Restore Sight.
Transform Lives.
Expand Access.
In partnership with AMMS, the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation is deploying mobile surgical units to rural Morocco — where a single $150 donation restores sight and returns an entire family to independence.
3
Mobile Units
$780K
Phase 1 Goal
Thousands
Lives Restored
A Preventable Tragedy
In rural Morocco, cataracts and treatable eye conditions condemn thousands to darkness — not because cures don't exist, but because access does not.
When Sight Fades, Entire Families Suffer
In Morocco's remote regions, a single case of cataracts creates a ripple effect of poverty. When an adult loses their sight, a child leaves school to become a caregiver. A working-age family member abandons their job. An entire household descends into dependency.
The Association Marocaine Médicale de Solidarité (AMMS) has proven that mobile surgical units can break this cycle. Their teams have delivered thousands of sight-restoring surgeries directly in the communities that need them most.
But their fleet is aging. Without modernization, this proven model cannot scale to meet the overwhelming need.
2.2M
People in Morocco living with vision impairment
$50
Cost to restore sight for one person
80%
Of vision loss is preventable or treatable
6X
Economic return per surgery via restored productivity
"Restoring one person's sight doesn't just change one life. It returns a child to school, a parent to work, and a family to self-sufficiency."
— Dr. Paul Dougherty, Founder
We are raising $780,000 to completely refurbish three mobile clinics before our October 4–10, 2026 deployment. Each unit is purpose-built to deliver high-volume, world-class ophthalmic care in the most remote regions of Morocco.
Three Units. One Deployment.
Thousands of Lives.
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Surgical Unit Alpha
$260,000
A fully equipped mobile operating theater capable of 50+ cataract surgeries per day. Includes sterilization equipment, surgical microscopes, phacoemulsification systems, and post-operative recovery bays. -
Surgical Unit Beta
$260,000
A second mobile operating theater doubling our surgical capacity. Mirror configuration to Unit Alpha, ensuring redundancy and maximum patient throughput during the mission. -
Diagnostic Unit
$260,000
Advanced pre-operative screening and diagnostic capabilities including auto-refractors, slit lamps, OCT imaging, and visual field testing to identify candidates and plan surgeries with precision.
Phase 1 Funding Goal
$780,000
Must be secured by early September for October deployment
PAST MISSION
Our December 2025 mission to Chefchaouen, Morocco — where ADVF and AMMS surgical teams worked alongside local clinicians to deliver high-volume, sight-restoring care
Chefchaouen Mission, December 2025
251
Cataract Surgeries Completed
955
Ophthalmology Consultations
1,745
Comprehensive Care Interactions
CHEFCHAOUEN, Morocco — An 80-year-old Moroccan woman saw the world again 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.
I want to cook a meal for my family.
“
Khadouj
Chefchaouen Mission, December 2025
Every Gift Restores Sight
From a single surgery to an entire mobile unit, your contribution builds a sustainable system of care.
The Entry Point
$50
= 1 Surgery = 1 Life Restored
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Friend of the Mission $1,000 – $4,999
Funds 7–33 surgeries. Recognized on the mission honor roll. Receive exclusive mission updates and behind-the-scenes content from Morocco.
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Vision Partner $5,000 – $14,999
Funds 33–100 surgeries. Name listed on the mission website. Personal thank-you video from the surgical team in Morocco.
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Mobile Unit Advocate $15,000 – $34,999
Funds 100–233 surgeries. Recognition on unit exterior plaque. Quarterly impact reports and invitation to virtual mission briefings.
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Community Champion $35,000 – $74,999
Funds 233–500 surgeries. Named recognition on mobile unit. Private briefing with Dr. Dougherty. Invitation to mission departure event.
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Sight Restorer $75,000 – $149,999
Funds 500–1,000 surgeries. Co-naming rights on a surgical unit. Featured in mission documentary. Private dinner with leadership team.
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Founding Partner $150,000+
Funds an entire mobile unit refurbishment. Full naming rights. Permanent legacy recognition. Exclusive access to mission planning and on-site visit opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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100% of your donation goes directly to the refurbishment and equipping of the three mobile units. Costs include vehicle chassis refurbishment, surgical equipment (microscopes, phacoemulsification systems, sterilization units), diagnostic instruments, medical supplies for the October mission, and transportation logistics. Administrative overhead is covered separately by ADVF's general fund.
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Yes. The Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charity. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. You will receive an automated tax receipt via email immediately after your donation. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the specific deductibility of your contribution.
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We are committed to the October mission regardless of funding status. However, falling short of our goal would mean prioritizing which units receive full refurbishment and which operate with limited capabilities. Every dollar raised directly increases the number of patients we can serve. No funds are diverted — all contributions support this mission.
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Recognition varies by giving level. All donors receive a personalized thank-you and mission updates. Gifts of $1,000+ are listed on the mission honor roll. Gifts of $15,000+ receive naming recognition on mobile unit plaques. Founding Partners ($150,000+) receive full naming rights for a unit and permanent legacy recognition. Anonymous giving is always respected upon request.
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Absolutely. We accept stock transfers, donations through Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), wire transfers, and planned giving. For instructions on non-cash donations, please contact Amanda directly at [EMAIL] or visit our donor services page. For major gifts, we also remind donors to set the Zeffy platform tip to $0 to avoid unnecessary fees.
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We are actively recruiting 3–5 volunteer ophthalmic surgeons and general medical/support volunteers for the October mission. Please visit our volunteer page to submit your information. All credentials are reviewed by Amanda and the medical leadership team. Volunteer positions are limited and fill quickly.
ADV Foundation
The Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation (ADVF) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charity. Contributions are charitable gifts made in support of ADVF's mission to expand access to vision care and work toward eliminating preventable blindness worldwide. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your contribution.
© 2026 Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation. All rights reserved.