About us
VOSH Arizona (AZVOSH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free eyecare to underserved populations. We do this through eyecare events that we hold primarily in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. At these events, we perform comprehensive eye examinations, supply new eyeglasses and medications, and assist patients in obtaining additional care if needed.
In addition to holding our own events, we work with other benevolent organizations by adding an eyecare component to their events. We also help foreign eyecare providers establish sustainable indigenous programs by providing training and equipment. Contact us for more information about how AZVOSH can support you or your organization .
Our Mission
The objective of VOSH Arizona is to improve the vision of persons who need primary eye care but can not afford or obtain such care. We provide doctors who conduct professional eye examinations and trained laypersons who dispense corrective lenses and sunglasses to those who will benefit, with the assistance and cooperation of host organizations and health officials in any country that welcomes our service.
VOSH ARIZONA HISTORY
The idea for having an Arizona Chapter of VOSH International began in January of 2002. Dr Ed Tuhy, a retired optometrist from North Dakota, had moved to the warmer climate at SaddleBrooke Arizona. He and his wife Sheila, a retired nurse, had been involved in VOSH missions to provide eye care for the poor in Latin countries for over 15 years and wanted to continue their work. Since they were close to Mexico and there was no VOSH chapter in Arizona, they thought it was a prime opportunity to start one.
With $9,800 from reclaimed gold that Dr. Ed found in old frames that he had collected for years and a grant of $12,000 from Rotary International, VOSH Arizona was able to buy the necessary equipment and start a VOSH chapter.
It is necessary to have a host organization in the country where service is given to obtain the cooperation of health ministry and coordinate the establishment of the place to work. We were very pleased to find the Pitic Rotary Club in Hermosillo, Sonora, whose members embraced the idea of giving eye care. Every year Pitic members are an invaluable, dedicated and cooperative group that makes the VOSH Arizona work in Sonora so successful.
