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IU School of Optometry Eye Care Center in Guanajuato, Mexico History |
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The development of the IU School of Optometry Eye Care Center in Guanajuato occurred as a result of a longstanding, successful partnership between the IU School of Optometry Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) organization and the state of Guanajuato's Department of Infants and Family (DIF). DIF is the state organization charged with supporting the indigent people (those earning less than about $1,000 per year). The initial invitation was developed and extended to IU Optometry by DIF after the spring 1998 VOSH mission. During the following VOSH mission in 1999, clinic space in the General Hospital of Guanajuato was located. Architectural drawings and remodeling budgets were determined. The discussions were carried out by Douglas Horner, OD, PhD (representing IU), Carlos Perez Lopez, MD (the medical director of DIF), and IU alumna Cynthia Foster, OD, with the assistance of Anthony Gutierrez from the humanitarian organization I Care International. The plans were then reviewed by the IU Optometry administration, and the development of the eye care center was unanimously supported by the faculty.
Discussions focusing on the possibility of procuring a new building began in 2004. The ideal building would be large enough to house all vision care services under the same roof--including expanded surgical services. The discussions culminated in a new building being constructed between Guanajuato city and Silao, Mexico. The new facility includes expanded exam areas, an eyewear center, an edging laboratory, an ophthalmology office, and a surgical suite. Centro de Rehabilitacion Visual opened during the summer of 2006, with the dedication being held on July 4, 2006.
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