BETHESDA, Mc. – The National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health reports that applications for the 2009 Healthy Vision Community Awards (HVCA) program are now available. This program provides funding up to $10,000 for the implementation of eye health education and promotion activities that support the Healthy Vision 2010 objectives and the Healthy People 2010 goals to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life. The focus of each program must be eye health education. The 2009 HVCA funds are not intended for research projects or to provide direct medical care.

Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, including community-based organizations and agencies, minority-based organizations, schools, faith-based organizations, civic and fraternal groups, community clinics, local Agencies on Aging, and state and local health departments and agencies. Universities and university affiliations, such as medical centers and schools of optometry and ophthalmology, are precluded from receiving an award directly, but are welcome to collaborate with eligible groups, such as community-based organizations. The final selection of award recipients will be based on a combination of the evaluation score, geographic and racial/ethnic representation, and project innovation. All applications must be postmarked by Friday, August 29, 2008. Awards will be announced in January 2009.

Application forms and program information are available at http://www.healthyvision2010.org/news/hvca/. Questions about the application package or eligibility requirements, can be directed to [email protected].

A list of program ideas or programs that have been funded in by state, are available at Healthy Vision Community Programs Database.