BCVI was fortunate to have had several project opportunities toward the end of the year: The UNICEF-funded Project “Integrated Intervention for Children with Disabilities” brought together CARE Belize, Special Olympics Belize and BCVI to improve inclusion for children with disabilities. Although the project year came to an end before the project was completed, UNICEF will renew the Project Agreement in 2012 with the option for support in additional Rehab activities. The Social Investment Fund (SIF) contacted BCVI in October to request a project proposal. A submission was made for support with purchasing lenses and equipment as well as Public Education Materials. The proposal was approved and purchasing will commence in January 2012. After months of working on the proposal and with excellent support from the Belize City Lions Club, we submitted a proposal to Lions Club International Foundation Sight First Program for the expansion of the National Eye Clinic. We hope to receive positive news from Sight First in early 2012.

BCVI is still seeing the benefits of Rowan’s climb of Victoria Peak! The staff members of Belize Natural Energy’s “Energy for Life” presented us with more than $30,000 in equipment and support for the Rehabilitation Department. The group, who also climbed Victoria Peak in 2011, was inspired by Rowan’s efforts and raised funds on their own to support the organization. The Ministry of Health also contributed to the Rehab Department with the donation of four Braillers for the students in BCVIs programme.

Although there was never an official launch of the National Eye Health Plan, BCVI was given authority to distribute the plans as there is no confirmed date from the Ministry of Health. There are hard copies as well as electronic ones available through BCVI.

Visitors this Quarter included Jennifer Etienne, an optometrist from the UK, who was with us from from October to November working in our Punta Gorda office. Dr. Edward Hurst returned to BCVI in October to treat patients he had seen in August who he was unable to assist due to malfunctioning equipment in Dangriga. He worked out of the NEC in Belize City and was very satisfied with the visit. Philip Hand, of Sightsavers UK, visited in November to conduct the Financial and Capacity Assessments of the organization. Dr. Juan Carlos Silva of PAHO, visited in November when he met with BCVI and Philip Hand to discuss the National Eye Health Plan’s objectives and also met with members of the Lions involved in the preparation of the Sight First Project. Dr. Brad Hearn, volunteer optometrist from the US, visited in October to treat patients in Dangriga for two days. Dr Hearn also donated three pieces of diagnostic equipment to be used in various clinics.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have volunteered, visited, contributed and supported BCVI. Our success would not be possible without you.