Here is Dr. Benoit Tousignant, an IRIS Mundial optometrist volunteer for several years! He has been part of 5 missions with IRIS Mundial, starting in Pachuca, Mexico in 2000, before the official foundation of IRIS Mundial. He also was an administrator from 2012 to 2015, helping with strategic decision-making regarding the organization. For nearly 8 years, Benoit has been an essential asset in the collaboration with the UdeM School of Optometry, where he is also an Associate Professor. Indeed, thanks to his collaboration, 2 scientific articles published in the Médecine Tropicale et Santé Internationale journal, and 3 scientific posters presented in optometry conventions, have been produced. These publications were realized using the epidemiological statistics which were based on the rigorous data collection from the latest IRIS Mundial one-time projects. Also, Benoit significantly contributed to the official creation of a credited internship offered to the UdeM optometry students within the IRIS Mundial PPFB Limbé in Haiti. Thank you, Benoit, for your exceptional cooperation on several activities! Here is what he had to tell us regarding his experience with IRIS Mundial:
– What motivated you to get involved in helping the most underprivileged?
“For me, being able to share my experience and expertise with as many people as possible, especially those in need, gives meaning to my work. As a privileged of this world, I find a lot of meaning in the sentence “To whom much is given, much is required”, even without being a strongly religious person. “
-What does your IRIS Mundial involvement mean to you?
“I can say that IRIS Mundial has been a turning point in my life. This is what convinced me to study in public and global health. From this moment, my career took on a new dimension and allowed me to work in Papua New Guinea and other developing countries. And then back in Montreal, it allowed me to focus on the underserved populations health (First Nations, prisoners, homeless people, etc.). IRIS Mundial has been a huge catalyst. “
-Can you tell us one of the highlights of a mission?
“It’s hard to choose… the 2003 mission in Labrousse, Haiti was very memorable, with complex working conditions, but so stimulating. I had a window (without glass) next to my eye health station, which overlooked the jungle, and through which the children regularly came to look at us. Simply magnificent. “
-What mission comes to mind when you think of IRIS Mundial and why?
“Pachuca in Mexico in 2000: my very first trip with IRIS Mundial. At that moment, I have been charmed by this kind of work, and I have developed a high interest in it! I also made meet unforgettable people as well as strengthening friendships still present to this day. “
