Events

Pilot Mission in Costa Rica 2026

On February 19, 2026, the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation (ADVF) launched its pilot medical mission in Costa Rica — delivering sight-restoring cataract surgery to pre-screened patients at Clinica 20/20 in San José, in partnership with Envision Festival 2026, Dr. Claudio Orlich, and the Vision Innovation Institute (VII).

ADVF Founder and ophthalmologist Dr. Paul J. Dougherty performed procedures with intraocular lenses generously donated by Alcon, permanently restoring functional vision for patients who had long gone without care. This mission follows ADVF's successful 2025 operations in Morocco and Tijuana, Mexico — and marks a bold new chapter in the Foundation's global expansion.

Read the full news release →

ADVF Research Hub

From intimate concerts in the canyons to rooftop gatherings under the stars, our events bring together changemakers, artists, and advocates united by one mission: ending preventable blindness.

Scroll down to explore some of our recent events, including a night of music with the Thievery Corporation and a sold-out fundraiser that raised $58,000 for sight-saving surgeries around the world.

We’re just getting started! Stay tuned for upcoming experiences that inspire connection, impact, and vision.

Saving the Sight of the World Night in Morocco Auction & Gala Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Join Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation for an unforgettable evening dedicated to eliminating preventable blindness by 2050. Experience the colors, flavors, and hospitality of Morocco while supporting life-changing eye care programs for underserved communities worldwide.

Event highlights

  • Moroccan-inspired cocktail reception with traditional music and decor

  • Seated dinner featuring North African cuisine

  • Live auction and silent auction with exclusive travel packages, art, and experiences

  • Program showcasing ADVF’s global impact and patient stories

  • Special recognition of partners, donors, and volunteers

Date & time

  • Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA

  • Formal attire suggested

  • Doors open at 6:00 PM; program begins at 7:00 PM

Ticketing & sponsorship

  • Individual tickets, table packages, and sponsorship opportunities available

  • Sponsorship levels include priority seating, logo recognition, and program acknowledgments

  • All proceeds support ADVF’s clinical services, mobile outreach, training, and technology initiatives

How to participate

  • Attend the gala

  • Donate auction items or experiences

  • Sponsor a program or underwrite patient care

  • Volunteer to help at the event

Impact Your support enables cataract surgeries, corneal transplants, vision screenings, and training for local eye care teams — delivering sustainable solutions that restore sight and transform lives.

Contact For tickets, sponsorships, or donations, contact the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation events team.

Learn more

Follow the Mission Journey

The funds raised at this gala are fueling our 2025 medical mission in Morocco. Follow along with live stories, photos, and impact from the field.

Past Events

Vision Foundation

Vision for the Future Gala

This sold out event took place in Topanga, California on May 31st. With your help, we raised an incredible $58,000. These vital funds will directly support our mission to bring sight-saving surgeries and eye care to communities in need around the world.

Vision Foundation

Garza of Thievery Event

This intimate event took place on May 29th, hosted by renowned comedian Ben Gleib. Guests enjoyed an evening of music featuring Thievery Corporation and helped raise awareness for the global fight against preventable blindness.

Two women standing in front of a blue backdrop with 'Vision Innovation Institute' and 'Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation' logos, smiling for the photo.
A man and woman dancing together at a lively party or nightclub, holding hands, with colorful lighting and blurred motion suggesting movement.
A dog with a merle coat lying on a red carpet in front of a blue backdrop with logos and text for the Vision Innovation Institute and Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation.
Two musicians perform on an outdoor stage at night, one playing a saxophone and the other DJing, with colorful lighting and a large screen with abstract visuals behind them.
Two women standing on a red carpet in front of a blue backdrop with logos and text for the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation and Vision Innovation Institute. They are smiling, with one wearing a black lace dress with sheer details and the other wear
People socializing at an outdoor event during sunset, with round tables set for dining and string lights hanging among trees in the background.
Three people smiling and posing closely together, two men and a woman, dressed in colorful and shiny outfits with accessories, in a dimly lit setting.
People in formal attire standing in a line at an outdoor event next to a buffet table.
A woman with curly hair in a black dress with gold embellishments is reaching for food on a buffet table decorated with flowers, situated outdoors next to a seated Buddha statue with flowers and offerings, surrounded by greenery.
People dancing and enjoying music at a nightclub or party with a DJ in the background.
Three women standing in front of a blue backdrop with the logo and text of the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation and Vision Innovation Institute. All women are smiling and dressed in fashionable, colorful outfits.
People dancing at a party or nightclub, with colorful clothing and dim lighting.
A group of people dressed in formal attire gathering at an outdoor event with a table displaying promotional materials for the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation. The setting appears to be a patio or courtyard with string lights overhead.
People seated at tables watching a performer on stage at an outdoor event during evening or night. The stage has creative decorations and lighting, with a woman standing in front of a microphone.
Five people dressed in formal attire standing on a red carpet in front of a blue backdrop for the Vision Innovation Institute. They are smiling and posing for the camera.
People dressed in formal attire standing outdoors, engaging and clapping during a social gathering or party, with a staircase and colorful artwork in the background.
People walking on a red carpet outdoors during the daytime, with trees in the background and a tent on the right side.
A couple is dancing closely at a party or event under string lights, with a stage and colorful lights in the background.