Volunteering with RAM: Bringing Vision to Rural Virginia
Since 2022, I've had the privilege of volunteering with Remote Area Medical (RAM) at their eye clinics across rural Virginia. From the rolling hills of Fisherville to the quaint towns of Emporia, Luray, and Cumberland, these experiences have been incredibly rewarding.
RAM is a nonprofit organization that delivers free, quality healthcare to underserved and uninsured individuals. Founded in 1985 by Stan Brock, RAM was initially created to provide medical care to remote areas of the Amazon rainforest. Today, it has expanded its mission to serve rural communities across the United States and internationally, bringing vital medical, dental, and vision care to those who might otherwise go without.
The eye clinics I've participated in are comprehensive operations. We provide eye examinations, prescribe glasses, screen for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, and refer patients for further care when needed. In a single weekend clinic, we often serve hundreds of patients—people who have sometimes traveled hours before dawn to secure a spot in line.
Beyond the clinical work, volunteering with RAM has enriched my life in unexpected ways. I've formed connections with fellow healthcare professionals who share a commitment to service. From ophthalmologists and optometrists to nurses and general volunteers, the RAM community is bound by a common purpose that transcends our different backgrounds. I've also had the joy of working alongside medical and optometry students, witnessing their enthusiasm and growth. For many, a RAM clinic is their first experience providing care in a real-world setting, and their energy is contagious. These students remind me of why I entered medicine in the first place—to make a tangible difference in people's lives.
The journeys to these rural locations are themselves part of the experience. Driving through Virginia's picturesque landscapes—past farms, forests, and small towns—offers a window into the communities we serve. These drives remind me that while I've had the opportunity to volunteer internationally in places like Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, there is profound need and opportunity for service right here at home.
As the saying goes, charity begins at home. While international medical missions are valuable and life-changing, RAM has shown me that we don't need to cross oceans to make a significant impact. Rural America has its own healthcare deserts, and organizations like RAM are vital bridges to care.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or someone with organizational talents, there's a place for you in service organizations like RAM. The rewards—measured in smiles, gratitude, and lives improved—far outweigh the time given. After all, vision isn't just what we help restore in our patients. It's also what we gain: a clearer vision of our shared humanity and the difference each of us can make.
