Pediatric Cataract Initiative Sets November 15 Deadline for Research Grant Applications

CHICAGO -- The Pediatric Cataract Initiative (www.PediatricCataract.org) has set a November 15 deadline for receipt of applications for its inaugural single small research grant. US$75,000 will be awarded to a qualified individual, institution or organization investigating the causes of pediatric cataract and/or improved treatment tools and protocols.

The grant will support innovative research that can be carried out in 12 months with limited resources. It is not geographic dependent, although the research should have a degree of applicability regionally or globally. Applicants may submit more than one proposal provided that each is scientifically distinct. Please visit www.pediatriccataract.org/grant_funding.html to download the complete request for proposals.

The newly founded Pediatric Cataract Initiative is a partnership between the Bausch + Lomb Early Vision Institute and Lions Clubs International Foundation to identify, fund and promote innovative methods of overcoming pediatric cataract ― a debilitating childhood condition that clouds the eye’s natural lens ― for the long-term benefit of children, their families and their communities.

Attendees at this week’s American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO) Joint Meeting in Chicago can obtain more information at the Bausch + Lomb and Lions Clubs International Foundation booths in McCormick Place.

In addition to its non-geographic-specific research grant, the Initiative is committing funding and support during its first year to innovative, scalable prevention and treatment programs in the People’s Republic of China, where at least 40,000 children are estimated to suffer from pediatric cataract. The prevalence of pediatric cataract ranges from one to four children per 10,000 births in developing countries -- ten times the rate of occurrence in developed nations.

To learn more, visit www.PediatricCataract.org

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About the Bausch + Lomb Early Vision Institute
The Bausch + Lomb Early Vision Institute is a program of the global eye health company focusing on children’s vision research, treatment, prevention and advocacy. Founded in 1853, Bausch + Lomb is one of the best-known and most respected healthcare brands in the world, with its contact lenses and solutions, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, and ophthalmic surgical products available in approximately 100 countries. For more information, visit www.bausch.com.

About Lions Clubs International Foundation
Lions Clubs International Foundation is the grant-making body of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest volunteer service organization. The LCIF SightFirst program, Lions’ flagship initiative, builds comprehensive eye care systems to fight the major causes of blindness and care for blind and visually impaired persons. Since 1990, the SightFirst program has helped restore sight to more than 30 million people around the world, having invested more than US$237 million in surgeries, the improvement of hundreds of eye care facilities and training of thousands of eye care professionals. For more information, visit www.lcif.org.