The Eye Foundation of America raised $900,000 at its recent charity gala, aiming to combat preventable childhood blindness globally.
The Eye Foundation of America (EFA) successfully raised $900,000 during its 2026 charity gala, held on April 18 at The Imperia in Somerset, New Jersey. The event, themed “Join Our Vision,” underscored the vital need for collective efforts to enhance access to affordable and high-quality eye care for children in underserved communities worldwide.
Under the leadership of founder Dr. V. K. Raju and foundation president Dr. Leela V. Raju, the gala brought together a diverse group of philanthropists, medical professionals, business leaders, and community advocates, all united by a shared vision of eradicating childhood blindness.
During the event, members of the Board of Trustees, including Sam Maddali, Sekhar Vemparala, and Srinu Maddula, were acknowledged for their years of dedication and stewardship in advancing the Foundation’s mission.
“Every child deserves to see the world with clarity and purpose,” Dr. V. K. Raju, a world-renowned ophthalmologist, stated. “Let us join hands to eradicate childhood blindness and unlock a brighter future for generations to come.”
Dr. Raju highlighted the transformative advances in medicine and technology, particularly the emergence of gene therapy and stem cell therapy, which are changing the landscape of diagnosis and treatment for inherited and degenerative eye diseases. However, he stressed that innovation alone is insufficient.
“The greatest challenge is ensuring these life-changing treatments are accessible and affordable to the millions of children who need them most,” he said.
Dr. Raju assured attendees that the funds raised during the gala would directly support EFA’s long-term mission to provide restorative and preventive vision care to children in underserved regions.
The Foundation employs a comprehensive approach to achieve its mission, which includes organizing eye camps, establishing permanent hospitals in developing countries, training medical professionals, and educating communities about preventive eye care and healthy lifestyle choices.
By empowering individuals with knowledge and access to care, EFA aims to prevent avoidable vision loss while enabling families and communities to thrive.
Through its initiatives, EFA trains teachers to identify early signs of eye problems in children, educates communities on injury prevention, and provides patients with free or subsidized surgeries and follow-up care.
These sustained efforts have made a significant impact: EFA has served approximately 2.5 million patients and performed over 340,000 vision-saving surgeries, including more than 30,000 surgeries for children. Over four decades, Dr. Raju’s work has restored sight to millions in India and around the world.
According to a media release, the Eye Foundation of America continues to strive toward a future where every child has the opportunity to see clearly and live a fulfilling life.