Restoring Sight, Restoring Dignity
An 80-year-old woman regained her vision during ADVF’s Morocco medical mission—one of hundreds of life-changing cataract surgeries made possible through donor support and strategic partnerships.
CHEFCHAOUEN, Morocco — An 80-year-old Moroccan woman saw the world again
Monday after undergoing cataract surgery performed by an American surgeon on the first day of a multi-day ophthalmic medical mission in the northern city of Chefchaouen. Khadouj, a housewife who had been blind for years due to cataracts, had her vision restored late Monday afternoon in a Mobile surgical suite. Moments after her bandage was removed, she quietly took in the sight of the room and the faces of those around her. When asked what she planned to do first, Khadouj told the medical team she wanted to cook a meal for her family, stating her desire to reclaim her independence and dignity in her home.
CHEFCHAOUEN, Morocco — Dec. 22, 2025 — From left, Kal Mentak, PhD, patient Khadouj, and Dr. Paul Dougherty after Khadouj’s cataract surgery during a medical mission in northern Morocco. Photo/ADVF
The procedure was performed by Paul Dougherty, M.D., founder of the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation (ADVF). The mission aims to restore sight to at least 250 people in Chefchaouen who have lost vision to preventable causes, primarily cataracts. By the end of the first day, the team had operated for nearly 12 hours straight.
Outside the clinic, lines of elderly patients and their family members stretched down the street, many having waited months or years for the opportunity.
Dr. Dougherty established the foundation after losing his 5-year-old son, Andrew, two decades ago, transforming his grief into a commitment to restoring sight. He is partnered with Kal Mentak, Ph.D., who has pioneered multiple global ophthalmic technologies. The two seek to bring advanced vision technology to underserved populations
The mission is a collaborative effort, made possible by financial and in-kind donations, including donated medical supplies and lenses from industry partners. ADVF is working with local partners, including the Association Marocaine Médicale de Solidarité, to ensure continuity of care
Khadouj was among the first group of patients to receive sight-restoring surgery. She returned home Monday evening, planning the meal she would prepare, as the medical team prepared for more surgeries scheduled for the following day.
By Amanda Gaez | Executive Director, ADVF