CNIB Chanchlani Global Vision Research Award of $25,000 instituted

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TORONTO, May 9 /PRNewswire/ - CNIB announced the CNIB Chanchlani Global Vision Research Award of $25,000 to recognize best research in the field of vision care and vision enablement, world wide.

This first of its kind annual award was launched during a reception on Thursday, March 31, 2011. CNIB received $100,000 research endowment to establish the award.

The endowment was provided by Mr. Vasu Chanchlani and his wife, Dr. Jayshree Chanchlani, founders of the Chanchlani Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to promoting research and recognizing excellence, in collaboration with CNIB, the Toronto Netralya Lions Club, the Doctors Lions Club and additional contribution from prominent Indo-Canadians.

"We hope this award will encourage research and innovation and will lead to effective and efficient vision care solutions for future generations," said Mr. Chanchlani. "We will collaborate to get many more matching grants and donations to attract the best researchers around the world. We are moved and motivated by the fact that India has about 60% of world's blind population and 75% of blindness in India is avoidable. The donation --to a charity that is proudly Canadian--is in keeping with our motto: Help India THROUGH Canada, and help the world in the process."

CNIB President and CEO John Rafferty said, "Research is one of CNIB's founding principles. It commits significant dollars annually to fund projects on ways to cure, treat and prevent eye disease and improve the quality of life for people living with vision loss. This award is a major step forward in reaching our goal to enhance independence for Canadians and people around the world, who are blind or partially sighted, and to be the leader in promoting vision health."

Reception guests raised an additional $50,000 for the award and for the endowment, bringing the total donations to $150,000.

About CNIB
CNIB passionately provides community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. To find out more, visit www.cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642.

About Chanchlani Foundation
Chanchlani Foundation promotes research and recognizes excellence with an aim to find effective and efficient solutions to challenges in areas ranging from health care to public policy. To find out more, visit www.chanchlanifoundation.com

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SOURCE CNIB