Our Story
The Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation (ADVF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a bold mission: to eliminate preventable blindness worldwide by the year 2050 through cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.
ADVF was established by Dr. Paul Dougherty, a renowned ophthalmologist, in honor of his son, Andrew, who tragically passed away at the age of five. Driven by a deep personal loss and a profound understanding of the devastating impact of vision impairment, Dr.Dougherty channeled his grief into a mission to eradicate preventable blindness worldwide.
Our Model
ADVF is a network of U.S. based eye surgeons, entrepreneurs, and scientists working to end preventable blindness.
Provide free, gold-standard cataract surgeries and vision care in underserved communities worldwide
Utilize advanced surgical devices and therapeutics developed by our team of scientists and engineers
Ensure the latest approved ophthalmic technologies reach people who would not otherwise have access
Form strategic partnerships that expand reach and impact for patients in need
Collaboration with Vision Innovation Institute (VII)
ADVF collaborates with VII, an independent research and development partner. VII develops new technologies such as intraocular lenses, therapeutics, smartphone diagnostics, and AI tools.
ADVF deploys these innovations in real-world missions and clinics.
This partnership ensures that breakthroughs in research become practical solutions for patients who need them most.
Meet the Team
Dr. Paul Dougherty, MD | Founder & Chairman
Dr. Paul Dougherty, MD is among the nation’s most experienced laser and lens-based vision correction surgeons.
In addition to serving as medical director of Dougherty Laser Vision (with offices in Westlake Village, Camarillo, San Luis Obispo and Beverly Hills, California), Dr. Dougherty is an assistant clinical instructor of ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine.
He has served as a principal investigator for multiple FDA clinical trials including CATz topography-guided LASIK, Visian ICL for both myopia and hyperopia, Raindrop Implant for presbyopia and the Tetraflex Accommodating and Softec HD IOLs.
In honor of his son, he leads ADVF’s mission to bring world-class eye care to underserved communities and to make preventable blindness a thing of the past by 2050.
Kal Mentak, PhD | Board Member
Kal Mentak has extensive experience in building medical device companies from the ground up.
He founded and led several companies in the ophthalmic space including Surgidev Corporation, Advanced Vision Science, Inc. (AVS), and Adoptics Ltd.
He has recently been a limited partner at Zuehlke Ventures, investing in novel technologies both in healthcare and in technology.
Kal now applies this expertise through his role on the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation Board of Directors and his ongoing work with the Vision Innovation Institute, helping ensure that breakthrough ophthalmic technologies reach patients in underserved communities worldwide.
Amanda Gaez is a mission-driven leader in global health and nonprofit operations.
With years of experience in strategic management, partnership development, and operational excellence, she joined the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation to make a difference at scale.
She guides ADVF’s program delivery, builds collaborations across sectors, and ensures that every mission is efficient, effective, and focused on lasting impact.
Under her leadership, ADVF is elevating its ability to restore sight — training clinicians, coordinating medical missions, deploying innovations, and expanding access to vision care in underserved communities.
Our Growing Team
Board of Directors: Kal Mental PHD, Paul Dougherty MD & Renata Stone
Advisory Members: Katie Devoe, Amanda Gilbert & Michael Sinel MD