Ona Network is a not-for-profit, non-governmental trust dedicated to improving the eye health and vision of people living in Tanzania. 'Ona' means 'see' in Swahili, the national language of Tanzania.

Based in Dodoma in central Tanzania, we administer vision services, including cataract surgery, to tens of thousands of people every year.

Ona Network's services rely on volunteer eye surgeons, optometrists, opticians and nurses from around the world. Approximately 94% of all money donated to Ona Network goes into service delivery.

Volunteers around the globe have contributed heavily to provision of free eye care services to isolated communities in Africa. They have given their valuable time and skills in the efforts to elimin ate preventable blindness in Africa.

This is a great opportunity for those wishing to donate their time and skills to restore sight to many people in Africa. The duties are organized in such a way to provide volunteers with time to explore the beauty of Tanzania and to interact with the locals.

Ona Network accepts volunteers from around the globe to support the delivery free or low cost eye care in Africa. Volunteers can choose to volunteer during eye camps, which take place on specific dates, or they can consider short or long term placements, which are available at any time of the year.

Placements are available throughout the year. They are usually for 2 to 12 weeks (short term), 6 to 12 months (medium term) or 18 months to three years (long term). Currently positions are available for optometrists, ophthalmologists, cataract surgeons, optical dispensers, ophthalmic nurses, ophthalmic theatre nurses, optometry students, managers and support staff. Support staff require no specific skills but are essential to our work. Anyone aged 18 to 65 years can apply. Our volunteers are from a diversity of professional backgrounds. There is always something for a volunteer to do.