CINCINNATI, OH – The Indo-American Press Club (IAPC), one of North America’s leading organizations of media professionals of Indian origin, will confer its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award upon Dr. Vadrevu K. (V. K.) Raju, globally acclaimed ophthalmologist, educator, humanitarian, and founder of the Eye Foundation of America, during the 11th International Media Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 17, 2026.
The award recognizes Dr. Raju’s extraordinary lifetime of service dedicated to restoring sight, preventing blindness, advancing medical education, and improving healthcare access for underserved populations across the world. Through decades of humanitarian outreach and medical leadership, Dr. Raju has transformed the lives of millions and established himself as one of the most respected figures in global ophthalmology.
Born in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India, Dr. Raju is a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University, an Adjunct Professor at the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University, and Founder and Past President of the Eye Foundation of America (EFA). Since founding EFA in 1979, he has led programs that have expanded to more than 25 countries, screening millions of patients and facilitating hundreds of thousands of sight-restoring surgeries, with a particular focus on eliminating avoidable childhood blindness.
In addition to founding the Eye Foundation of America, Dr. Raju helped establish premier eye-care institutions in India, including the Goutami Eye Institute and Srikiran Eye Institute, and has authored numerous scientific publications, book chapters, and books devoted to ophthalmology and global health.
“Dr. V. K. Raju represents the highest ideals of professional excellence, humanitarian service, and community leadership,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Chair of the Board of Directors, Indo-American Press Club. “His lifelong mission to eliminate preventable blindness and bring quality eye care to vulnerable populations has inspired healthcare professionals and community leaders around the world.”
The award presentation will take place during the Grand Gala and Awards Ceremony of the Indo-American Press Club’s 11th International Media Conference at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Cincinnati Sharonville. The conference, scheduled for October 16-18, 2026, will bring together journalists, media leaders, authors, business executives, and community representatives from across the United States and around the world.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Raju has received numerous honors for his contributions to medicine, public health, education, and humanitarian service. His work continues to impact communities globally through clinical care, medical training, research, and advocacy for vision care accessibility.
About Dr. V. K. Raju
Dr. V. K. Raju is an internationally recognized ophthalmologist, humanitarian, educator, and founder of the Eye Foundation of America. For nearly five decades, he has dedicated his life to combating avoidable blindness through medical service, education, research, and the development of sustainable eye-care institutions around the world.
About the Indo-American Press Club
Founded in 2014, the Indo-American Press Club is a premier organization representing journalists, media professionals, publishers, and communications leaders of Indian origin throughout North America. The organization promotes excellence in journalism, professional development, networking, and community engagement.
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Indo-American Press Club (IAPC)
Website: https://indoamericanpressclub.com/
