Hilton Prize Awarded to Indian Eye Care Charity

For 34 years, the Aravind Eye Care System has been committed to making quality treatment available to millions across India. On April 20, it was honored with the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, which aims to reward charitable organizations working to end human suffering. The prize also includes $1.5 million. The first Aravind Eye Hospital was established in 1976 with only 11 beds. Today, it is the single largest eye-care provider in the world, running five hospitals and over 30 eye-care centers to help the 10 million blind people across the country. The Aravind Medical Research Foundation also works on developing new treatments for eye disease.