USAID Press Release: International Eye Foundation Grants USAID its "Promotion of Peace and Vision" Award

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International Eye Foundation Grants USAID its "Promotion of Peace and Vision" Award

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
(202) 712-4320

2002-120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2002

Contact: USAID Press Office

WASHINGTON, DC -- The International Eye Foundation (IEF) tonight presented the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) with its sixth annual "Promotion of Peace and Vision" award for its service and support of blindness prevention and IEF's programs. The award ceremony took place during IEF's 36^th annual Eye Ball, which was held at the Organization of American States.

For the past 21 years, USAID has provided funds and worked with IEF through its Office of Private and Voluntary Cooperation (PVC). "I am personally delighted at the selection of PVC as this year's recipient of the community member award. PVC has made it possible for IEF to enhance its capability to reach more people at risk of blindness and to strengthen national eye care programs throughout the world," said Victoria M. Sheffield, IEF's Executive Director.

Since 1981, USAID's Office of Private and Voluntary Cooperation and the International Eye foundation have worked closely sharing information, developing plans, and implementing successful strategic programs which have provided quality eye care for the citizens of developing countries. Over the years, USAID has invested over 20 million dollars through grants to establish new clinics throughout the developing world, improve existing ophthalmic services, and sustain the smooth transformation of governmental hospitals into private municipality clinics.

The International Eye Foundation is dedicated to expanding eye care services for those in need throughout the world, supporting programs targeting avoidable blindness (cataract, trachoma, river blindness, and childhood blindness), providing affordable ophthalmic supplies, equipment, and medicines and enhancing financial self- sufficiency of eye care providers to reduce dependence on aid.

U.S. Agency for International Development is the government agency that has provided humanitarian assistance and economic development worldwide for more than 40 years.

Last Updated on: December 30, 2008