About EFA
Our Mission
The EFA mission is to eliminate avoidable blindness under the guiding principles of service, teaching, and research. This is accomplished through eye camps and masonry hospitals in developing countries, training of medical personnel to serve the needy, and educating the population at large on preventative eye care and healthy lifestyle choices.
Dr. VK Raju
Dr. V.K. Raju, born in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India, is a distinguished ophthalmologist, educator, and global health advocate. He is a Founding Patron Member of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University, Adjunct Professor at the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University, and Director of the International Ocular Surface Society.
As Founder and Past President of the Eye Foundation of America (EFA), Dr. Raju has dedicated his life since 1977 to the vision of a World Without Childhood Blindness. Since its inception in 1979, EFA has grown into a powerful force for sight, establishing two major eye institutes in India, expanding its programs to over 25 countries, screening millions of patients, and performing hundreds of thousands of sight-restoring surgeries.
Guided by the wisdom of his mentor in London—who taught that the three solutions to any problem are “education, education, and education”—Dr. Raju emphasizes awareness and prevention as the first line of defense against blindness. By empowering patients with knowledge, he enables them to take charge of their health, improve lifestyles, and share awareness within their communities. Where education and prevention fall short, advanced medical and surgical interventions bridge the gap to restore sight and hope.
Dr. Raju’s academic contributions are equally remarkable. He has authored two books, seventeen book chapters, and more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications, leaving an indelible mark on ophthalmology and global eye health.
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The Board Members
Padma Bhushan KI Varaprasad Reddy
Patron EFA
David Raese
Morgantown, WV
Lord Rami Ranger
Patron EFA
Leela V. Raju, M.D.
New York, NY
Ashok Raju
New York , NY
Sanku Rao, M.D.
Enid, OK
Sam Maddali
Bernardsville, NJ
Lekah Hota, M.D.
New Orleans, LA
Vaidehi Dedania
New York, NY
Sekhar Vemparala
Bridgewater, NJ
Kathy L. Martin
Morgantown, WV
Srinu Maddula
East Brunswick, NJ
Vaidehi Dedania
New York, NY
Padma Bhushan KI Varaprasad Redd
Patron EFA
Padma Bhushan KI Varaprasad Redd
Patron EFA
Padma Bhushan KI Varaprasad Redd
Patron EFA
Our Advisors
- Joseph Swiger
- Indira Majumder M.D.
- Abnash Jain M.D.
- Mukund Modak
- Janani Krishna M.D.
- Jay Bhandari
- Sandeepp Saxena Rtn
- Shashi Airi
- Chen Sridhar
- Jhansi Raju M.D.
- Hemant Jain
Our Awards
Awards in (partial list)
- AMA Foundation Nathan Davis Excellence in Medicine International Award
- Four Time Awardee by The American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Martin Luther King Jr Achievement Award from WVU
- Dr. Rameswara Sharma Gold medal oration, Indian Academy of Medical Sciences, Jaipur Chapter
- Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Gold Medal at House of Lords, UK
- Distinguished Community Service Award from AAPI (American Association of Physicians from India)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the WV State Medical Association
- University of Toledo Global Medical Missions Hall of Fame
- President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama
- Medscape placed him among the best doctors of America
