Dr. Russell Coates

In my role as faculty and the Director of Outreach programs at the UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry I have organized, planned, and recruited students and faculty for over 30 international optometric mission/service learning (I have personally participated in approximately 10 trips) over the last 10 years. Our students and faculty have provided optometric eye care services, glasses, and medications for thousands of patients in Mexico (Yucatan & Oaxaca), Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, and Peru. I have learned that one of keys to providing quality experiences for all participants is establishing good partnerships with the local communities. As an educator it is incredibly rewarding to see the transformational impact these experiences have on all participants. It is a tremendous blessing to witness various areas of participants’ growth (optometric skills, critical thinking, language skills, leadership, confidence, hearts, & faith) while serving our neighbors in the Americas.