• Lord Rami Ranger and Dr. VK Raju to Lead Historic Campaign Declaring January 31 as the ‘International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness’
• Landmark Launch Set for January 31, 2026, at the House of Lords, UK

LONDON / NEW YORK (TIP): In a defining moment for global child health, Lord Rami Ranger, FRSA, Member of the UK House of Lords, and Dr. VK Raju, globally renowned ophthalmologist and humanitarian, have been appointed Chair and Co-Chair respectively of a worldwide campaign to designate January 31 as the International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness.

This high-impact initiative, led by the Eye Foundation of America (EFA), Eye Foundation of the UK, Goutami Eye Institute, Rotary International, and a coalition of global partners, calls on the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations to recognize childhood blindness as a global health emergency—and to rally international efforts to eliminate it.

“No child should be condemned to darkness when proven, cost-effective solutions already exist,” said Lord Rami Ranger.

“This campaign is not just about vision—it is about justice. I’m honored to help make January 31 a beacon of global action and hope.” 

The Crisis: Preventable, Yet Ignored

Over 1.4 million children around the world currently live in blindness—most of it avoidable or treatable. Each year, this results in over 70 million “blind person years”—a devastating burden on families, communities, and national economies.

The leading causes? Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), congenital cataracts, vitamin A deficiency, and infections—conditions that are often preventable with timely intervention.

“With today’s advances, over 90% of childhood blindness can be prevented or treated,” said

Dr. VK Raju, Founder-President of EFA.

“And because 80% of learning happens through vision, this is also an education and

inclusion issue. It’s time to align global action with the UN’s SDG 3 (Health) and SDG 4 (Education).” 

The Movement: Fueled by Global Alliances

This campaign is already backed by a powerful and growing alliance of international leaders and organizations, including:

• VK Raju, Co-Chair, IDWCB Campaign; Founder, Eye Foundation of America; Chairman, Eye Foundation of UK
• Leela Raju, Secretary-General, IDWCB Campaign; Secretary, EFA; Leading Ophthalmologist, Louisiana
• Rtn Sandeepp Saxena, Chair, ROP Program, Rotary District 3011; Global Director, EFA
• Rotary International District 3011, leading a $1 million “Hope For Tomorrow” fundraising campaign, matched by EFA
• Rotary Clubs, NGOs, and health institutions across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas
• 25+ Global Campaign Ambassadors, with support from UN agencies, the

Commonwealth Secretariat, and health ministries worldwide 

Why January 31? A Date with Global Significance

January 31 commemorates the tireless efforts of Dr. VK Raju, whose four-decade-long mission since 1977 has transformed pediatric eye care from India to Africa to the United States.

Designating this day will:

• Elevate international awareness of childhood blindness
• Catalyze public policy, funding, and innovation
• Promote global collaboration in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Inspire governments, institutions, and citizens to take meaningful action

A Global Day, A Shared Responsibility

A formal petition is being submitted to the United Nations General Assembly and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Governments, ministries, parliaments, medical bodies, and civil society are invited to endorse the declaration and organize awareness programs each year on January 31.

“Lord Ranger’s leadership brings international gravitas and unmatched momentum to this mission,” added Dr. Raju.

“Together, we can prevent a lifetime of darkness for millions of children—and give them the light of opportunity.” 

Join the Global Movement

A dedicated campaign portal and participation toolkit will launch in July 2025, offering resources for institutions, Rotary clubs, schools, and individuals to host coordinated global events and advocacy efforts.

About the Campaign Chair

Lord Rami Ranger, FRSA is a distinguished Member of the UK House of Lords, founder of Sun Mark Ltd., and a global advocate for education, diversity, and social progress. His leadership will bring scale and stature to the global campaign.

About the Campaign Co-Chair

Dr. VK Raju is the Founder-President of the Eye Foundation of America and Chairman of the Eye Foundation of UK. A tireless advocate since 1977, he also serves as Adjunct Professor at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University.

“A world without childhood blindness is not a dream. It is a decision.”

#Jan31ForSight | #VisionForEveryChild | #WorldWithoutChildhoodBlindness

Media Contact & Inquiries

Rtn Sandeepp Saxena

Vʌ□•□ sandeepp.saxena@eyefoundationofamerica.org

www.eyefoundationofamerica.org

! +91 70659 68122

Campaign Secretariat

VʌV•□ □ worldwithoutchildhoodblindness@eyefoundationofamerica.org

www.eyefoundationofamerica.org