Our Beginnings
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” -Lao Tzu
1961
Long Beach, California
Dr. Bill Jackson, a recent medical school graduate, and his wife Audrey started residency in Long Beach California.
1963
Crucial phone call
Dr. Bill Jackson and his wife Audrey faced a crucial decision when Care International urgently requested a doctor to volunteer in war-torn Algeria.
Despite their plans for a settled life, Audrey's words, "We'll always be sorry," ignited a profound shift, leading Dr. Jackson to embark on a journey that would impact countless lives.
1963
Moving to Algeria
Bill Jackson's decision to volunteer in Algeria became a turning point for him and Audrey. They embraced a life of charity work, traveling as a family to provide medical care worldwide.
1987
Manila, Philippines
Twenty years later, during a mission in the Philippines, Bill Jackson recognized the importance of empowering local health professionals for sustainable solutions. After organizing teams of dedicated local professionals, his initiative called "Deseret International Foundation," laid the foundation for CharityVision.
2001
Provo, Utah
In the early 2000s, Bill and Audrey’s son, Doug Jackson, took on the role of Chief Executive Director and aligned the organization’s focus to eye care because of the dramatic need and its potential for sustainability. In just over 30 years, CharityVision has expanded to 26 countries and hundreds of partnerships with local hospitals, doctors and clinics around the globe.
2014
New focus/Branding
Deseret International Foundation recognizes its role as a leader in eyecare and decides to focus on the 60 million people needlessly blind worldwide. They switched their name to CharityVision and redefined their focus to eye care.
2015
Equipment procurement
Our ability to gather and restore equipment to send overseas is critical to our mission. Having resources and expertise here in the States greatly increases our effectiveness. This year, they began an equipment subsidiary - CV Medical.
2021
1 MM Surgeries and counting!
By 2021, 1 in 8 people worldwide are affected by vision loss but lack access to care. Thanks to our local partners and donors, this year marked CharityVision’s one millionth surgery.
Now It’s Your Turn
Your donation funds sight-restoring services
and empowers medical communities worldwide.