When: July 1–August 31, 2007
Institute: National Eye Institute (NEI)

Applications for the 2008 Healthy Vision Community Awards are now available. This NEI program stimulates collaborative community health education initiatives by providing “seed money” to begin or continue vision-related health education projects that support the vision objectives in Healthy People 2010, the framework for prevention for the nation.

The 2008 awards will focus on vision screening for children; visual impairment due to refractive errors, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma; protective eyewear; and vision rehabilitation services and devices.

Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, including community-based organizations and agencies, minority- and faith-based organizations, schools, civic and fraternal groups, community clinics, local Agencies on Aging, and local health departments. Universities, medical centers, and schools of optometry and ophthalmology cannot receive an award directly but are encouraged to collaborate with local community-based organizations.

Each award is worth up to $10,000 per year. The final selection of award recipients will be based on an evaluation score, geographic and racial/ethnic representation, and project innovation. Awards will be announced in January 2008.

Next Steps
Application forms and program information are available at www.healthyvision2010.org/news/hvca. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, August 31, 2007, to be considered.

If you have questions about the application package or eligibility requirements, send an e-mail to HVCAmail@shs.net.

For more information about the 2008 Healthy Vision Community Awards, visit www.healthyvision2010.org/news.