About VER

Specialist care takes careful preparation.

VER is a U.S.-based nonprofit that brings together qualified eye-care professionals and the practical resources needed for projects planned with local health partners.

Founded2015

In memory of Robert G. Martin II

Our beginning

Founded in memory of Robert G. Martin II.

Robert G. Martin II was a longtime advocate for vision services in Central and South America. In 2015, his family, friends, and members of the international service community founded Volunteer Eye Resources International in his memory.

VER honors his memory through volunteer eye-care projects developed with local partners. Our current work is focused in Peru. Cindy Goodale brought the founding team together in 2015 and served VER until her retirement in 2023.

Clinic staff and VER volunteers stand together in an examination room.
Clinic staff and VER volunteers in an examination room.

VER's role

What host institutions provide. What VER brings.

Host institutions

Local knowledge and continuity

Host institutions provide local clinical leadership, patient coordination, hospital staff, facilities, and continuity of care.

VER International

Specialists and project resources

VER brings specialist volunteers and coordinates the equipment, supplies, lodging, meals, and in-country transportation the team requires.

Working principles

Project planning extends beyond the clinical team.

Before travel, VER confirms the team, equipment, supplies, facilities, and logistics required for the project.

01

The host institution comes first

Clinical priorities, project timing, and patient selection are coordinated with local health partners.

02

Clinical roles have clear requirements

Licensed clinical volunteers must meet the documentation and qualification requirements for their roles.

03

Logistics are planned in advance

Before each project, VER coordinates the equipment, supplies, facilities, and volunteer arrangements needed to support the team.

04

Local continuity matters

Projects are planned with host institutions so visiting specialists complement ongoing local care.

Organization details

Volunteer Eye Resources International

Founded in 2015, VER is governed by a volunteer board with members based across the United States. The organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 47-5168608).

VER is short for Volunteer Eye Resources. In Spanish, ver means “to see”--a fitting name for the mission that has guided the organization since 2015.

Take part

Review the 2026 project plan.

See the project dates, volunteer needs, and current scope for Sullana.