Party Pictures - 50th Anniversary Celebration

The weather and ambiance were perfect on September 18th for guests attending our 50th Anniversary Celebration and Wine Tasting at Julia Hopping's home in Bethesda. Sipping and supping, spending time with old friends and new, talking with Ambassadors from countries where IEF has programs and at the same time raising money for the newest sustainable eye clinic currently underway in Managua, Nicaragua.

A wonderful way to celebrate 50 years of preventing blindness and saving sight in the developng world.

Photos courtesy of long time friend and supporter

of IEF - Jo A.S. Carpenter

IEF Celebrates 50th Anniversary - The Beginning

International Eye Foundation is celebrating its 50^th anniversary! In 1961, Dr. John Harry King, Jr., a corneal transplant pioneer founded the International Eye Bank under the arm of CARE/Medico at the urging of Dr. Tom Dooley, the missionary in Thailand. After a distinguished military medical career, Dr. King retired as Chief of Ophthalmology at the Walter Reed Army Hospital and focused entirely in promoting corneal transplant surgery and urging Lions Clubs to build eye banks around Washington, DC. Dr. King soon realized however, that much of the blindness in the developing world was preventable and much could be done before people became blind. He changed the name to the International Eye Foundation (IEF) in 1965 and the mission focused on prevention of blindness and primary eye care.

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May Is Healthy Vision Month

Vision is one of our most valuable senses. It is important to have your eyes examined by an eye care professional regularly. May is Healthy Vision Month. Don't wait until it's too late. Make an appointment to ensure your eyes are healthy. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following guidelines:

• At age 40: have a baseline examination for eye diseases
• 20 to 40: have an eye exam every 5 to 10 years
• Over age 40: have an eye exam every 2 to 4 years
• Over age 65: have an eye exam every 1 to 2 years
• Diabetics should have an eye exam every year

Read more about Healthy Vision Month from the National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health at http://www.nei.nih.gov/hvm/

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Wine Tasting

Have fun ~ help people see!!

Join us on the deck of the Cultured Pearl above the streets of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on Sunday, June 5. The Cultured Pearl Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar will host a Wine Tasting to benefit the International Eye Foundation. Fine wines combine with wonderful hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction for a fun afternoon at the ocean. Media sponsor by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc.

Reservations are $50 per person and are to be made by May 31.

Make your reservation now. Click here or on the image of the invitation. For more information, contact Calvin Baerveldt at cbaerveldt@iefusa.org .

IEF Recognized for 50 Years Saving Sight Worldwide

The International Eye Foundation was honored to receive a citation from Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley recognizing the outstanding work of the organization over the past 50 years. The citation highlights IEF's "...dedicated efforts to prevent blindness and restore sight worldwide, especially in developing countries...with congratulations on the occasion of your 50th Anniversary; and as the people of Maryland join in expressing our high regard and sincere appreciation for your success as a global leader in sustainability programming for eye care..."

Additionally, US Senator Benjamin Cardin sent a letter congratulating IEF on its 50th Anniversary. Senator Cardin wrote "I would like to thank you for all you have done to help save the sight of millions of people threatened by blindness."

Computer Management Information System Installed in Mexico

IEF has been working with the Instituto de la Vision in Mexico to install a new Computer Management Information System (CMIS) in their eye clinics. The system, developed in Spanish by Visualiza in Guatemala with IEF support, is designed to improve the efficiency of all aspects of managing the eye clinic. Recently, the initial installation and training was completed at the clinic in Tabasco, Mexico. IEF's Sustainability Consultant Raheem Rahmathullah says that "..the installation is going smoothly and the clinic will be better able to manage and analyze its patient services in the future." Clinic staff are shown reviewing patient records manually.

Dr. Larry Schwab Campaigns Against Cluster Munitions

IEF Board member Dr. Larry Schwab is a delegate in Vientiane, Lao PDR (Laos) at the First Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Dr. Schwab is campaigning to ban cluster munitions and landmines which cause severe blinding injuries. The meeting, being held November 9-12, 2010 will establish the means for implementing the Convention on Cluster Munitions which was signed in Oslo, Norway in December 2008.

Dr. Schwab has long been an advocate for a ban on landmines, a completely preventable and horrific cause of blindness in developing countries that do not have the resources to clear these weapons once a conflict has ended. In June 1996, the International Eye Foundation was the first eye care NGO to pass a resolution in support of the international ban on the production, stockpiling, transfer, and use of antipersonnel landmines. This was in advance of the 1997 Ottawa Comprehensive Treaty to Ban Antipersonnel Landmines.



Photo: Dr. Larry Schwab (left) with wife Martha presents a copy of his book "Eye Care in Developing Nations" to former President Jimmy Carter.

IEF PRESIDENT HONORED FOR HER WORK IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BLINDNESS AND VISUAL DISABILITY

International Eye Foundation’s President

Victoria M. Sheffield

receives the

Prince Abdulaziz Ahmad Al Saud

International Prevention of Blindness Award

The prestigious Prevention of Blindness Award recognizes an outstanding individual who has made a substantial contribution to the Global fight against blindness and visual disability and helped to further MEACO's mission to unite and strengthen the relationship of ophthalmologists and ophthalmic societies in the Middle East and Africa.

The award was presented on October 17, 2010 at the opening session of the American Academy of Ophthalmogy (AAO) and the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO) joint meeting in Chicago.

Ms. Sheffield is seen receiving the award from the President of MEACO for whom the award is named - His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Ahmad Al-Saud of the Saudi Royal Family

Over a period of 38 years, Ms. Sheffield has worked across all regions of the world developing and executing eye care programs, providing training and conducting research. She is a leader in the sustainability approach to quality eye care in developing countries. A member of the AAO's Global Outreach Committee, Ms. Sheffield is the author of numerous scientific articles and presentations. She holds leadership positions in the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and the rank of Commander in The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. Ms. Sheffield has lived in five countries on four continents, has traveled to 98 countries and has professional experience in 41 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

The award recognizes Victoria’s significant contribution to the prevention of blindness and the restoration of sight in the developing world especially in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Africa.

Tribute to Dr. Moses Chirambo, Malawi

Mrs. Ellen Chirambo and Family:

We were shocked and saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Prof. Moses Chirambo. He was a wonderful ophthalmologist, distinguished colleague, strong leader and great friend. As the first Malawian ophthalmologist, he has made a huge impact on Malawi, and his lasting legacy is the eye care service we see today, built from nearly nothing thanks to his leadership.

Moses and I watched each other get older and greyer and laughed about it when we met at international conferences around the world. We laughed when we realized we both colored our hair and I suddenly knew his secret of never seeming to change. I remember in the 1980’s when I was tired of hotel food, Moses took me home for lunch to your wonderful msima and stew. What a joy you all brought to my life!

The International Eye Foundation (IEF) first gave Moses a grant in 1975 to get his clinic started. Thus began IEF’s long history in Malawi. In 1980, IEF and the WHO co-sponsored a workshop on prevention of blindness at the Capital Hotel in Lilongwe. Moses’ leadership shone a light on Malawi and the SADC region even 30 years ago.

I remember when IEF started the OMA Training Program in 1980. And when there was no ophthalmologist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Blantyre, Moses asked IEF to post ophthalmologists there which we did for 15 years until 1995. Drs. Larry Schwab, Paul Steinkuller, Baxter McLendon, Teferra Tizazu, Gabriella Bar, Paul Courtright and Susan Lewallen all lived and worked in Malawi for 3-4 years until a Malawian ophthalmologist could be trained and posted there. He knew he could not do it alone and he made plans for Malawi’s future in ophthalmology.

Over the last 20 years as IEF developed vitamin A/child survival programs in Chikwawa and Nsanje, and the onchocerciasis (river blindness) control program in the Thyolo Highlands, Moses pushed us forward because he knew how devastating these diseases were on Malawians, especially the children. In 2000 as we invested in sustainability programming and optical services at the eye hospitals in Lilongwe and Blantyre, Moses cleared the path because he understood the importance of reducing the eye hospitals’ dependence on outside support and strengthening their own capacity.

Moses’ election to Parliament and his service as Minister of Health are a testament to his dedication and love for Malawi. It’s hard to imagine Malawi without Moses. As one of our colleagues said, we have lost one of the founding fathers of African ophthalmology.

John Barrows, our Director of Programs and Ed Henderson, our Director of Finance and Administration as well as former IEFers lived in Malawi working with Peace Corps and other development NGOs. Malawi is strong in IEF’s history and Moses will always be part of our IEF family.

Moses was a mentor, friend to all, and someone who will be sorely missed. In fact, he was a national treasure. I know that Malawians will celebrate his life. Thank you Nyaka for sharing him with us all these years. Your sacrifice made his success possible.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and worldwide staff of the International Eye Foundation, I say God bless Prof. Chirambo and God bless you Ellen and your family.

Victoria M. Sheffield

President & CEO

Photo above: IEFers who have worked in Malawi with Dr. Chirambo. L to R: Dr. Paul Steinkuller, Dr. Susan Lewallen, Prof. Moses Chirambo, Dr. Shmuel Levine, Dr. Baxter McLendon, Ms. Victoria Sheffield, Dr .Larry Schwab, Mr. John Barrows.

Shields Visits Fred Hollows Foundation in Australia

William Shields, SightReach Surgical® Director recently returned from a trip to Sydney, Australia. He met with representatives of the Fred Hollows Foundation, based in Sydney, to finalize a two-year consulting contract for procurement services. The services that IEF/SRS will perform under the contract include advising on procurement, help negotiate with vendors, assess procurement practices, and orient staff to general procurement principles and ophthalmic technology. SightReach Surgical® has been expanding its services by securing consulting contracts similar to this one with Fred Hollows Foundation.

A Lifetime of Service – Dr. Lakshmi Rahmathullah

For the Rahmathullah family from India, service to others is a way of life. IEF’s Sustainability Specialist Raheem Rahmathullah learned well the lessons of working for a better life for those less fortunate. Soon to turn 80, his mother Dr. Lakshmi Rahmathullah has striven for over a half century to benefit the poor, particularly women and children. Early in her life, she was influenced by Mother Teresa under whom she studied for a year. A general physician still practicing in Kariapatti, India, she is recognized internationally as an authority on micronutrients, particularly vitamin A. Her work has earned her many honors, yet she remains committed to serving the people. Her son Raheem furthers her legacy through his work with IEF to expand eye care in the developing world by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of eye clinics and hospitals. The IEF is proud of its association with Dr. Rahmathullah and extend the warmest of birthday greetings.

Denver Tastes Wine to Save Sight

Gathering at the home of IEF Board Member Helen Clark Atkeson and her husband Stan Raine Sunday May 16, over 50 guests sipped fine wine and helped save sight. A wine tasting hosted and sponsored by Helen and Stan helped raise over $4,000 to support IEF's sight saving mission. Wines were provided by Mondo Vino.

A Mother's Look....A Mother's Hope

There is magic in the look of a mother gazing upon her children. There is love, and there is hope. In too much of the world, there is also a look of concern. Living in difficult conditions, there is much to worry about, especially their child's sight and health.

Your gift can ease this worry for so many mothers and their children. IEF helps ensure children get the treatment and surgery they need to keep their sight...for a lifetime. Partnering with 24 eye care institutions in 15 countries, IEF is helping close the gaps in eye care in areas of great need. By adopting IEF's sustainability model, our partners are saving the sight of more children than ever before.

As we remember and honor our Mothers, please make your contribution to a brighter future, one filled with hope with and the gift of sight.

Celebrate life, celebrate sight...for a lifetime. Thank you!!!

Volvo Car Raffle - Benefits 2 non-profits

IEF Raffle benefits not one, but two non-profits.

The International Eye Foundation(IEF) held a raffle to raise funds for eye care in developing countries. If all the tickets were sold, the prize was a Volvo Station Wagon. if less were sold then the winner received 50% of all the income from the raffle.

In a surprise outcome, the winning ticket was not only sold by a non-profit, IEF, but was also purchased by a non-profit, the Marietta Restoration Associates (MRA). Pictured on the right is IEF's Finance Director, Edward Henderson, holding the basket of tickets as the manager of the Kensington Branch of the Chevy Chase Bank draws the winning ticket. Seen on the left is IEF's Development Director, Wendy Codd presenting a check for the winnings to the MRA President, Raymond McKeeby.

The money raised from the raffle has been put to good use. Restoring sight around the world, and restoring an historic building in the USA - the Vesta Furnace in Marietta, PA.

Guatemala Visit

Recently I was able to visit IEF's Guatmala partner clinic, Visualiza, in Guatemala City. There I was able to see at first hand the amazing work that the the dedicated staff, under the leadership of Ophthalmologist Dr. Mariano Yee, do to prevent blindness and restore sight to those who otherwise would be unable to see.

The Visualiza Clinic has a strong school outreach program in Guatemala. During my visit, children from La Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta, Caseno La Virgin, who had been diagnosed with vision problems came to the clinic for additional testing. The children had made a poster and written thank you letters and cards. Here is a photograph of IEF's Director of Development, Wendy Codd, accepting this poster on behalf of the Clinic staff.

Help Rebuild Eye Care in Devastated Haiti

The devastating earthquake in Haiti has destroyed much of the fragile medical resources available in this extremely poor country. We need your help to rebuild eye care services in Haiti -- providing critical instruments and supplies, replacing lost and damaged equipment, and supporting national efforts for emergency and long term eye care services.

Please help the people of Haiti. Click Here to contribute -- restoring vision, and hope.

Thank You!!

Victoria M. Sheffield

President & CEO

Make A Contribution

Merck & Co., Inc. Honored for Saving Sight

The inaugural IEF Promotion of Peace & Vision Award to a Corporation was given to Merck & Co., Inc. by Victoria M. Sheffield, President & CEO of the International Eye Foundation. Merck received the award for its outstanding commitment to controlling and eliminating onchocerciasis (river blindness) worldwide. IEF has partnered with Merck since 1988 when Merck began donating the drug Mectizan® to control the parasites that cause river blindness.

"Through the MECTIZAN Donation Program, and the commitment of partners such as the International Eye Foundation, significant progress is being made to control and even eliminate river blindness around the world," said Michael Rabinowitz, Global Brand Leader of Ophthalmics, Merck & Co., Inc., who accepted the award on behalf of Merck. “More than 80 million people are now treated with MECTIZAN every year, a testament to Merck's commitment to putting patients first."

Photo: Victoria Sheffield presenting 2009 Corporate Promotion of Peace and Vision Award to Michael Rabinowitz

Young Petia visits IEF from Bulgaria

"We don't have any ophthalmologists specializing in plastic surgery in Bulgaria, so this is fascinating for me to see" said young Petia Moutaftchieva, a medical student from Bulgaria. She is the grand-daughter of IEF's Bulgaria country representative Prof. Petja Vassileva, a distinguished ophthalmologist who also trains ophthalmologists in Sofia. This was her first time in the US. She visited IEF and was toured the private practice of Dr. Frank Ashburn and Dr. Paul Gavaris in Washington, DC. Petia observed two eyelid repairs performed by Dr. Gavaris and his daughter, Dr. Lauren Gavaris, at the Surgi-Center, "something I don't see very much in Bulgaria". A highlight was the tour of the National Library of Medicine on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD where Petia got a library card and looked up many scientific articles on Publine authored by her grandmother! She also viewed the very special room of ancient medical texts dating from before 1501 AD, the oldest being an Arabic text on digestive diseases dated 1049 AD. We hope young Petia follows in the footsteps of her distinguished grandmother and great-grandfather and becomes an ophthalmologist. Whatever she decides, she has a bright future!

Photos: Left: V Sheffield, Petia Moutaftchieva, Dr. Frank Ashburn

Right: Dr. Paul Gavaris, Petia, Dr. Lauren Gavaris

Victoria M. Sheffield

President & CEO

Kathryn Leckey Thanked for Service on IEF Board

Kathryn Leckey is presented with the IEF "globe award" by Board Chair Dr. James P. Ganley at IEF's Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors on June 18, 2009. Kathryn has served IEF as a Board member for twelve years, chaired our annual gala the Eye Ball, and participated in many events that support our work. Dr. Ganley noted her "...dedicated commitment to IEF's mission of saving sight."

Dr. Susan Lewallen visits IEF

Dr. Susan Lewallen came to Washington, DC to make presenations at USAID and the National Eye Institute and visited IEF on May 22nd. Susan and her husband, Dr. Paul Courtright are the co-founders and co-directors of the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology in Moshi, Tanzania. A group of IEF Board members and friends had the opportunity to visit KCCO in February and learn about the research and training being provided for eye care professionals from all over Africa. Susan's presentations focused on health care management and the challenges of eye research in Africa.

Photo L-R: Susan Lewallen with IEF's Raheem Rahmathullah, John Barrows

Victoria M. Sheffield
President & CEO