We are a volunteer group of eye care professionals, healthcare providers from other specialties, and people without medical experience but with a desire to help others. We supply free eye care to those who need it but can't afford it, through eyecare events throughout the southwest United States and northern Mexico.
VOSH Arizona (AZVOSH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free eyecare to underserved populations, primarily through eyecare events 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, and we help foreign eyecare providers establish sustainable indigenous programs by providing training and equipment.
The chapter was founded in 2002 by Dr. Ed Tuhy, a retired optometrist, with $9,800 from gold reclaimed from old eyeglass frames and a $12,000 grant from Rotary International. Our long partnership with the Pitic Rotary Club in Hermosillo, Sonora makes our work in Mexico possible.
Matching prescriptions on site for children and adults.
Screening for glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
Missions in Sonora, MX plus refugee "Voshito" clinics in AZ.
Helping local providers build sustainable eyecare programs.
Recent and recurring eyecare events across Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Join us on the ground or help sponsor the next one.
Week-long clinic with the municipality of Navojoa, Pitic Rotary, VOSH Sonora, and optometry schools from the US and Mexico. 2,237 patients examined.
Read MoreTransformative eye care mission in Puerto Penasco with community partner Palabras de Esperanza.
Read MoreMonthly multi-specialty clinic with Palabras de Esperanza: comprehensive exams and free eyeglasses, about 10 patients a day, translators on site.
Read MoreWhether you donate your time, financial support, or optical equipment, your contribution directly changes lives.
We invite optometrists, opticians, healthcare workers, Spanish translators, and general volunteers. No prior medical experience required for clinic support roles!
We are a registered tax-exempt charitable organization. Donations fund diagnostic equipment, prescription lenses, frames, medications, and clinic logistics.
Have optical instruments, phoropters, auto-refractors, trial lens sets, or uncut lenses? We put working gear directly into service.
Eye care clinics updating their diagnostic tech or retiring equipment can donate working instruments to AZVOSH. Your donations directly outfit our mobile field clinics and help build sustainable optometric care in underserved areas.
Highlights from our recent humanitarian vision clinics across Arizona, Sonora, and student volunteer initiatives.
Sonora, Mexico
Volunteers working with patients in the field
Arizona, USA
Volunteers at the Phoenix Voshito refugee clinic
Sonora, Mexico
Clinic team in Miguel Aleman
Sonora, Mexico
Hermosillo mission clinic
Arizona, USA
Tucson Voshito refugee clinic
Sonora, Mexico
US and Mexican optometry students rotating through clinic stations
Sonora, Mexico
The optical station: fitting donated frames
Because our clinicians and personnel volunteer their time, your donation goes toward lenses, frames, medications, equipment, and clinic logistics — not salaries.
No! While licensed Optometrists (ODs) and Opticians are essential, we also rely heavily on non-medical volunteers for patient intake, translation (English/Spanish), frame fitting, logistics, and clinic setup.
Volunteers generally cover their own travel costs. Some events include lodging and meals for a small mission donation — for example, the monthly Puerto Peñasco clinic asks $30, which covers accommodation near the beach and all meals.
Yes. VOSH Arizona is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 27-0019769). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Have questions or want to partner on an upcoming clinic event?