with the Student Volunteer Optometrists for Service of Humanity (SVOSH) of the New England College of Optometry to bring 22 students and faculty to deliver critical eye care and fee eye glasses to 1500 children and adults with eye problems, in need of a pair of glasses, and who are living in extreme poverty.

The seven-day mission activities, co-sponsored by the Lions Club Arroyo Hondo Santo Domingo, will take place from April March 10th through the 18th inside impoverished sugarcane plantations communities of YAMASA, province of Monte Plata. “Hundreds are expected to travel far away and beyond the bateyes take advantage of this once-in-a-life-time opportunity to check and treat their vision,” said Nicole Ross, SVOSH-NECO President.

Ross also added that patients who need follow-up or specialized care will be referred to BRA’s medical center in Monte Plata where complete optometric and ophthalmological care is provided to thousands in each year.

The SVOSH-NECO team, a long-time partner to BRA, is fully-equipped and self-sufficient, and will travel with sophisticated equipment, thousands of dollars in medicines, eye drops, eyeglasses and supplies.