At the Virginia Eye Institute, we believe in sharing our knowledge, expertise and time with those who are in need in our community. Below, you’ll find some of the outreach programs we participate in.
Cataract Mission
For the 19th consecutive year, VEI is offering a free cataract surgery for those in need. Cataract Mission is for people who do not have insurance (including Medicare or Medicaid) and do not have the financial means to pay for cataract surgery. Our program is put on completely by the volunteer physicians and staff at Virginia Eye Institute. It is an application based program and applications will be available for the 2011/2012 Cataract Mission on November 1, 2011. We ask that applications are returned to us by February 1st. The screening day will be Saturday February 18th and the surgery day is February 25th. Please call (804) 287-4905 or email broadbentj@vaeye.com to apply.
Dining in the Dark
Dining in the Dark is a rare and unique sensory awareness experience that will take guests on a journey of taste, sound, and touch... all in the dark. Dining in the Dark gives thousands of people a chance to peek into an unfamiliar world while raising money to help fund research that will prevent/cure blindness caused by degenerative retinal diseases. The 2011 Luncheon honored Tony Sakowski, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. as the founder of Virginia Eye Institute and recognized Virginia Eye Institute for its 35 years of service to the community.
Vision Walk
Since 2009, VEI has been the lead sponsor for the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ Vision Walk. Money raised helps fund research to prevent/cure degenerative retinal diseases. The date for the 2011 Richmond Vision Walk is Saturday, October 15, 2011 at Innsbrook. To learn how you can join the fight against blindness, click here or email info@vaeye.com.
World Pediatric Project (WPP)
Virginia Eye Institute is a proud sponsor and participant of the World Pediatric Project (WPP). WPP is a nonprofit humanitarian organization linking worldwide pediatric surgical, diagnostic and preventative resources to heal critically ill children in developing countries. WPP also helps build indigenous health care capacity -- saving lives now while transforming pediatric health outcomes for years to come. Click here for more information about WPP.
Additional Outreach
VEI doctors donate their time to help others in need, both in Richmond and outside of the country. Our associates give to the Salvation Army through Holiday Socks and Angel Tree, the Richmond Red Cross, the Central Virginia Food Bank, and participate in the Start! Richmond Heart Walk.