2019 VOSH/International Award Recipients

Chair, Technology Transfer Program

David Stacy, OD, USA

Dr. Stacy graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry in 1978 after receiving his BS in Biological Sciences from the University of Arizona and serving in the United Stated Army for four and one half years. He was in private practice in Chandler, AZ until he retired and sold his practice in October 2019. He is a member of AOA and ASOA. Dr. Stacy has dedicated the last 10+ years to the development and execution of the VOSH/International Technology Transfer Program (TTP). VOSH, through TTP, collects, restores and ships used optometric equipment, lenses and frames to needy clinics, teaching institutions, hospitals and NGO’s. Dr. Stacy has served as President of the Arizona Chapter of VOSH, International for almost four years. He followed the founder of the Chapter, Dr. Ed Tuhy who provided a remarkable foundation and gathered many talented members for the Chapter. The 2013 Mission will mark a decade of service in Sonora, Mexico for the Chapter. Dr. Stacy speaks Spanish and uses the logistics he learned in the military to do his part in supporting the missions. The SVOSH, AZ Chapter, from MWU, College of Optometry, Glendale, AZ campus, has become an integral part of VOSH, AZ missions. The membership also includes several ophthalmologists who have opened a dialogue with SEE, International and the University of Arizona, Ophthalmology Department to address the possibility of supporting missions for cataract and pterygium operations. Very active Rotary and Lions Clubs in Sonora have proven to be excellent and reliable hosts and have worked beside the multitalented mission leaders to make the missions successful.

MSc. Severo Sánchez Melgarejo, Peru

Severo Sánchez is the founder and director of the Eurohispano Institute. The Institute has educated hundreds of optometry technicians, offered thousands of free eye examinations to Peruvians in need across the country and supported several VOSH chapters visiting the country. Dr Sanchez’s humanitarian work dates back from 2001 with several Rotary Clubs in Peru. In 2019 he was recognized as a member of the Franklin Harms Society with over 100 eye clinics in his record.