A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything

It was 1977, and I had returned to my hometown in India after completing my medical studies. A farmer approached me, his eyes filled with desperation, and asked for help with his vision. Without any medical instruments, I examined him as best I could. That simple act sparked a mission that would drive me for the next 45+ years: combating childhood blindness. 

As I delved deeper into the issue, I was shocked by the staggering statistics. 1.4 million blind children worldwide, with 75% living in Africa and Asia. These children accounted for 70 million blind years, compared to 120 million blind years resulting from adult cataracts. A blind child is permanently blocked from access to education, opportunity, and the windows of the world. 

The Birth of a Vision  

That chance encounter ignited a passion within me to address the reality of avoidable blindness in impoverished areas. I coined the term “world without childhood blindness” and dedicated my life to making it a reality. I founded the Eye Foundation of America (EFA), a non-profit organization committed to eradicating avoidable blindness. 

Making a Difference  

Through EFA, I’ve worked tirelessly to: 

• – Provide eye camps and brick-and-mortar hospitals in developing countries along with Rotary International 

• – Train medical personnel to serve the needy 

• – Educate populations on preventative eye care and healthy lifestyle choices 

Our achievements:  

• – Built 2 hospitals in India 

• – Established avoidable blindness programs in 31 countries 

• – Screened 3.9+ million clinic patients including school screenings and outreach camps.  

• – Performed 350,000+ sight-saving surgeries, including 30,000+ on children 

A Legacy of Compassion  

My daughter, Dr. Leela Raju, joins me in this mission as EFA’s Secretary and Coordinator for Education. Together, we’re committed to finding new cures for age-old eye diseases in children. 

The Future We Envision  

Our work is far from over. We’re constructing a 100,000 square foot eye hospital in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, where no child will be denied treatment. We’ll continue to expand our reach, educate, and advocate for childhood blindness eradication. 

Join Me on This Journey  

Support EFA’s mission:  

• – Donate: https://eyefoundationofamericawv-bloom.kindful.com/ – Volunteer: Support Rotary camps in schools & communities  

• – Spread Awareness: Share this story, Share this video link – https://youtu.be/vgDI-nL9nq8?si=s8vAgLXt8McItW3f 

Together, let’s create a world where every child can see, learn, and thrive. A World Without Childhood Blindness: A Reality Within Reach. I invite you to join me on this journey, to be part of something greater than ourselves. Let’s make a difference, one child at a time. 

A Journey of Purpose  

Heartful Rotarian, Immediate Past President RC Morgan Town West Virginia Born in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India, I earned my medical degree from Andhra University and completed an ophthalmology residency and fellowship at the Royal Eye Group of Hospitals in London. I reside in Morgantown, WV, where I’m a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University and Adjunct Professor at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University. 

India Fundraiser Jan 31, 2025 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

Dr VK Raju, Founder President Eye Foundation of America