Morocco Mission 2025 Restoring Sight. Building the Future of Eye Care.
Through ophthalmic missions in Morocco, the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation restores sight and empowers local clinicians to create lasting access to eye care.
WHY THIS MISSION MATTERS
More than 1.1 billion people worldwide live with vision loss. Over 90% of this blindness is preventable or treatable, yet millions remain without access to care—not because the science doesn’t exist, but because access does.
Morocco represents a critical opportunity to address this gap. By partnering with local surgeons and medical institutions, ADVF’s Morocco Mission is designed not as a one-time intervention, but as a model for sustainable, high-quality eye care across North Africa and beyond.
This mission reflects our commitment to restoring sight while strengthening local capacity—so the impact continues long after the final surgery is complete.
WHAT THIS MISSION WILL DELIVER
Sight-Restoring Surgeries
Free, gold-standard cataract and vision correction surgeries for patients who otherwise have no access to care—restoring independence, dignity, and livelihood.
Training & Capacity Building
Hands-on surgical and clinical training for Moroccan doctors, nurses, and medical staff to ensure long-term, self-sustaining eye care in the region.
Innovation in Action (ADVF + VII)
Deployment of advanced lenses, diagnostics, and surgical innovations developed in partnership with the Vision Innovation Institute.
Long-Term Impact
Restored vision.
Restored livelihoods.
Restored hope—through sustainable care, not temporary solutions.
Why We Do This Work
Founded in memory of Andrew Dougherty, ADVF is dedicated to eliminating preventable blindness by 2050. This video shares the story behind our mission and the work that continues worldwide.
The Morocco Mission builds on this legacy—bringing sight-restoring care and sustainable training to communities in need. Follow along as we prepare to serve.
What Restored Sight Makes Possible
“I knew your voice. I had forgotten your face.”
Cataracts slowly took Fatima’s sight—and with it, her independence. She stopped going to the market. She relied on others for nearly everything. She was told this was simply part of aging.
After a simple cataract surgery, her bandages were removed. She looked at her daughter and began to cry.
Fatima
“I still have work to do and a family to feed.”
Claire was a lifelong seamstress—until cataracts forced her to close her shop. Blind and unable to work, she depended on her family.
After surgery, we asked what she would do first. She smiled: “I’m going to open my shop tomorrow.”
ClaireInnovation Meets Compassion
The Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation provides the heart and hands of this mission—bringing world-class surgeons and dedicated medical teams to communities without access to care.
The Vision Innovation Institute (VII) provides the engine—developing next-generation technologies that make high-quality vision care scalable, affordable, and sustainable in underserved settings.
Together, ADVF and VII are working to ensure that losing one’s sight to a preventable condition becomes unthinkable.
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As we prepare for and carry out the Morocco Mission 2025, we will share regular updates—from preparation milestones to daily field reports—highlighting patient impact, surgical progress, and moments of connection.
Be Part of the Mission
This mission is made possible by a community of donors, partners, and supporters who believe that sight is not a privilege—it is a human right.
Your support helps fund surgeries, medical supplies, clinician training, and the long-term systems required to eliminate preventable blindness.
Your Questions, Answered
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The mission will take place in Chefchaouen Province, Morocco, where access to specialized ophthalmic care remains limited for many communities
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The mission is scheduled for December 22–26, 2025, with preparation and training activities underway in advance of the trip.
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All medical care is delivered by experienced ophthalmic surgeons and clinical professionals working in partnership with local Moroccan healthcare providers.
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ADVF’s approach prioritizes sustainability and training. In addition to performing surgeries, the mission includes hands-on training for local clinicians to strengthen long-term eye care capacity in the region.
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The Vision Innovation Institute contributes advanced technologies, surgical tools, and clinical innovations that make high-quality eye care more scalable and accessible in underserved settings.
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Donations support medical supplies, surgical equipment, patient care, clinician training, logistics, and long-term infrastructure needed to deliver and sustain vision care.
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Yes. The Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity recognized by the IRS.
EIN: 45-2746790 -
Live updates will be posted regularly in the Morocco Mission 2025 Updates section, including daily reports, photos, and stories from the field.
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You can support the mission by donating, sharing mission updates, or following ADVF on social media to help raise awareness about preventable blindness.
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For general inquiries, please contact info@advfoundation.org