Fact Sheet MAKING A
2O19
DIFFERENCE IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD
connecting children and adults to eye care and low vision
More than half a century
rehabilitation services. Thanks to a vibrant collaboration
ago, Dr. Alston Callahan
of nonprofit groups, state agencies and academically-
established an eye hospital in downtown Birmingham
based programs, we are proud to have contributed more
that would become the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. Its
than $70 million to improve eyesight through education,
goal was simple but powerful: Eradicate blinding eye
research and access to care.
diseases through groundbreaking research, world-class clinical care and unrivaled education of future clinicians and scientists. When the hospital sold, proceeds created an endowment that would mark the beginning of the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama (ESF).
$71,558,874 Awarded/Directed since 1997 *includes $1,684,805 through Regions/Buck Trust
AREAS OF SUPPORT ESF awards grants in the following areas:
Public education regarding preventive and routine eye care and vision screening
Eye care for the medically indigent
Low vision and rehabilitation service
Improved geographical access to general and specialty eye care services
Education and training of eye care professionals and scientific investigators
Research in the prevention and treatment of eye dis-
Partnering philanthropically with the UAB Department of
eases, disabilities or impairment prevalent in Alabama
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the EyeSight Foun-
and the development of effective methods of treat-
dation is a key catalyst in its Number 5 national ranking
ment, surgery or rehabilitation
in National Institutes of Health funding. With ESF’s contributions, it has quickly risen to that lofty ranking in the nation from Number 32 in 2012 when partners ESF and UAB School of Medicine created the Vision of Excellence Initiative.
The EyeSight Foundation is invested in other community partners playing critical roles in our state’s eye health by
Basic science research on the visual system.
MISSION To serve as a catalyst to improve eyesight through research, education and access to care
VISION Making a difference in the eyes of the world