Global leaders gathered at the House of Lords to commemorate the International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness and celebrate 49 years of the Eye Foundation of America’s impactful work.
House of Lords, London | January 31, 2026: On January 31, 2026, global leaders, parliamentarians, healthcare pioneers, philanthropists, and representatives from various community and professional organizations convened at the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace in the House of Lords. The gathering commemorated the International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness (IDWWCB) and celebrated 49 years of dedicated service by the Eye Foundation of America (EFA), an organization committed to restoring sight and safeguarding children’s futures since its inception in 1977.
The event marked a significant moment in the global effort to address childhood blindness, emphasizing the urgent need to eliminate preventable visual impairments among children worldwide. Lord Rami Ranger, a member of the House of Lords, chaired the event, bringing together a distinguished group of voices dedicated to prioritizing child eye health as a public health and development issue.
In his welcome address, Lord Ranger expressed his gratitude for the attendees, stating, “This is indeed a privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the House of Lords, a place where decisions are made that will touch the lives of almost everyone in the world.” He underscored the importance of the mission to eradicate childhood blindness, asserting, “A world without childhood blindness is not an aspiration—it is an achievable goal if governments, philanthropy, and civil society act together.”
Dr. V. K. Raju, the Founder and Visionary Leader of EFA, reflected on the organization’s journey since its founding. He stated, “Forty-nine years ago, this mission began with one simple belief—that no child should go blind because of poverty or lack of access. Today, that belief has become a global responsibility. Childhood blindness is preventable, and together, we have the power to end it.”
The Eye Foundation of America was established following Dr. Raju’s first eye camp in Vijayawada, India, in 1977. This initiative sparked a movement that has since expanded across India, Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Dr. Raju recounted the challenges he faced in bringing modern medical equipment to India, including the introduction of vitrectomy instruments in 1979. Despite obstacles at customs, he remained committed to making advanced treatments accessible to children in need. Over the past nearly five decades, EFA has implemented impactful programs focused on prevention, early detection, treatment, and strengthening healthcare systems for underserved and vulnerable children.
Dr. Raju highlighted the profound consequences of childhood blindness, noting that three-fourths of visually impaired children never attend school, and blindness reduces employability by 50%. He pointed out that of the 3.5 million premature babies born in India, nearly one in six are at risk of developing Retinopathy of Prematurity, a condition that can lead to blindness.
Describing his work as “God’s work,” Dr. Raju called for collective action to eradicate childhood blindness, emphasizing that every child deserves to see the world clearly. “Let’s join hands to eradicate childhood blindness and unlock a brighter future for generations to come,” he urged.
Throughout the event, senior parliamentarians, healthcare leaders, Rotarians, policy advocates, diplomats, and global media representatives underscored the importance of institutional partnerships and the integration of childhood eye health into public health systems. EFA’s model, which combines clinical excellence with local capacity building and global partnerships, was recognized as a benchmark for sustainable impact.
Among the notable speakers was Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Chief in China, who emphasized the connection between child vision, education, and sustainable development. He urged for leadership that recognizes the consequences of inaction and the need for momentum in driving change.
Dr. Sam Maddula, a Board Member and Major Donor of EFA, shared his personal story of transformation through the Eye Foundation’s initiatives, highlighting the importance of long-term investment in childhood blindness prevention. He stated, “Restoring sight is not charity—it is one of the most powerful investments we can make in a child’s future and in a nation’s human capital.”
Padma Shri Dr. Mukesh Batra, a global ambassador for homeopathy, emphasized the importance of measurable impact, stating, “History will remember not how many conferences we held, but how many children we helped see.”
Rotarian Sandeep Saxena noted the significance of collaboration among public policy, private capital, and civil society in achieving true transformation. He paid tribute to Dr. Raju for his lifelong dedication to the cause.
Dr. Leela Raju, President of EFA, concluded the event by emphasizing the collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to eye care. She expressed gratitude to donors, benefactors, and partners, urging everyone to work together to make eye health a priority in public health systems.
The International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness serves as a reminder that over 90% of a child’s learning occurs through vision. Yet, millions of children continue to face avoidable blindness, which undermines education and economic mobility.
As EFA approaches its 50th year, it calls on governments to integrate child eye health into national strategies, corporates to prioritize sight restoration in their corporate social responsibility initiatives, and global citizens to advocate for sight as a fundamental right.
Dr. Raju concluded with a call to action for world leaders, stating, “Let this gathering not be another discussion. Let it be a point of convergence where policy meets medicine, philosophy meets need, and intention meets action.”
The Eye Foundation of America, founded by Dr. V.K. Raju in 1977, is a global non-profit organization dedicated to preventing blindness through service, education, and research. EFA has impacted millions across India, Africa, the UK, and the U.S. by providing high-quality eye care in underserved regions. For more information, visit www.eyefoundationofamerica.org.
According to GlobalNetNews.