501(c)(3) Non-Profit
vosharizona@gmail.com | EIN: 27-0019769
AZVOSH
Eye Care For All
VOSH Arizona Chapter

Improving Lives by Improving Vision.

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.

View Upcoming Clinics
100%
Volunteer Operated
$0
Cost to Patients
2,237
Patients Examined, 2026 Navojoa Mission
Since 2002
Serving AZ & Sonora, MX
Our Mission

Bringing quality vision care to those who need it most.

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.

Free Eyeglasses

Matching prescriptions on site for children and adults.

Comprehensive Exams

Screening for glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

Cross-Border Outreach

Missions in Sonora, MX plus refugee "Voshito" clinics in AZ.

Training & Equipment

Helping local providers build sustainable eyecare programs.

AZVOSH volunteers at an eye clinic
Humanitarian Eye Clinic
Restoring sight, opening opportunities for education and employment.
Clinics & Events

Vision Missions & Clinics

Recent and recurring eyecare events across Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Join us on the ground or help sponsor the next one.

Sonora, Mexico

Puerto Peñasco General Eye Clinic

Every Month
Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Sonora
Saturday–Sunday, monthly with Palabras de Esperanza
Needs: ODs & eye care professionals

Monthly multi-specialty clinic with comprehensive exams and free eyeglasses. Slit lamp and phoropter on site, translators provided, lodging and meals included ($30 mission donation).

Sonora, Mexico

Navojoa Mexico Mission 2026

MAR 1-7
Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico
108 volunteers: students, doctors, translators, Rotarians
2,237 patients examined, 1,264 glasses ordered

Week-long clinic with the municipality of Navojoa, Pitic Rotary, VOSH Sonora, and optometry schools from the US and Mexico. 148 patients referred for cataract surgery.

Arizona, USA

Phoenix Voshito: Refugee Eye Clinic

APR 12
Heritage Presbyterian Church, Glendale, AZ
40+ volunteers with the Int'l Refugee Committee
~75 exams, 29 eyeglass prescriptions

One-day optometry clinic for refugees resettling in Phoenix, with referrals to the Midwestern Eye Institute for patients needing comprehensive evaluation.

Get Involved

Three Ways You Can Restore Sight

Whether you donate your time, financial support, or optical equipment, your contribution directly changes lives.

1. Volunteer With Us

We invite optometrists, opticians, healthcare workers, Spanish translators, and general volunteers. No prior medical experience required for clinic support roles!

Most Needed

2. Donate Funds

We are a registered tax-exempt charitable organization. Donations fund diagnostic equipment, prescription lenses, frames, medications, and clinic logistics.

3. Donate Equipment

Have optical instruments, phoropters, auto-refractors, trial lens sets, or uncut lenses? We put working gear directly into service.

View Equipment Guide
Optical Equipment Donations

Turn unused clinic gear into clear vision for thousands.

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.

Phoropters & Retinoscopes
Auto-Refractors & Lensmeters
Trial Lens Sets & Frames
Handheld Ophthalmoscopes
Email Equipment Coordinator

Donation Process

  1. 1
    Submit Details: Fill out our quick equipment form with photos and working condition.
  2. 2
    Coordinate Transfer: We'll work out drop-off, pickup, or shipping with you directly.
  3. 3
    Tax Receipt: Receive a receipt from a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Your Impact Calculated

See how far your donation goes.

Because our clinicians and personnel volunteer their time, your donation goes toward lenses, frames, medications, equipment, and clinic logistics — not salaries.

Interactive Impact Tier
$50
Covers prescription lenses for about four patients at a Voshito clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About AZVOSH

Do I need to be an optometrist to volunteer?

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.

How do clinic volunteers cover travel expenses?

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.

Are financial donations tax-deductible?

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.

Get in Touch

Have questions or want to partner on an upcoming clinic event?