News

The International Eye Foundation (IEF) with prime contractor Integrative Sciences (IntSci) and subcontractor DSA Global Partners (DSA), has been awarded the contract to implement the Child Blindness Program (CBP) on behalf of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) over the next five years 2018-2023.

CBP is a grants program that features prominently in USAID’s approach to eliminate blindness worldwide by supporting the delivery of a comprehensive range of quality pediatric eye care services including identification of children with eye conditions, clinical and surgical treatment, optical services, follow-up care, low vision services, and education and rehabilitation of the blind. Grantees include US-based and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), eye hospitals, and academic institutions focusing on preventing and treating visual impairment across the developing world.

Capacity building of international NGOs is critical to the mission of USAID, CBP, and IEF. CBP works closely with grantee implementing staff in low resource countries to improve clinical, managerial and technical operations, maximizing the ability of local organizations to deliver services beyond the period of CBP funding.

IEF forms the Technical Advisory Group building on our support for CBP over the past five years. Together with IntSci, DSA, and our clinical and technical advisors, IEF supports all technical activities and assistance to grantees and ensures that USAID funds are spent wisely on effective and quality programs that impact the reduction of visual impairment in children around the world.

Funding for CBP originated through a Congressional directive in 1991 and has since provided eye care services to over seven million children. To date, CBP has awarded grants to over 60 projects in approximately 55 countries, through more than 50 local and international organizations. This new five-year contract is expected to benefit at least another three million children through approximately 60 grants targeted to children and vulnerable populations worldwide.

The International Eye Foundation, based in Kensington, MD, USA prevents blindness and restores sight in the developing world. Founded in 1961, IEF programs focus on clinical and surgical eye care services, childhood blindness, and ‘River Blindness’ control. IEF’s flagship program focuses on the management and sustainability of eye hospitals to improve the quality, efficiency, and availability of eye care worldwide. IEF has “official relations” status with the World Health Organization, is a member of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and InterAction, and works with Ministries of Health, the private sector, and the non-profit charity sector.

For more information, please visit www.usaid.gov/childblindness