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António Champalimaud Vision Award 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Eye Health

On September 11, 2025, the Champalimaud Foundation revealed the recipients of the prestigious António Champalimaud Vision Award 2025. This notable accolade, valued at one million euros, stands as the foremost recognition in the realm of visual health, honoring organizations that excel in scientific innovation, global impact, and equitable access to eye care.

This year, the award was bestowed upon three esteemed institutions: the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) with its SightFirst program, and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). Each of these organizations has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to preventing and treating visual impairment worldwide.

The Fred Hollows Foundation: A Record of Vision Restoration

Founded in 1992, the Fred Hollows Foundation has made significant strides in restoring vision to marginalized communities across several continents. Their initiatives have played a vital role in enhancing eye care, particularly among Australian Aboriginal populations, Torres Strait Islanders, and various Pacific nations. The foundation has positively impacted over eight million people, successfully restored sight to more than three million individuals, and conducted upwards of 560,000 eye surgeries. Additionally, they have distributed over 178,000 pairs of glasses and provided training to more than 66,000 people, thereby multiplying their efforts in eye health awareness and intervention.

The Lions Clubs International Foundation: A Global Reach

The Lions Clubs International Foundation stands as a beacon of hope in the field of eye health. Their SightFirst program has reached approximately 544 million individuals across 118 countries, significantly reducing the risk of severe vision loss. The foundation has trained over 2.6 million eye health professionals and helped establish more than 1,700 eye care centers worldwide. In the year 2024 alone, the program supported over 10,500 cataract surgeries and provided sight examinations to nearly 54,000 individuals, showcasing its pivotal role in global eye health initiatives.

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness: A Leadership Role

The IAPB serves as a global leader in ocular health advocacy, encompassing a network of over 250 member organizations across more than 100 countries. Since its establishment, the IAPB has consistently influenced international policies, promoting systematic improvements within the eye care spectrum. Over the past decade, their member base has grown by an impressive 66%, underscoring their importance in the field. One of their recent initiatives involves the development of standard guidelines for comprehensive eye health programs in schools, a move projected to benefit over 700 million children globally.

The Importance of Recognition

The António Champalimaud Vision Award not only highlights the impressive achievements of these organizations but also fosters increased awareness and support for ocular health initiatives. The collaborative efforts to combat blindness and promote visual well-being are critical, especially in underserved communities. This award serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in eye health and encourages continued investment and dedication to improve access and quality of care.

The recognition of the Fred Hollows Foundation, LCIF, and IAPB exemplifies the vital contributions of these organizations and provides inspiration for future endeavors in the field of visual health. With the spotlight on their accomplishments, the hope is to galvanize more support and resources towards eradicating preventable blindness and ensuring that quality eye care is accessible to all.

For more information about the António Champalimaud Vision Award and its impact, visit Champalimaud Foundation's official website.