LONDON (TIP): Global leaders from health, policy, philanthropy, and youth movements will gather at the **House of Lords, London**, on **Saturday, January 31, 2026**, to commemorate the **International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness (IDWWCB)**—a global observance dedicated to eliminating preventable childhood blindness worldwide.
The high-level commemoration marks **49 years of service to children since January 31, 1977**, when the first eye camp was conducted, launching a movement that has since transformed millions of young lives through prevention, treatment, and long-term systems of pediatric eye care across continents.
The event is led by the **Eye Foundation of America (EFA)** in collaboration with global partners and youth leaders, and is hosted at one of the world’s most influential legislative institutions—underscoring the importance of integrating childhood vision care into **public health policy, education systems, and global development agendas**.
Childhood blindness remains one of the most preventable public health challenges. With over **90% of learning dependent on vision**, unaddressed eye conditions significantly impact educational outcomes, economic opportunity, and lifelong well-being. The International Day aligns with the **United Nations Sustainable Development Goals**, particularly **SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)** and **SDG 4 (Quality Education)**, reinforcing vision care as a critical enabler of equity and human potential.
The global movement was founded by **Dr. V. K. Raju**, an internationally respected ophthalmologist and humanitarian whose work spans India, Africa, the United States, and beyond. The commemoration is supported by **Lord Rami Ranger**, Member of the House of Lords and a longstanding advocate for global humanitarian causes.
The January 31 commemoration serves as a unified call to governments, multilateral agencies, corporate leaders, and civil society to accelerate collective action toward a future where no child is blind due to avoidable causes.
(Based on a Press Release)
The Indian Panorama is grateful to Dr. V.K. Raju, President of the Eye Foundation of America and the board of directors of the Eye Foundation of America for their noble humanitarian work and great support to the publication. Their collaboration in publishing the special edition to pay tribute to Martyrs of India on the Martyrs Day is worth appreciation and deserves our gratitude.
We take this opportunity to briefly introduce the eminent eye surgeon and a great philanthropist and his team dedicated to creating a world without childhood blindness.
Dr. V.K. Raju
VK Raju, MD, FRCS, FACS
Ellis Island Award Nominee 2019
Ophthalmologist, Regional Eye Associates
President and Founder, Eye Foundation of America
President and Founder, Goutami Eye Institute
Clinical Professor, West Virginia University
Director, International Ocular Surface Society
Adjunct Professor, GSL Medical School
Adjunct Professor, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University
Author: Musings on Medicine, Myth, and History-India’s Legacy
Dr. VK Raju received his medical degree from Andhra University, India and Residency and Fellowship in UK. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American college of Surgeons.
V.K.Raju, MD, FRCS, FACS is a clinical professor of ophthalmology at West Virginia University, WV, USA, and practicing ophthalmologist at Regional Eye in Morgantown, WV, USA. In 1977, work began on what is now known as the Eye Foundation of America. With Dr. Raju’s guidance, the Eye Foundation of America’s work has grown. To date, the Eye Foundation of America has performed over 4 million vision screenings in rural areas of over 30 countries across the world, the latest being Guatemala in November, 2023. Through the Eye Foundation of America, over 400,000 sight-saving surgeries have been performed at no cost. Over 800 medical professionals, including many residents and ophthalmologists, have been trained to identify and treat eye diseases.
Dr. Raju remains highly involved as the Founder and President of the Eye Foundation of America to this day, returning to India every few months to participate in educational programs, vision screening camps, and surgeries.
New green Goutami Eye Institute under construction
His insatiable drive to improve the lives of others has also resulted in the recent culmination of another lifelong goal. The construction of another eye hospital is underway with wings devoted to specialties including ocular oncology, pediatric ophthalmology, and the retinopathy of prematurity, a disease effecting premature babies.
Dr. V.K. Raju with President Jimmy Carter
Dr. VK Raju has received awards from American Academy of Ophthalmology four times for his teaching, research and international service. A partial list of awards include Doctor Nathan Davis International award of Excellence in Medicine by American Medical Association Foundation, Lifetime Achievement Award from WV State Medical Association, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama, Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Samman award for Achievement in Medicine, House of Lords, London. He also received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Achievement Award from West Virginia University. He was also inducted into Medical Missions Hall of Fame by University of Toledo and Medscape placed him among the best doctors in America. Recently, he was awarded The Indian Panorama Lifetime Achievement Honor by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Dr. Raju receiving The Indian Panorama Lifetime Achievement Honor from Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
For over 40 years, Dr. Raju has dedicated himself to eliminating avoidable blindness in children and adults through outreach programs, surgeries, and educational efforts. V. K. Raju has published over 100 scientific articles, 17 book chapters, and 2 books. Still, he will tell you, “My work is only the beginning.” Only this morning, Dr. Raju shared with me two quotes. Now these quotes are a pointer to his mind.
“Of all the senses vision is the most precious.”
( SARVENDRIYANAM NAYANAM PRADHANAM- in Sanskrit.
80% of our learning is through vision.
Join us in giving a gift of vision “
Another now.
“There is nothing new under the sun.”
In this world, nothing is more important than children’s nutrition and education. If we give them nutrition and education, they will take care of themselves.
Since 1977, Eye foundation of America is striving to do just that.
“Be part of that effort”.
He often speaks about the colossal work which needs to be done to prevent childhood blindness. He is passionate about his vision of a world without childhood blindness.
Luckily for him, he says, he has been blessed with a wonderful team who are always there to share his vision and work for its realization. Let me introduce the readers of The Indian panorama to this great team.
The Eye Foundation of America Board of Directors.
We have no doubt that the vision of Dr. Raju to have a world without childhood blindness will be realized. If human effort could create a world without polio, why can’t the world be free from childhood blindness?
We wish you, Dr. Raju and your dedicated team all success.
Dr. V.K. Raju Founder & President, Eye Foundation of America
During our recent trip to India, we made significant progress in finalizing plans for the Green Goutami Building in Rajahmundry. We submitted the final paperwork, ensuring that all minor changes requested (multiple times) by the corporation were addressed. The corporation had software problems which caused a slowdown of progress, but it is all being worked out. We also had underground water issues which has also been resolved.
Education and expansion
In the second week of our trip, Dr. VK Raju had the honor of being invited to Cochin (Kochi), state of Kerala, India, where he was a keynote speaker for the Young Ophthalmologist Society of India (YOSI) at the All Indian Ophthalmology Society. It was wonderful to meet a smart, eager, and enthusiastic group who want to participate in a world without childhood blindness.
Additionally, we are currently in the process of finalizing paperwork for the two ophthalmologist exchange programs in which we participate annually, with Rotary International and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
YOSI group photo with Dr. VK Raju as keynote speaker.
Collaborating with other Eye Institutes
VK travelled to Chitrakoot (part in Madhya Pradesh and part in Uttar Pradesh) as he was invited by Sadguru Netralaya, one of the biggest eye care systems. It is an extraordinary eye-care system, and they are looking for EFA’s leadership for research, training, and teaching. (Board members Sam Maddali and Sekhar Vemparala have agreed to travel with VK to Chitrakoot in the near future.)
Ophthalmology Institute of Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya
A surprising event
VK was approached by Machilipatnam (A.P) group with an opportunity for a new project. We already have a peripheral center for screening only. About 130 miles away from the current Eye Hospital, EFA/Goutami will build a new hospital building, entirely supported by local philanthropy.
New preliminary Goutami Eye Hospital in Machilipatnam.
A small successful eye camp and ANOTHER surprise
On the way back we stopped in Delhi and did a small screening eye camp and attended the event where VKR was given the Mahatma Award. A journalist in Delhi asked Dr. Raju what does all this mean to you?
He stated, “Would like to do more for a world without childhood blindness”. VK was invited in Delhi to visit an outstanding social service organization (since 1968) the Sulabh International Social Service Organization.
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak (Padma Bhushan), Founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organization, invented two-pit pour-flush ecological compost toilet technology. Sulabh flush is based on a simple design that is eco-friendly and uses just around 1.5 litres of water to flush.
In the context of developing countries where sewer systems are almost nonexistent, Sulabh toilets offer an innovative solution to the global sanitation crisis. A trip to the toilet museum (maybe the only one in the world) really changes your perspective.
The organization also runs an excellent school and would like to support our vision of the world without childhood blindness.
Sulabh International Museum of Toilets entrance (Above) First underground sewage system in Indus Valley Civilization 5000 years ago. (Below)
A personal note from Dr. Raju- another wonderful surprise after my return in the USA.
NATS (North American Telegu Society) has graciously gifted $100,000 to EFA. (the hard work of our two board members Sam Maddali and Sekhar Vemparala)
We’re about $2000 short for Post Operative Eye Drops for Ghana
At the end of this month, we’ll be heading to Ghana Africa for the 5th year to provide vision saving surgeries. Please consider donating $50 towards a life changing surgery.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP)– “There is so much blindness, and it can be avoided today, with the present-day cost-effective means . I could not have said this 25 years ago. Combating childhood blindness has been identified by the World Bank as the most cost-effective health intervention. 80% of learning comes through vision. If the child misses the chance , he suffers for the rest of his life -almost 75 years of life. With a very little investment we can give a child 75 years of productive life.”
Dr. V. K. Raju, President of the Eye Foundation of America which has set for itself the goal to have a world without childhood blindness was speaking on the tragedy of childhood blindness at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce at the Ronald Reagan Center for International Trade in Washington, D.C. March 31.
Giving an impressive presentation on childhood blindness, Dr. Raju said that there are many conditions that cause blindness in children. They can be born with cataracts . They can be born with cloudy corneas. They can be born with glaucoma that is high blood pressure in the eye and various other abnormalities . If we catch them early, incredible things can be done today which we could not do 20 or 25 years ago.
My work started in 1977 at eye camps. We took some great technology in 70s and 80s to India which was not available at that time in India. Since ‘91, Indian ophthalmology has advanced because of liberalization and privatization. Some of the children we operated on went on to finish college.
The greatest story I would like to share with you is about Srinu Maddula . At the age of one and a half year, he was almost blind because of corneal cloudiness . Cornea is the front of the eye like a crystal of a watch. We brought him here to Morgantown in West Virginia. We performed corneal transplants on both eyes and he went on to finish doctorate in pharmacy from Rutgers University. He is the CEO of a multimillion-dollar retail pharmacy company. He never forgot what he received from the Eye Foundation of America. He is one of the greatest patrons of the Eye Foundation of America, which is involved in more than 30 countries to combat childhood blindness. Real collaboration is the key for any major thing to happen in this world. We need political will, professional will , and people’s will. If they combine, anything can be achieved.
In this century, we eradicated polio from the planet because of Rotary involvement. Rotary international brought together the political will, the professional will, and people’s will. Nelson Mandela once said, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
The Eye Foundation screened and examined over 4 million individuals and performed more than 300,000 surgeries of which 30,000 were on children in 30 countries of the world. Giving vision to children is priceless. It cannot be measured in monetary terms. Let’s come together to have a world which is free from childhood blindness. Dr. Raju’s impassioned plea was very well taken by the audience. IAICC leaders expressed a desire to collaborate with the Eye Foundation of America.
Incidentally, after India and neighboring countries and Africa, Dr. Raju is bending his attention to Central America. He goes to Guatemala later this month to hold eye examination camps there on the invitation of India’s Ambassador to Guatemala, Mr. Manoj Mohapatra who is very keen to have Dr. Raju help out Guatemalans.
For more information on the Eye Foundation of America, please visit www.eyefoundationofamerica.org
Mr. K.V. Kumar, Executive Chairman and CEO (left) and Mr. Shankar Rachakonda , Vice Chairman and Chairman, Fund-raising Committee, IAICC, USA (right) honoring Dr. V.K. Raju with a plaque.
Dr. V.K.Raju, Founder-President of the Eye Foundation of America.
Dr. V.K. Raju is the Founder and president of the Eye Foundation of America and a clinical professor of ophthalmology at West Virginia University in Morgantown. He received his medical degree from Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, India. He completed both his ophthalmology residency and fellowship at the University of London. Dr. Raju is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.
The Eye Foundation of America he founded has been rendering services since 1977 in India and 21 other developing countries. The mammoth work the EFA team has done could be the envy of any humanitarian organization. Close to 400,000 eye surgeries, 2.5 million + outpatients- it is a colossal work. It helped found 2 Eye Institutes – Goutami and Srikiran in AP, India in 2005. These institutes have committed to provide innovative and compassionate care to the patients, by incorporating new technology and through patient education. His mission was to protect, preserve and restore the treasured gift of sight for improving quality of life by providing caring service, irrespective of the socio-economic status, with due emphasis on education and research.
Dr Raju has received numerous awards, including the Academy’s Outstanding Humanitarian Award, the Melvin Jones Fellowship from the International Lions Foundation, the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International, the Distinguished Community Service Award from the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Achievement Award from West Virginia University. Dr. Raju has published over 300 presentations, articles and chapters. He has authored 2 books , and more are in the pipeline. Along with his clinical work, his interests include medical history, establishing lectureships to enhance teaching and the prevention of blindness in children through teaching, service and research.
The Indian Panorama editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja caught up with Dr. Raju who was in New York as a guest at the Diwali at Times Square, and had a conversation with him on his favorite subject of prevention of blindness among children.
TIP: What is your message to readers of The Indian Panorama?
I was born in India but lived in West Virginia most of my life. People often say that I am working so hard for a long time. Actually 45 years now since this work began. When you like and do the work, it’s not work anymore. I do believe in that. Today we are living in an incredible age with the advancement of medicine. But for children, I think it’s not fair. I have worked in 30 countries but our main nucleus is India. As my mentor used to say in London ‘there are three solutions for every problem involved – first is education, second is education, and third is education.’ So, if you educate people, problems will be minimum. If we can give education and health to children, they will build the nation. I feel there is need for charities for them.
Dr. V.K. Raju examines children at Goutami Hospital in Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh.
TIP: What is your vision and mission about Goutami?
Our work starts with ‘eye camp’ which is a wonderful concept. The concept is: screening, seeing the patients outside the hospital. In rural areas people don’t want to come to the hospitals because it’s threatening. Even today, even in the United States, people are somehow concerned about coming to the hospitals. We treat people outside the hospital. Screen them, advise them and some of the treatments we give outside the hospital. In 1979 we started a temporary facility outside the hospital with screening, advising the patients and giving minor treatments which are quite safe outside the hospital. You have heard about health fairs where we set up all facilities by screening people and if needed ultimately sending them to the hospitals to complete the procedure. But 30-40 years back there was a problem. After you finish the camp where will patients go for follow up? So, we started two institutions – and the latest one is Goutami. Giving continuous care is the main thing. Our priority is children, children, and children. We talk about education and 80% of our education is through vision and if the children miss that chance, it’s not only problem to the child, it’sa problem to the community, society, and to the country. In eyecare, if you catch them early, treat them early, problems can be resolved. Goutami has excellent telemedicine facility – biggest program in Andhra Pradesh. We screen every baby who is prematurely born – 8% to 10% of them need special attention. Fifteen to thirty minutes treatment can save them from blindness.
The Rotary Clubs helped us a lot in organizing the eye camps. Goutami does a camp a day. Anything can be done today but we have to do it together. If the will is there it can be done. Political will, professional will, and peoples’ will togethercando anything.
TIP: Have you launched a project on eyecare in Rotary Club in Morgantown?
Yes we did. In United States there is a problem with nutrition. What people eat in West Virginia is not good for health, and obesity is the major issue. We really try to educate parents and their children in the farmers market about what to eat properly. In ancient Ayurvedic system of India, it is not the medications. The principles of Ayurveda are – eat right, exercise right, fix your lifestyle and then if it’s not enough then take medication. We are trying to make people conscious about that. Mindset is important. Forget what you have done. Think about what you have to do.
TIP: The lifestyle in America, does it cause any eye ailment?
Yes. Children spending too much time with cellphone or video game can suffer from Myopia. But we can check that. They should take a break from screens every 30 or 45 minutes. It’s up to the parents because children learn what they live.
TIP: Do you have any plans to extend the work of Eye Foundation of America in Central American countries?
I am so glad you have asked this question. The Eye Foundation of America will go where the need is the highest. We’re planning to go to Guatemala end of this year or early next year. The Green Goutami project is coming up. Once the new building starts we will extend our reach in Guatemala.
Children receive expert care at Goutami Hospital.
TIP: Tell us about the new Goutami Building
We have all facilities with the latest and greatest equipment. There will be treatment for a rare cancer of the eye called ‘Retinoblastoma.’ Cancer in the eye is very rare but important aspect of eye cancer is tumor in the eye in the back of retina. We want to make people aware of this. We are planning to do some projects with Nargis DuttMemorial Cancer Foundation.
TIP: What’s your call on Govt of India’s child welfare programs?
Indian government has done incredible job in this regard but after getting about 80% success there is relaxation. They have achieved whatever, but there are problems in implementation. In villages and rural areas there is still vitamin deficiency and vitamin A deficiency is not only bad but it can make you blind. There is a problem of immunity. If a vitamin A deficient child gets measles, it can cause death. Not a single child be left behind.That should be the attitude. We should not stop until we reach the last post.
HYDERABAD/NEW YORK (TIP):Eminent ophthalmologist and President of Eye Foundation of America spoke on cataract surgery at the AAPI Global Health Summit held in Hyderabad from January 5 to 7, 2022.
“Cataract surgery was first described in Sanskrit literature 3000 years ago by Susruta of ancient India. We have come a long way since then. With modern technology, and skillful surgeon it has become an outpatient surgery. Not long ago, patients were hospitalized for 5-7 days”, said Dr. Raju.
He described the modern cataract surgery and its benefits.
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blurry vision in patients over 50. Other symptoms of cataracts like glare, halos, double vision, loss of contrast sensitivity, dimness of vision, or difficulty with depth perception can lead to trouble reading or difficulty with driving during the day or night.”
Multiple studies have shown that decreased vision in the elderly has been associated with a decrease in their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. In fact, the visual disturbances from cataracts have been shown to increase the risk of falling and hip fractures.” Cataract surgery is the only way to treat cataracts and is a low risk, quick, and efficient procedure. Having cataract surgery has been shown in multiple studies to decrease the rate of falls and fractures and improve the emotional, mental and physical wellbeing of patients, Dr. Raju explained.
His advice: if you are close to 60 years you should see your ophthalmologist once a year at least. Today many eye problems can be prevented or treated if the ophthalmologist catches them early, he said.
Eye Foundation of America will hold a friend/ fundraiser on June 5, 2021. It will be a virtual event, being co-hosted by Eye Foundation of America, AAPI, GAPIO and Rotary. The virtual event will start at 9 PM EST.
Speaking with The Indian Panorama, Eye Foundation of America founder and chairman Dr. VK Raju, an eminent ophthalmologist said that the evnt has been planned as a mix of scholarly deliberations and entertanment.
US Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia will be the chief guest.
Joe Manchin, US Senator West Virginia
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) was sworn into the United States Senate on November 15, 2010 to fill the seat left vacant by the late Senator Robert C. Byrd. For Senator Manchin, serving as West Virginia’s Senator is truly an honor and a privilege.
Born and raised in the small coal mining town of Farmington, W.Va., Sen. Manchin grew up learning the values that all West Virginians share — family, common sense, fairness and hard work. From his days as a state legislator to his six years as Governor to his current role, Senator Manchin has always been committed to his philosophy of “retail government” — in other words, connecting with all of his constituents and making service to them his top priority. Throughout his public life, he has never let politics or ideology stand in the way of commonsense solutions. Instead, he believes that only by putting politics aside and working hard to bring people together can we do what is right for West Virginia and the nation.
As a Senator, Joe Manchin is committed to bringing this same spirit of bipartisanship to Washington. As he has done throughout his entire life, he remains committed to working with Republicans and Democrats to find commonsense solutions to the problems our country faces and is working hard to usher in a new bipartisan spirit in the Senate and Congress.
Legislatively, job creation is Senator Manchin’s top priority, and he believes that government should act as a partner, not an adversary, in helping to create the environment that produces good American jobs. Senator Manchin currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and also serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs – four critical committees that tackle the important work of addressing our nation’s energy needs, overseeing discretionary spending, standing up for our Veterans, and defending our nation.
Eye Foundation of America will be honoring distinguished ophthalmologists from aound the world. They include Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao,Dr. R. D. Ravindran,Joel S. Schuman,Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu,Dr. Peter J. McDonnell, and Dr. SS Badrinath.
Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao
Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao
Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao is the founder – Chair of L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, and Former President of Academi a Ophthalmologica Internationalis” and former Chair and President of the” International Agency for the prevention of Blindness “
Among his numerous accolades,he received Doctor of Science, university of Melbourne and International Blindness Prevention award from American academy of ophthalmology. He is a Padma Shri and was elected in 2017 to the Ophthalmology Hall of Fame by American Society of cataract and refractive surgery and in 2020 honored by the All-India Ophthalmological Society by the institution of “Gullapalli N Rao -AIOS Annual Lecture ” (one among the first five honorees). He published over 200 scientific articles in peer reviewed journals.
The eye Foundation of America, along with our Collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar, and humanitarian.
Dr. R. D. Ravindran
Dr. R. D. Ravindran
Dr. R. D. Ravindran is the chairman of Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai. He is an outstanding surgeon and leader with numerous accolades. In 2015, he was one among the “100 Compassionate leaders” of SALT magazine.
Dr Ravindran started his practice under G. Venkata Swamy the founder of Aravind Eye care system in 1987. Every time Aravind opens a new center he was identified to be the chief and thus has vast hands-on experience in science of building and replicating hospitals. He served as a regional co-chair of the International Association for prevention of blindness, and the Board member of Vision2020: The right to sight-India since 2008. He has numerous scientific publications and reviewer of many Ophthalmic journals.
He has numerous leadership positions in International prevention of Blindness organizations.
The eye Foundation of America, along with our Collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar, and humanitarian.
Joel S. Schuman
Joel S. Schuman
Joel S. Schuman, MD, FACS is the Elaine Langone Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Ophthalmology and Professor of Neuroscience & Physiology at NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He is Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and Professor of Neural Science in the Center for Neural Science at NYU College of Arts and Sciences.
He chaired the ophthalmology department at NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine 2016-2020 and at University of Pittsburgh/UPMC 2003-2016.
At Tufts University 1991-2003 he was Residency Director and Glaucoma and Cataract Service Chief. Dr. Schuman and his colleagues were first to identify a molecular marker for human glaucoma, published in Nature Medicine in 2001. Continuously funded by the National Eye Institute as a principal investigator since 1995, he is an inventor of optical coherence tomography (OCT), used world-wide for ocular diagnostics.
Dr. Schuman has published more than 400 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. Dr. Schuman has received numerous awards and is a 2012 Champalimaud Award Laureate.
The Eye Foundation of America, along with our collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar, and humanitarian.
Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu
Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu
Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu MD, PhD is a glaucoma specialist and the director of Glaucoma division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University. He is well known for his exceptional basic and clinical research in glaucoma. He received awards from American academy of ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and most recently Pisart Award from Lighthouse Guild.
He is fluent in English, Spanish and Telugu languages. He vast expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery and pediatric glaucoma. He has varied research interests in Visual disability and Rehabilitation, Aging and Vision. He has numerous publications in peer reviewed scientific journals.
The Eye Foundation of America, along with our collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar and humanitarian.
Dr. Peter J. McDonnell
Dr. Peter J. McDonnell
Dr. Peter J. McDonnell is the director of Wilmer Eye Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore. He received numerous national and International awards for teaching, research, and leadership. He belongs to the society of Heeds Fellows, Doheny Society of scholars, Hall of Fame, ARCS Foundation.
He is editor of the Ophthalmology Times. He is President of National Alliance of Eye and Vision research. He is specialist in Corneal diseases and surgery, Dr. McDonnell is an International Leader in Corneal Transplantation, Laser refractive surgery and treatment of Dry Eye.
The Eye Foundation of America, along with our collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar and humanitarian.
Dr. SS Badrinath
Dr. SS Badrinath
Dr. SS Badrinath is Founder and Chairman of Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai. He is an elected fellow of National Academy of Medical Sciences and Padma Bhushan. After finishing Retina Fellowship under Charles Schepens at Retina Service of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston returned to Chennai and introduced outstanding Vitreo – Retinal service in India and trained numerous retinal surgeons. Dr. Badrinath is not well. We wish him health.
Trio Solace Musicians/ Band
On top of it all, Eye foundation of America has in attendance the famous band Trio Solace from New York to keep the guests entertained.
Eye Foundation of America will hold a friend/ fundraiser on June 5, 2021. It will be a virtual event, being co-hosted by Eye Foundation of America, AAPI, GAPIO and Rotary. The virtual event will start at 9 PM EST.
Speaking with The Indian Panorama, Eye Foundation of America founder and chairman Dr. VK Raju, an eminent ophthalmologist said that the evnt has been planned as a mix of scholarly deliberations and entertainment.
Joe Manchin, US Senator West Virginia
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) was sworn into the United States Senate on November 15, 2010 to fill the seat left vacant by the late Senator Robert C. Byrd. For Senator Manchin, serving as West Virginia’s Senator is truly an honor and a privilege.
Born and raised in the small coal mining town of Farmington, W.Va., Sen. Manchin grew up learning the values that all West Virginians share — family, common sense, fairness and hard work. From his days as a state legislator to his six years as Governor to his current role, Senator Manchin has always been committed to his philosophy of “retail government” — in other words, connecting with all of his constituents and making service to them his top priority. Throughout his public life, he has never let politics or ideology stand in the way of commonsense solutions. Instead, he believes that only by putting politics aside and working hard to bring people together can we do what is right for West Virginia and the nation.
As a Senator, Joe Manchin is committed to bringing this same spirit of bipartisanship to Washington. As he has done throughout his entire life, he remains committed to working with Republicans and Democrats to find commonsense solutions to the problems our country faces and is working hard to usher in a new bipartisan spirit in the Senate and Congress.
Legislatively, job creation is Senator Manchin’s top priority, and he believes that government should act as a partner, not an adversary, in helping to create the environment that produces good American jobs. Senator Manchin currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and also serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs – four critical committees that tackle the important work of addressing our nation’s energy needs, overseeing discretionary spending, standing up for our Veterans, and defending our nation.
Eye Foundation of America will be honoring distinguished ophthalmologists from aound the world. They include Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, Dr. R. D. Ravindran, Joel S. Schuman, Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu,Dr. Peter J. McDonnell, and Dr. SS Badrinath.
Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao
Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao is the founder – Chair of L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, and Former President of Academi a Ophthalmologica Internationalis” and former Chair and President of the” International Agency for the prevention of Blindness “
Among his numerous accolades, he received Doctor of Science, university of Melbourne and International Blindness Prevention award from American academy of ophthalmology. He is a Padma Shri and was elected in 2017 to the Ophthalmology Hall of Fame by American Society of cataract and refractive surgery and in 2020 honored by the All-India Ophthalmological Society by the institution of “Gullapalli N Rao -AIOS Annual Lecture ” (one among the first five honorees). He published over 200 scientific articles in peer reviewed journals.
The eye Foundation of America, along with our Collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar, and humanitarian.
Dr. R. D. Ravindran
Dr. R. D. Ravindran is the chairman of Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai. He is an outstanding surgeon and leader with numerous accolades. In 2015, he was one among the “100 Compassionate leaders” of SALT magazine.
Dr Ravindran started his practice under G. Venkata Swamy the founder of Aravind Eye care system in 1987. Every time Aravind opens a new center he was identified to be the chief and thus has vast hands-on experience in science of building and replicating hospitals. He served as a regional co-chair of the International Association for prevention of blindness, and the Board member of Vision2020: The right to sight-India since 2008. He has numerous scientific publications and reviewer of many Ophthalmic journals.
He has numerous leadership positions in International prevention of Blindness organizations.
The eye Foundation of America, along with our Collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar, and humanitarian.
Joel S. Schuman
Joel S. Schuman, MD, FACS is the Elaine Langone Professor and Vice Chair for
Research in the Department of Ophthalmology and Professor of Neuroscience & Physiology at NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
He is Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and Professor of Neural Science in the Center for Neural Science at NYU College of Arts and Sciences.
He chaired the ophthalmology department at NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine 2016-2020 and at University of Pittsburgh/UPMC 2003-2016.
At Tufts University 1991-2003 he was Residency Director and Glaucoma and Cataract Service Chief. Dr. Schuman and his colleagues were first to identify a molecular marker for human glaucoma, published in Nature Medicine in 2001. Continuously funded by the National Eye Institute as a principal investigator since 1995, he is an inventor of optical coherence tomography (OCT), used world-wide for ocular diagnostics.
Dr. Schuman has published more than 400 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. Dr. Schuman has received numerous awards and is a 2012 Champalimaud Award Laureate.
The Eye Foundation of America, along with our collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar, and humanitarian.
Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu
Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu MD, PhD is a glaucoma specialist and the director of Glaucoma division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University. He is well known for his exceptional basic and clinical research in glaucoma. He received awards from American academy of ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and most recently Pisart Award from Lighthouse Guild.
He is fluent in English, Spanish and Telugu languages. He vast expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery and pediatric glaucoma. He has varied research interests in Visual disability and Rehabilitation, Aging and Vision. He has numerous publications in peer reviewed scientific journals.
The Eye Foundation of America, along with our collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar and humanitarian.
Dr. Peter J. McDonnell
Dr. Peter J. McDonnell is the director of Wilmer Eye Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore. He received numerous national and International awards for teaching, research, and leadership. He belongs to the society of Heeds Fellows, Doheny Society of scholars, Hall of Fame, ARCS Foundation.
He is editor of the Ophthalmology Times. He is President of National Alliance of Eye and Vision research. He is specialist in Corneal diseases and surgery, Dr. McDonnell is an International Leader in Corneal Transplantation, Laser refractive surgery and treatment of Dry Eye.
The Eye Foundation of America, along with our collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar and humanitarian.
Dr. SS Badrinath
Dr. SS Badrinath is Founder and Chairman of Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai. He is an elected fellow of National Academy of Medical Sciences and Padma Bhushan. After finishing Retina Fellowship under Charles Schepens at Retina Service of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston returned to Chennai and introduced outstanding Vitreo – Retinal service in India and trained numerous retinal surgeons.
Dr. Badrinath is not well. We wish him health.
Trio Solace Musicians/ Band
On top of it all, Eye foundation of America has in attendance the famous band Trio Solace from New York to keep the guests entertained.
NEW YORK (TIP): Eye Foundation of America will hold a friend/ fundraiser on June 5, 2021. It will be a virtual event, being co-hosted by Eye Foundation of America, AAPI, GAPIO and Rotary. The virtual event will start at 9 PM EST.
Speaking with The Indian Panorama, Eye Foundation of America founder and chairman Dr. VK Raju, an eminent ophthalmologist said that the event has been planned as a mix of scholarly deliberations and entertainment.
Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia will be the chief guest.
Eye Foundation of America will be honoring distinguished ophthalmologists from around the world. They include Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, Dr. R. D. Ravindran, Joel S. Schuman, Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu, Dr. Peter J. McDonnell, and Dr. SS Badrinath.
Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao
Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao is the founder – Chair of L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, and Former President of Academia Ophthalmologic Internationalist” and former Chair and President of the” International Agency for the prevention of Blindness ”
Among his numerous accolades, he received Doctor of Science, university of Melbourne and International Blindness Prevention award from American academy of ophthalmology. He is a Padma Shri and was elected in 2017 to the Ophthalmology Hall of Fame by American Society of cataract and refractive surgery and in 2020 honored by the All-India Ophthalmological Society by the institution of “Gullapalli N Rao -AIOS Annual Lecture ” (one among the first five honorees). He published over 200 scientific articles in peer reviewed journals.
The eye Foundation of America, along with our Collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar, and humanitarian.
Dr. R. D. Ravindran
Dr. R. D. Ravindran is the chairman of Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai. He is an outstanding surgeon and leader with numerous accolades. In 2015, he was one among the “100 Compassionate leaders” of SALT magazine.
Dr Ravindran started his practice under G. Venkata Swamy the founder of Aravind Eye care system in 1987. Every time Aravind opens a new center he was identified to be the chief and thus has vast hands-on experience in science of building and replicating hospitals. He served as a regional co-chair of the International Association for prevention of blindness, and the Board member of Vision2020: The right to sight-India since 2008. He has numerous scientific publications and reviewer of many Ophthalmic journals.
He has numerous leadership positions in International prevention of Blindness organizations.
The eye Foundation of America, along with our Collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar, and humanitarian.
Joel S. Schuman
Joel S. Schuman, MD, FACS is the Elaine Langone Professor and Vice Chair for
Research in the Department of Ophthalmology and Professor of Neuroscience & Physiology at NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
He is Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and Professor of Neural Science in the Center for Neural Science at NYU College of Arts and Sciences.
He chaired the ophthalmology department at NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine 2016-2020 and at University of Pittsburgh/UPMC 2003-2016.
At Tufts University 1991-2003 he was Residency Director and Glaucoma and Cataract Service Chief. Dr. Schuman and his colleagues were first to identify a molecular marker for human glaucoma, published in Nature Medicine in 2001. Continuously funded by the National Eye Institute as a principal investigator since 1995, he is an inventor of optical coherence tomography (OCT), used world-wide for ocular diagnostics.
Dr. Schuman has published more than 400 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. Dr. Schuman has received numerous awards and is a 2012 Champalimaud Award Laureate.
The Eye Foundation of America, along with our collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar, and humanitarian.
Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu
Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu MD, PhD is a glaucoma specialist and the director of Glaucoma division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University. He is well known for his exceptional basic and clinical research in glaucoma. He received awards from American academy of ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and most recently Pisart Award from Lighthouse Guild.
He is fluent in English, Spanish and Telugu languages. He vast expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery and pediatric glaucoma. He has varied research interests in Visual disability and Rehabilitation, Aging and Vision. He has numerous publications in peer reviewed scientific journals.
The Eye Foundation of America, along with our collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar and humanitarian.
Dr. Peter J. McDonnell
Dr. Peter J. McDonnell is the director of Wilmer Eye Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore. He received numerous national and International awards for teaching, research, and leadership. He belongs to the society of Heeds Fellows, Doheny Society of scholars, Hall of Fame, ARCS Foundation.
He is editor of the Ophthalmology Times. He is President of National Alliance of Eye and Vision research. He is specialist in Corneal diseases and surgery, Dr. McDonnell is an International Leader in Corneal Transplantation, Laser refractive surgery and treatment of Dry Eye.
The Eye Foundation of America, along with our collaborating organizations, is thrilled to honor this great physician, scholar and humanitarian.
Dr. SS Badrinath
Dr. SS Badrinath is Founder and Chairman of Sanakara Nethralaya, Chennai. He is an elected fellow of National Academy of Medical Sciences and Padma Bhushan. After finishing Retina Fellowship under Charles Schepens at Retina Service of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston returned to Chennai and introduced outstanding Vitreo – Retinal service in India and trained numerous retinal surgeons.
The Indian Panorama is grateful to Dr. V.K. Raju, President of the Eye Foundation of America and the board of directors of the Eye Foundation of America for their collaboration in publishing the special edition to pay tribute to Martyrs of India on the Martyrs Day.
We take this opportunity to briefly introduce the eminent eye surgeon and a great philanthropist.
VK Raju, MD, FRCS, FACS
Ellis Island Award Nominee 2019
Ophthalmologist, Regional Eye Associates
President and Founder, Eye Foundation of America
President and Founder, Goutami Eye Institute
Clinical Professor, West Virginia University
Director, International Ocular Surface Society
Adjunct Professor, GSL Medical School
Dr. VK Raju received his medical degree from Andhra University, India and Residency and Fellowship in UK. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American college of Surgeons.
V.K.Raju, MD, FRCS, FACS is a clinical professor of ophthalmology at West Virginia University, WV, USAand practicing ophthalmologist at Regional Eye in Morgantown, WV, USA. In 1977, work began on what is now known as the Eye Foundation of America. With Dr. Raju’s guidance, the Eye Foundation of America’s work has grown. To date, the Eye Foundation of America has performed over 3 million vision screenings in rural areas of over 30 countries. Through the Eye Foundation of America, over 350,000 sight-saving surgeries have been performed at no cost. Over 700 medical professionals, including many residents and ophthalmologists, have been trained to identify and treat eye diseases.
Dr. Raju remains highly involved as the Founder and President of the Eye Foundation of America to this day, returning to India every few months to participate in educational programs, vision screening camps, and surgeries.
His insatiable drive to improve the lives of others has also resulted in the recent culmination of another lifelong goal. The construction of another eye hospital is underway with wings devoted to specialties including ocular oncology, pediatric ophthalmology, and the retinopathy of prematurity, a disease effecting premature babies.
Dr. VK Raju has received awards from American Academy of Ophthalmology four times for his teaching, research and international service. A partial list of awards include Doctor Nathan Davis International award of Excellence in Medicine by American Medical Association Foundation, Lifetime Achievement Award from WV State Medical Association, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama, Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Samman award for Achievement in Medicine, House of Lords, London. He also received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Achievement Award from West Virginia University. He was also inducted into Medical Missions Hall of Fame by University of Toledo and Medscape placed him among the best doctors in America. For over 40 years, Dr. Raju has dedicated himself to eliminating avoidable blindness in children and adults through outreach programs, surgeries, and educational efforts. V. K. Raju has published over 100 scientific articles, 17 book chapters, and 2 books. Still, he will tell you, “My work is only beginning.” Only this morning, Dr. Raju shared with me two quotes. Now these quotes are a pointer to his mind.
“Of all the senses vision is the most precious.
( SARVENDRIYANAM NAYANAM PRADHANAM- in Sanskrit.
80% of our learning is through vision.
Join us in giving a gift of vision “
Another now.
“There is nothing new under the sun.
In this world, nothing is more important than children’s nutrition and education. If we give them nutrition and education, they will take care of themselves.
Since 1977, Eye foundation of America is striving to do just that.
“Be part of that effort”.
He often speaks about the colossal work which needs to be done to prevent childhood blindness. He is passionate about his vision of a world without childhood blindness.
Luckily for him, he says, he has been blessed with a wonderful team who are always there to share his vision and work for its realization. Let me introduce the readers of The Indian panorama to this great team.
We have no doubt that the vision of Dr. Raju to have a world without childhood blindness will be realized. If human effort could have a world without polio, why can’t the world be free from childhood blindness?
We wish you, Dr. Raju and your dedicated team all success.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP)– “There is so much blindness, and it can be avoided today, with the present-day cost-effective means . I could not have said this 25 years ago. Combating childhood blindness has been identified by the World Bank as the most cost-effective health intervention. 80% of learning comes through vision. If the child misses the chance , he suffers for the rest of his life -almost 75 years of life. With a very little investment we can give a child 75 years of productive life.”
