What if you could change a person’s entire world in just fifteen minutes? For a 13-year-old girl in Morocco, the world had gone dark far too soon. Suffering from cataracts caused by uncontrolled diabetes, she lost the ability to read, attend school, or even recognize her parents’ faces. Her only wish? To see the faces of her mother and father again.
At DLV Vision, we believe world-class eye care shouldn’t be limited by geography. While we are proud to serve our neighbors in Westlake Village, Camarillo, and Simi Valley, our mission—fueled by the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation (ADVF)—reaches far beyond the borders of Ventura County to help children and adults reclaim their lives.
What is the ADVF Mission Trip?
The Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation (ADVF) is a 501 non-profit dedicated to eliminating preventable blindness worldwide by 2050. Founded by Dr. Paul Dougherty, the medical director of DLV Vision, the foundation honors the memory of his son, Andrew, by bringing “gold-standard” cataract and refractive surgery to underserved populations.
A December to Remember in Morocco
During our most recent mission this December, the ADVF team traveled to Morocco to tackle “vision deserts” where access to basic ophthalmic specialists is nearly non-existent. This trip was a massive collaborative effort, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our partners:
- Association Marocaine Médicale de Solidarité (AMMS)
- The Vision Innovation Institute (VII)
Our generous sponsors and incredible local volunteers. Together, we provided life-altering cataract surgeries and clinical consultations for more than 230 patients.
Sustainable Impact: More Than Just Surgeries
\A mission trip is only as good as the footprint it leaves behind. For our patients the precision they experience in our offices is the same standard we are working to implement globally.
Strengthening Regional Systems
Our teams didn’t just operate; we met with regional leadership, including the Governor of the region, to discuss long-term strategies for sustainable vision care. As a symbol of trust and ongoing partnership, ADVF was honored with a commitment plaque and an open invitation to return.
Education and Supplies
To ensure the impact lasts, ADVF focused on three key areas:
1. Donating Supplies: We provided critical medical equipment, including high-quality intraocular lenses.
2. Hands-on Training: Our surgeons delivered training to local medical teams to support long-term ophthalmic care.
3. Clinical Consultations: We screened hundreds of individuals to catch eye diseases before they lead to permanent blindness
“Together, we’re advancing access, strengthening systems, and building a future where sight is never out of reach.”
Restoration of Hope: A Patient Spotlight
Imagine being a teenager and losing your ability to see the board at school. In Morocco, this young girl faced a future of total dependence. Because of the uncontrolled nature of her diabetes, her cataracts were severe.
Through the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation, Dr. Paul Dougherty was able to perform the surgery she so desperately needed. Moments after the bandages were removed, the darkness was replaced by the smiling faces of her mother and father. We aren’t just restoring sight; we are restoring opportunity, connection, and hope.
Experience the DLV Difference Locally
Choosing a surgeon who leads international missions means you are choosing someone at the top of their field—someone trusted by world leaders and global health organizations.
Our Comprehensive Services Include:
- Laser Vision Correction (LASIK & PRK)
- Cataract Surgery with Premium Lens Implants
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
- Glaucoma and Dry Eye Management
Take the Next Step Toward Clear Vision
Whether you are inspired by our work in Morocco or simply tired of the daily struggle with glasses and contacts, we are here to help. Our world-renowned surgeons are ready to provide you with the same life-changing care we deliver across the globe.
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