Waves of Health (WOH) is grateful to share the tremendous progress made throughout this year as we continue our mission of providing high-quality medical and pharmacy care to underserved communities in Dajabón, Dominican Republic, and Kavule, Uganda. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our supporters, 2025 has been a most impactful year.

We successfully completed three medical missions, beginning in Kavule, Uganda in January, where our team cared for more than 1,000 patients. This mission marked a major milestone: for the first time, 75 reading glasses were available, fitted, and prescribed to community members who had never before had access to vision correction.

Our two missions to Dajabón, Dominican Republic, were equally meaningful, with more than 1,000 patients served during each visit. With support from the Stolberg Foundation and through the Global Vision Project, we expanded our eye care services providing screening vision exams to dispense distance glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses helping adults and children improve daily functioning and protect long-term eye health. We were able to dispense 125 pairs of long-distance glasses, over 400 pairs of reading glasses and 800 pairs of sunglasses during each mission.

As you know, the need for vision correction is both urgent and rapidly increasing. Studies show that nearly one-third of children worldwide are affected by myopia (nearsightedness), a number projected to rise to half of all children by 2050. In Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and many regions of Africa, access to glasses is extremely limited. Unlike in the U.S. or Europe, where reading glasses can be purchased over the counter, obtaining even basic eyewear in these communities often requires a prescription that is unaffordable or unavailable. Distance glasses are even more inaccessible. This scarcity has profound consequences. Without proper vision correction, individuals struggle with daily tasks, face barriers to education and employment, and experience diminished confidence. Research consistently shows that correcting vision not only improves quality of life but also reduces poverty by increasing independence and economic opportunity.

During our fall mission, we were also able to introduce fluoride varnish treatments for all children under age 6, an important preventive measure that slows the progression of existing cavities and helps protect teeth from developing new ones. Distributing toothpaste and toothbrushes further supported our commitment to promoting long-term oral health.

These accomplishments reflect the ongoing commitment of our volunteers, donors, and partners. Looking ahead to 2026, Waves of Health is excited to continue expanding our vision services and to maintain our fluoride varnish program for the children of Dajabón.

With your continued support, Waves of Health is expanding access to essential healthcare, strengthening community well-being, and building a foundation for healthier futures.