The Eye Foundation of America is launching a global initiative to eradicate childhood blindness, culminating in a landmark event at the House of Lords on January 31, 2026.
In a significant effort to combat childhood blindness, the Eye Foundation of America (EFA) is preparing to celebrate the International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness on January 31, 2026, at the prestigious House of Lords in England. This initiative, organized in collaboration with the Rotary Club, United for Good, Lions Club, and Rotaract, aims to unite a diverse coalition of leaders and volunteers dedicated to improving global vision health.
The launch event will feature prominent figures, including Lord Rami Ranger, a member of the UK Parliament and Chair of the International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness (IDW.WCB); Dr. V.K. Raju, founder and president of EFA; Siddharth Chatterjee from the United Nations in 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 collective commitment reflects the event’s theme: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Rotary’s youth members are playing a crucial role in this initiative, actively collaborating with Dr. Raju to address childhood blindness. On June 14, 2025, an inspiring gathering at the India International Centre in New Delhi saw Rotaractors and Interactors pledge their support for Dr. Raju’s mission to create a world without childhood blindness. This event marked a pivotal moment in fostering intergenerational partnerships aimed at achieving equitable global health.
Childhood blindness is a pressing health issue with significant social and economic repercussions. Dr. Raju noted that three-fourths of visually impaired children never attend school, and blindness can reduce employability by 50%, perpetuating cycles of poverty and isolation. In India alone, approximately 3.5 million premature babies are born each year, with nearly 600,000 born before 32 weeks of gestation. Among these, over 200,000 infants are at risk for Retinopathy of Prematurity, a preventable cause of blindness.
To tackle this global challenge, the EFA has outlined several innovative strategies and action plans. School-based awareness drives will empower students to lead vision screening and educational initiatives within their communities. Community screening campaigns will facilitate local eye health check-ups, aiming to prevent blindness at the grassroots level. Additionally, technology-driven solutions will leverage digital platforms and modern tools to extend the reach of eye care services.
Dr. Raju emphasized the transformative potential of Rotary Fellowships in building a global network of youth-led initiatives focused on eye health, showcasing the impact of unified local and international actions.
Looking ahead, the EFA has set ambitious milestones to institutionalize youth leadership and empathy in the fight against childhood blindness. Vision Ambassador Chapters will be established in schools and colleges, led by Rotaractors and Interactors, to promote eye health advocacy. A new Global EFA Youth Fellowship program will train and mentor young leaders in public health advocacy. The #SeeTheFuture campaign, a youth-led social media movement, aims to raise awareness and mobilize support worldwide. Furthermore, a Global Vision Summit is scheduled for January 31, 2027, in New York, coinciding with the proposed International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness.
These initiatives represent a strategic effort to empower youth and foster a sense of responsibility in addressing childhood blindness.
Dr. Raju expressed his gratitude to the youth participants, acknowledging them as the leaders of today. “If we equip our youth with empathy, purpose, and tools—there is no mission too big, no blindness too deep,” he stated. The event concluded with the signing of a Charter of Commitments, outlining a shared roadmap for future collaborations aimed at preventing childhood blindness and ensuring equitable access to eye care.
The Eye Foundation of America, founded in 1979 by Dr. V.K. Raju, is a global non-profit organization dedicated to preventing blindness through service, education, and research. With operations in India, Africa, the UK, and the United States, EFA has restored vision to millions, particularly in underserved communities, and continues its mission to ensure that no child suffers from preventable blindness.
Lord Rami Ranger, an EFA Board Member and noted philanthropist, emphasized the urgency of collective action in addressing childhood blindness. “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 realize their full potential,” he stated.
Dr. Raju further highlighted the critical situation, noting that Retinopathy of Prematurity affects 200,000 premature babies in India annually, leading to irreversible blindness. He has dedicated his life’s work to this cause, having made over 140 working visits to India since 1977. EFA and the Goutami Eye Institute are collaborating to establish a state-of-the-art eye hospital in India, focusing on research and providing 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,” Dr. Raju urged.
For more information, visit www.eyefoundationofamerica.org or email info@eyefoundationofamerica.org.
Source: Original article