Volunteer Opportunities

Make a difference by sharing your time and skills to help provide vision care worldwide.

Why Volunteer With Us?

Volunteers are the heart of our organization. By giving your time and talents, you'll help provide essential vision care to those who need it most while gaining invaluable experience. As a volunteer, you will:

  • Make a direct impact on communities in need around the world
  • Gain hands-on experience in global health and vision care
  • Develop new skills and enhance your professional capabilities
  • Join a global network of passionate professionals and advocates
  • Witness the life-changing impact of quality vision care
Group of volunteers providing vision care

Volunteer Positions

We offer a variety of opportunities to match your skills, interests, and availability.

Clinical volunteer examining a patient

Clinical Volunteers

Eye care professionals who provide direct patient care during our vision clinics.

Positions Include:
  • Optometrists
  • Ophthalmologists
  • Opticians
  • Ophthalmic Technicians
  • Nurses
Support volunteers working behind the scenes

Support Volunteers

Non-clinical volunteers who assist with the operation of our vision care programs.

Positions Include:
  • Patient Registration
  • Inventory Management
  • Clinic Coordinators
  • Translators
  • Patient Guides
Professional volunteers offering specialized skills

Professional Volunteers

Specialists who contribute their expertise to support our organization's operations.

Positions Include:
  • Fundraising Specialists
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Graphic Designers
  • Event Planners
  • Grant Writers

Types of Volunteer Opportunities

We offer various ways to get involved based on your availability and interests.

International Missions

Join our teams traveling to underserved communities worldwide to provide comprehensive eye care services. Missions typically last 1-2 weeks and involve working in makeshift clinics to deliver eye exams, distribute glasses, and provide treatment.

What to Expect:
  • Pre-trip training and orientation
  • Travel to international locations
  • Working in various clinical settings
  • Cultural immersion experiences
  • Team-building with fellow volunteers

Time Commitment: 1-2 weeks, plus preparation time

Local Initiatives

Volunteer in your own community through vision screenings, health fairs, and educational workshops. These opportunities allow you to make an impact without extensive travel and are ideal for those with limited availability.

What to Expect:
  • Community vision screenings
  • School-based vision programs
  • Public health education
  • Equipment and supply collection
  • Local fundraising events

Time Commitment: Flexible, from a few hours to regular involvement

Training Programs

Share your expertise by training local eye care providers in underserved communities. These opportunities focus on building sustainable capacity by teaching clinical skills, practice management, and equipment maintenance.

What to Expect:
  • Clinical skills workshops
  • Mentoring local practitioners
  • Developing training materials
  • Equipment use and maintenance training
  • Follow-up support and guidance

Time Commitment: 1-4 weeks, plus preparation time

Remote Support

Contribute your skills remotely through virtual volunteering opportunities. These positions are perfect for those who cannot travel but still wish to make a meaningful contribution to our mission.

What to Expect:
  • Social media management
  • Grant writing and research
  • Graphic design and content creation
  • Translation services
  • Virtual administrative support

Time Commitment: Flexible, based on project needs

Volunteer Experiences

Hear from volunteers who have made a difference with Sight The World.

Dr. Sarah Miller
Dr. Sarah Miller

Optometrist, Peru Mission Volunteer

"Volunteering with Sight The World in Peru was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. We provided eye exams to over 500 people in just one week, many of whom had never received eye care before. Seeing the joy on a child's face when they could clearly see for the first time is something I'll never forget."

James Thompson
James Thompson

Support Volunteer, Ghana Mission

"Though I have no medical background, I was able to contribute meaningfully as a support volunteer. I helped with patient flow, glasses distribution, and translation. It was incredible to be part of a team that provided over 1,000 pairs of glasses to people who desperately needed them. I made lifelong friends and gained a new perspective."

Dr. Michael Chen
Dr. Michael Chen

Ophthalmologist, Training Program Lead

"Leading training programs for local eye care providers in Cambodia has been my passion for the past five years. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that we're not just providing temporary care, but building sustainable capacity that will continue to serve communities long after we leave. I've learned as much from my local colleagues as they have from me."

Elena Rodriguez
Elena Rodriguez

Remote Communications Volunteer

"As a marketing professional with limited ability to travel, the remote volunteer program has been perfect for me. I've helped with social media campaigns, created promotional materials, and written content for fundraising initiatives. It's been rewarding to use my skills to support such an impactful mission, all from my home office."

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Join us on upcoming missions and local initiatives.

Guatemala Vision Clinic

June 15-29, 2025

Two-week mission providing comprehensive eye care in rural communities throughout Guatemala. Clinical and support volunteers needed.

Clinical Volunteers Support Staff Translators
Apply Now

Kenya Training Program

August 1-21, 2025

Three-week program focused on training local eye care providers in clinical skills and practice management in Nairobi and surrounding areas.

Optometrists Ophthalmologists Clinic Managers
Apply Now

Local Community Screenings

Ongoing Opportunities

Regular vision screening events in underserved communities across the United States. Perfect for those looking for local volunteer opportunities.

Eye Care Professionals General Volunteers Students
Apply Now

Don't see an opportunity that fits your schedule or interests? Complete our volunteer application to be notified of future opportunities.

Volunteer Application

Complete this form to express your interest in volunteering with Sight The World. Our volunteer coordinator will contact you to discuss opportunities that match your skills and interests.

Please provide your first name.
Please provide your last name.
Please provide a valid email address.
Please provide a valid phone number.
Please provide your location.
Please provide your profession.
Please select your availability.
Please share your motivation.
You must agree to the terms before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about volunteering with us.

No, we welcome volunteers with diverse backgrounds and skills. While we do need eye care professionals for clinical roles, we have many non-clinical positions that require no medical experience. Support volunteers assist with patient flow, registration, and logistics, while professional volunteers contribute specialized skills in areas like administration, communications, and fundraising.

Yes, volunteers are generally responsible for their own travel expenses, including airfare, accommodations, and meals. However, all in-country transportation and mission-related expenses are typically covered by our organization. We provide guidance on fundraising for mission trips, and some volunteers may be eligible for partial scholarships based on financial need and the specific mission requirements.

Our volunteer opportunities vary widely in terms of time commitment. International missions typically last 1-2 weeks, while local initiatives may require only a few hours on a weekend. Remote volunteer positions offer the most flexibility, allowing you to contribute on your own schedule. We work with volunteers to find opportunities that match their availability and interests.

While speaking the local language is helpful, it's not required. We work with local translators to facilitate communication during our missions. Volunteers who speak multiple languages are particularly valuable to our teams, but we welcome all volunteers regardless of language skills.

Yes, all volunteers receive appropriate training for their roles. Before international missions, we conduct pre-trip orientations covering cultural considerations, safety protocols, and role-specific training. For clinical volunteers, we provide refresher training on equipment and procedures specific to field settings. Support and professional volunteers receive training relevant to their responsibilities.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join our global network of volunteers bringing the gift of sight to communities in need.

Apply to Volunteer