About Us

VOSH/California was established in 1988 by five optometrists, Dr. Greg Pearl, Dr. David Krasnow, Dr. Barry Leonard, Dr. Neil Mietus and Dr. David Eldridge. Together they decided to join the VOSH International network of OD’s providing eye care services to needy populations around the world. Since the first trip to Costa Rica in 1989, VOSH/Cal has conducted over 50 missions to 14 countries and provided services to over 300,000 patients.

VOSH/Cal has donated over $11.0 million in medicine, equipment, supplies and services to countries in Central and South America and Asia. In addition, VOSH/CA has worked diligently to incorporate student VOSH chapters in its programs. Participating schools include SUNY College of Optometry, SCCO, Indiana University College of Optometry, Western University College of Optometry, Illinois College of Optometry, Midwestern College of Optometry< Xochicalco College of Optometry, National University of Nicaragua College of Optometry.

VOSH-CA founders Dr. Greg Pearl and Dr. David Krasnow in a makeshift exam room in Monteverde, Costa Rica on the first VOSH/CA campaign in 1988.

VOSH-CA founder Dr. Barry Leonard circa 1988.

Our mission

VOSH believes in the freedom to see.

Our mission is to provide the gift of vision and quality eye health to people worldwide.

VOSH facilitates the provision and the sustainability of vision care worldwide for people who can neither afford nor obtain such care.

Our goal is to increase our global impact whenever possible by supporting sustainable eye clinics, optometry schools and optometric educators in areas lacking sufficient eye care.

VOSH Code of Conduct

VOSH/International® and its chapters are committed to:

  • Respecting and acting responsibly toward the communities in which we work and for the benefit of the communities that we serve;
  • Treating every individual with dignity and respect;
  • Acting honestly, truthfully and with integrity in all our transactions and dealings;
  • Being ethical, responsible, transparent and accountable for our actions;
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest.