Eye Foundation of America Raises $900,000 at Charity Gala to Combat Childhood Blindness

The Eye Foundation of America (EFA) hosted a Charity Gala on April 18, 2026, at The Imperia in Somerset, New Jersey, bringing together philanthropists, medical professionals, business leaders, and community advocates united by a shared goal of eliminating preventable childhood blindness.

Held under the theme “Join Our Vision,” the gala underscored the importance of collective efforts to expand access to affordable, high-quality eye care for children in underserved communities worldwide. The event served both as a celebration of progress and a call to action to address the “urgent global challenge of childhood blindness,” according to a statement from EFA.

The evening was led by Dr. V. K. Raju, Founder of the Eye Foundation of America, and Dr. Leela V. Raju, President of the Foundation. Members of the Board of Trustees, including Sam Maddali, Sekhar Vemparala, and Srinu Maddula, were recognized for their longstanding contributions to advancing the Foundation’s mission.

“Every child deserves to see the world with clarity and purpose,” said Dr. Vadrevu K. Raju, a globally recognized ophthalmologist and philanthropist, addressing attendees. “Let us join hands to eradicate childhood blindness and unlock a brighter future for generations to come.”

Dr. Raju highlighted advances in medicine and technology, particularly gene therapy and stem therapy, which are transforming the diagnosis and treatment of inherited and degenerative eye diseases. “Breakthroughs in this field are opening new possibilities for conditions once considered untreatable, offering renewed hope to patients and families affected by vision loss,” he noted.

At the same time, he emphasized the need to ensure that these innovations are accessible. “The greatest challenge is ensuring these life-changing treatments are accessible and affordable to the millions of children who need them most.” Dr. Raju added that funds raised at the gala would directly support EFA’s long-term mission to provide restorative and preventive vision care in underserved regions.

With the support of matching contributions, the 2026 Charity Gala raised $900,000. According to the statement, these funds will strengthen the Foundation’s global initiatives aimed at eliminating childhood blindness.

Sam Maddali, a Board Trustee and key organizer, emphasized the urgency of the cause. “Childhood blindness is a solvable problem, but it requires collective action,” he said, encouraging participants “to support the Foundation’s mission, launched 49 years ago, which has already transformed hundreds of thousands of lives.”

For nearly five decades, EFA and Dr. Raju have worked to eliminate avoidable blindness in regions affected by poverty and limited access to healthcare. Guided by a focus on service, teaching, and research, the organization has expanded its global reach through a comprehensive approach that includes eye camps, permanent hospitals, training of medical professionals, and community education on preventive care and healthy practices.

According to the statement, EFA’s initiatives also involve training teachers to identify early signs of vision problems in children, promoting injury prevention, and providing free or subsidized surgeries along with follow-up care. To date, the Foundation has served approximately 2.5 million patients and performed more than 340,000 vision-saving surgeries, including over 30,000 for children.

Dr. Srinu Maddula, PharmD, a Board Trustee and entrepreneur, reflected on the personal significance of the Foundation’s work. “We must find it within ourselves to look around and ask how we can touch the human experience and help those less fortunate,” he said. “When you help a baby open her eyes for the first time, you truly change the world—one baby at a time, one family at a time, one village at a time, and one generation at a time. The power we hold to make that difference is far greater than we often realize.”

Sekhar Vemparala, another Board Trustee and organizer, echoed the call for continued collaboration. “Together, we can ensure that every child has access to quality eye care and a genuine opportunity to reach their full potential,” he said, reaffirming his support for the Foundation’s efforts worldwide.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Leela V. Raju, who expressed appreciation to donors, volunteers, and supporters. She also emphasized the importance of raising awareness. “We must ensure more people understand the causes of childhood blindness and the practical steps we can take together to prevent it,” she said.

Proceeds from the gala will directly support these initiatives, reinforcing EFA’s commitment to expanding awareness, prevention, and access to lifesaving eye care for children in need.

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