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Eye Foundation Gala raises funds for vision care in New Jersey
Organizers said the funds raised, including matching contributions, will support long-term programs providing preventive and restorative vision care.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 29, Apr 2026
- 04:56 EDT
- 24
The gala was led by Dr. V. K. Raju, founder of the Eye Foundation of America / Courtesy photo
The Eye Foundation of America hosted a charity gala April 18 at The Imperia in Somerset, New Jersey, raising $900,000 to support efforts to prevent childhood blindness and expand access to eye care for children in underserved communities.
The event, held under the theme “Join Our Vision,” brought together philanthropists, medical professionals, business leaders and community advocates. Organizers said the goal was to highlight the need for accessible and affordable eye care while encouraging collective action.
The gala was led by Dr. V. K. Raju, founder of the Eye Foundation of America, and Dr. Leela V. Raju, president of the foundation. Board of Trustees members Sam Maddali, Sekhar Vemparala and Srinu Maddula were recognized for their contributions.
“Every child deserves to see the world with clarity and purpose,” said Dr. Vadrevu K. Raju. “Let us join hands to eradicate childhood blindness and unlock a brighter future for generations to come.”
Raju cited advances in gene therapy and stem therapy as improving treatment options for 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 said.
He added that access remains a challenge. “The greatest challenge is ensuring these life-changing treatments are accessible and affordable to the millions of children who need them most.”
The gala program included live music by the Lehari Band, along with a silent auction, raffles and a live auction featuring luxury vacations to Caribbean and Mexican island resorts and fine jewelry. Organizers said these activities contributed significantly to fundraising for the foundation’s ongoing initiatives.
Organizers said the funds raised, including matching contributions, will support long-term programs providing preventive and restorative vision care.
Maddali said the issue requires coordinated effort. “Childhood blindness is a solvable problem, but it requires collective action,” he said, urging support for the foundation’s mission, which he said has operated for 49 years.
The foundation said it has served about 2.5 million patients and performed more than 340,000 surgeries, including over 30,000 for children. Its programs include eye camps, hospitals, medical training and community education.
Srinu Maddula spoke about the impact of the 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.”
Vemparala said, “Together, we can ensure that every child has access to quality eye care and a genuine opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Dr. Leela V. Raju closed the event by thanking donors and volunteers. “We must ensure more people understand the causes of childhood blindness and the practical steps we can take together to prevent it,” she said.
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