Global Drive to End Childhood Blindness: Eye Foundation of America Launches Landmark Initiative
Global Drive to End Childhood Blindness: Eye Foundation of America Launches Landmark Initiative
Historic Event Unites Global Leaders and Youth Champions at the House of Lords, England
By Ajay Ghosh
In a momentous effort to eradicate childhood blindness, the Eye Foundation of America (EFA) is set to celebrate the International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness on January 31, 2026 at the prestigious House of Lords in England. This groundbreaking initiative, organised in collaboration with the Rotary Club, United for Good, Lions Club, and Rotaract, brings together an unprecedented coalition of passionate leaders and volunteers dedicated to global vision health.
Unifying Visionaries for a Noble Cause
The launch event will feature influential figures such as Lord Rami Ranger, UK Parliament Member and Chair of International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness (IDW.WCB); Dr. V.K. Raju, founder and president of EFA; Siddharth Chatterjee from United Nations China; Padma Bhushan Dr. K.I. Bal Prasad Reddy, EFA patron; AP Singh, Alliance International President; Sam Madhula, EFA board member; and Dr. Leela B. Raju, EFA Secretary General. Their joint commitment embodies the event’s theme, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
Youth Leadership at the Forefront
Rotary’s youth members are actively collaborating with Dr. V.K. Raju, a globally respected visionary, to combat childhood blindness. On 14/06/2025, an inspiring assembly at India International Centre, New Delhi, saw Rotaractors and Interactors pledge unwavering support to Dr. Raju’s mission of a world without childhood blindness. The event marked a pivotal step in fostering intergenerational partnerships for equitable global health.
The Global Challenge of Childhood Blindness
Childhood blindness is a critical health issue with profound social and economic impact. Dr. Raju highlighted that three-fourths of visually impaired children never attend school, and blindness reduces employability by 50%, perpetuating poverty and isolation. In India, 3.5 million premature babies are born annually; of these, nearly 600,000 infants are born before 32 weeks gestational age, with over 200,000 at risk for Retinopathy of Prematurity—a preventable cause of blindness.
Innovative Strategies and Action Plans
· School-Based Awareness Drives: Students spearhead vision screening and educational initiatives in their communities.
· Community Screening Campaigns: Local eye health check-ups aim to prevent blindness at the grassroots level.
· Technology-Driven Solutions: Digital platforms and modern tools extend the reach of eye care services.
Dr. Raju stressed the transformative potential of Rotary Fellowships in building a global network of youth-led initiatives for eye health, demonstrating the impact of unified local and international action.
Milestones and Future Vision
· Vision Ambassador Chapters: Schools and colleges will form chapters led by Rotaractors and Interactors to promote eye health advocacy.
· Global EFA Youth Fellowship: A new programme for training and mentoring young leaders in public health advocacy.
· #SeeTheFuture Campaign: A youth-led social media movement to raise awareness and mobilise support worldwide.
· Global Vision Summit: Scheduled for 31/01/2027 in New York, coinciding with the proposed International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness.
These initiatives represent a strategic effort to institutionalise youth leadership and empathy in the fight against childhood blindness.
Inspiring Leadership and Words of Encouragement
Dr. Raju expressed deep gratitude to youth participants, recognising them as leaders of today. “If we equip our youth with empathy, purpose, and tools—there is no mission too big, no blindness too deep,” he remarked. The event concluded with the signing of a Charter of Commitments, outlining a shared roadmap for future collaborations in preventing childhood blindness and ensuring equitable eye care access.
About the Eye Foundation of America
Founded in 1979 by Dr. V.K. Raju, the Eye Foundation of America is a global non-profit committed to preventing blindness through service, education, and research. With operations spanning India, Africa, the UK, and the United States, EFA has restored vision to millions, especially in underserved communities, and continues its mission to ensure no child suffers from preventable blindness.
Global Call to Action
Lord Rami Ranger, EFA Board Member and distinguished philanthropist, emphasised, “Childhood blindness is a solvable problem, but it requires our collective action. Together, we can ensure every child has access to quality eye care and the opportunity to realise their full potential.”
Dr. Raju added, “Retinopathy of Prematurity affects 200,000 premature babies in India annually, leading to irreversible blindness.” He noted that he has made over 140 working visits to India since 1977, dedicating his life’s work to the cause. EFA and the Goutami Eye Institute are planning a state-of-the-art eye hospital in India for children worldwide, with a focus on research and free treatment for those in need.
“Let us illuminate young lives and create a world without childhood blindness. Your support can change lives, restore vision, and empower futures. Now, let’s all join the movement to be part of something extraordinary,” urged Dr. Raju.
