2020 Fact Sheet MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD
connecting children and adults to eye care and low vision
More than half a century ago, Dr. Alston Callahan estab-
rehabilitation services. Thanks to a vibrant collaboration
lished an eye hospital in downtown Birmingham that
of nonprofit groups, state agencies and academically-
would become the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. Its goal
based programs, we are proud to have contributed more
was simple but powerful: Eradicate blinding eye diseases
than $70 million to improve eyesight through education,
through groundbreaking research, world-class clinical
research and access to care.
care and unrivaled education of future clinicians and sci-
AREAS OF SUPPORT
entists. When the hospital sold, proceeds created an en-
ESF awards grants in the following areas:
dowment that would mark the beginning of the EyeSight
Foundation of Alabama (ESF).
$74,609,822 Awarded/Directed since 1997 *includes $1,840,436 through Regions/Buck Trust
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 Top 10 national ranking in
ment, surgery or rehabilitation
National Institutes of Health funding. With ESF’s contri-
Basic science research on the visual system.
butions, 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.
MISSION To serve as a catalyst to improve eyesight through research, education and access to care
The EyeSight Foundation is invested in other community partners playing critical roles in our state’s eye health by
VISION