Get Involved
At Eye Care International, we believe that clear vision is a basic human right — not a privilege. Since 1995, our 100% volunteer-run nonprofit has been delivering essential eye care services to underserved, often remote, communities across El Salvador.
Every year, our dedicated teams provide comprehensive eye exams, prescription glasses, life-changing cataract surgeries, and even custom prosthetic eyes — all at no cost to those we serve. With no paid staff or directors, every effort comes from the heart.
Our mission goes beyond restoring sight; we build lasting partnerships with local organizations, empowering communities to thrive year after year. We are also enthusiastic about raising awareness of the profound impact that access to vision care can have — because sometimes, one simple pair of glasses can open up a world of new possibilities.
At Eye Care International, we’re not just helping people see better — we’re helping them live better.
Volunteer
At Eye Care International, there’s a place for everyone who wants to make a difference. Whether you’re an experienced eye care professional or simply someone with a big heart and willing hands, we need you.
No prior experience? No problem. Volunteers help in countless ways — from donating, to assisting during trips, to recruiting others to join the cause. Every role, big or small, directly affects someone’s ability to see the world more clearly. And if you have a background in eye care, your skills are especially needed to expand our reach.
Join us and be part of a mission that changes lives, one pair of eyes at a time.
Ready to make an impact?
Licensed professional volunteer opportunities
Optometrists
Step into communities where your skills can change lives in a single day. As a volunteer optometrist, you’ll provide full eye exams, prescribe glasses, offer artificial tears, teach prevention and wellness, and spot conditions that need further care — often for people who have never seen an eye doctor before. Your training can open new possibilities for learning, working, and living fully.
Ophthalmologists
Bring your ability to patients who need it most. As a volunteer ophthalmologist, you’ll diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform minor procedures, and help guide the most complex cases to Salvadorean ophthalmologists and surgeons. Your hands can give people back their vision — and sometimes, their future.
Technicians/Opticians
Turn prescriptions into powerful moments of joy. As a volunteer optician, you’ll help patients find the perfect glasses, adjust frames, and teach them how to care for their new lenses. With every fit and every frame, you’ll be helping someone see their world more clearly — and walk away with confidence.
Additional volunteer opportunities
Assess Distance Vision
One volunteer gently guides the patient, covering one eye and then other, while another volunteer holds a distance chart 20 feet away. Local Salvadoran volunteers help with communication. We also need extra hands to scribe results — more teams mean we help more people.
Assess Near Vision
Sitting side-by-side with patients, you’ll help determine the smallest text they can read. A few Spanish phrases and a lot of smiles go a long way here. Good handwriting is a big plus for recording results that could change a life.
Take eye measurements
In a softly lit room, you’ll use special tools called auto-refractors to measure patients' eyes when their pupils are naturally larger. It’s a simple yet crucial step to getting the right prescription. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just willing to learn, we’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Dispense readers
Reading glasses aren’t just about seeing better — they’re about independence, work, and everyday life. As a volunteer at the reading glasses station, you’ll help people choose the right pair to help them keep their jobs, cook for their families, or read a letter from a loved one. It's practical, powerful, and incredibly rewarding.
Registration (Spanish/English)
Be the first warm welcome patients receive! You'll greet individuals traveling from rural areas, villages, and towns — some from hours away — to receive a free eye exam. If you're friendly, bilingual, and have clear handwriting, you’ll make the check-in process smooth and reassuring for every person we serve.
Upcoming Mission
2026 mission details are here!
Dates: February 14-23
Location: Chalatenango
Join us for a mission to restore sight and serve the people of El Salvador. Volunteers help with patient care, clinic setup/tear down, and more—no clinical experience required!
Fee: $450
Includes meals, housing, transport, and insurance.
Note: Volunteers cover their own flight costs.
Let’s make a lasting impact together!
What’s it Like on an Eye Care Project Trip?
Imagine waking up to the sound of a new day in a beautiful, vibrant community, ready to make a real difference. When you volunteer for an Eye Care International – El Salvador projects, you’re joining a passionate team dedicated to making a real impact.
You’ll provide essential eye care to underserved communities, helping people who may have never had access to vision services before. Whether you’re conducting exams or fitting glasses, your work directly transforms lives.
Each day is filled with purpose — from seeing the joy of a child wearing glasses for the first time to seeing the relief of an elderly patient who can now read again. The experience is both rewarding and humbling, offering you the chance to grow professionally, connect with like-minded individuals, and immerse yourself in new cultures.
Join us and discover how a simple act of kindness can make a lifetime of difference.
Come with an Open Heart and Open Mind
An Eye Care International mission in El Salvador might just be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. To make the most of this adventure, all you need is an open heart and an open mind. These two things will help you connect deeply with the wonderful people you’ll meet and truly appreciate the beauty of their resilience and spirit.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for this incredible journey:
Language
The people of El Salvador speak Spanish, but don’t worry if you're not fluent! We collaborate with local volunteers who will help us communicate and build trust. If Spanish is a second language for you, you’ll pick up on local dialects and slang—kind of like how we have different expressions in English. And if you don’t speak Spanish at all, that’s okay, too! It’s a great chance to learn and connect with others in the Eye Care group who do speak the language.
Food and Water
When we reach the rural areas, we’ll be working in places that may not have the same resources as what we’re used to. People in these communities often rely on simple, affordable foods like beans, rice, and corn. They also enjoy chicken, eggs, beef, and fish. If you have specific dietary needs, it’s a good idea to bring some foods with you or visit a local store. Tap water is not safe to drink in El Salvador. Drink commercially bottled water only and only eat fruits and veggies that have been peeled or cooked or washed with purified water to avoid any tummy troubles.
Comfort
It can get hot in El Salvador because it’s close to the Equator and you’ll likely be on your feet a lot. Pack loose, breathable clothes, sunscreen, and your most comfortable, supportive shoes—trust me, your feet will thank you! Pack light and plan to wash and re-wear clothes. Nights can be cool at higher altitudes and warm to hot closer to the Pacific Ocean. Just know that air conditioning isn’t typical in accommodations, so it’s all about embracing the natural environment.
Accommodations
Your accommodations will be simple but clean, and you might share a room with someone you’ve never met. You’ll get a mattress, linens, and a pillow, and bathrooms will either be in your room or nearby. Bottled water is generously provided for drinking and brushing your teeth, so you won’t need to worry about that. Bring your favorite toiletries or try locally available brands.
The rooms may not have screens on windows and doors won’t always be as sealed as what you're used to. This means that small critters or bugs might pop in now and then—nothing to stress about, they’re scared, too. Let mercy – or lack thereof – be your guide.
Health
If you have allergies or need medications for severe reactions to food, insects, or anything else, make sure to bring your necessary medications. Keep them in their original packaging with your name on them for easy access. When you fill out your volunteer form, you’ll be asked about any health conditions. Don't worry—this information is only shared with Eye Care clinicians who are there to help if you medical attention during the project.
Safety
As you would in any foreign land, walk with others and leave flashy jewelry at home. Keep your money, credit cards, phone, and passport with you always. El Salvador uses US dollars, and each year it seems credit and debit cards are accepted in more places. Plan to pay cash at local markets, souvenir stands, and with street vendors.
Responsibility
It’s important to remember that the people you’re helping put their trust in you, sometimes blindly and often without the ability to understand what you’re saying or doing. This is a huge responsibility. And it’s best served with humility, integrity, and a deep sense of respect. This mission is a beautiful opportunity to give back and make a lasting impact. If you’re ready to share your time and heart, we can’t wait to have you on this journey with us!
Jump In — No Medical Degree Required!
We’ll teach you everything you need to know — you just bring the enthusiasm!
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