The World Health Organization estimates that 1.4 million children around the world are blind. Perhaps more startling, a report from Unite For Sight says that up to 70 percent of childhood blindness is likely preventable.
Unfortunately, health care around the world does not meet the needs of the 135 million visually impaired people on the globe. But Avarind Eye Care System is hoping to change this.
Dr. G. Venkataswamy founded Avarind Eye Care System in the 1970s with a mission to offer visitors outstanding eye care. Today, it draws patients from around the world. Avarind doctors perform 300,000 eye surgeries each year – 70 percent of which are subsidized for the poor.
Avarind – which currently operates five hospitals and manages four others – has worked with more than 260 eye hospitals in India and other developing countries to expand their ability to provide eye care. It has also participated in establishing national eye care plans for India, Rwanda and Eritrea.
For its outstanding service, Avarind Eye Care System has been awarded the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation‘s annual humanitarian prize. Foundation leaders believe that Avarind offers unparalleled care with an admirable eye for social justice. "There is no compromise on quality or care," Hilton said.
The eye care provider will receive $1.5 million, which will be used to help the organization achieve its goal of managing 100 hospitals worldwide by 2015 to provide sight to millions.
Officials are thrilled to be given this honor. "The worldwide visibility and recognition that comes with the Hilton Humanitarian Prize will allow us to bring our healthcare model to alleviate suffering in many more parts of the world," said Dr. P. Namperumalsamy, Aravind’s chairman.
The prize will be presented to Avarind at the Global Philanthropy Forum’s ninth annual conference on April 20.