About Us
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Many people are unaware that children can have glaucoma. It is classified as a. rare disease, yet it is a leading cause of blindness in children. Blindness from childhood glaucoma is preventable with prompt treatment. Sadly, because of delayed diagnosis or due to their families lack of financial means to access specialized care, many children do lose vision.
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The GL Foundation was first established in 1998 when Mr. Carlos Lyra encouraged his eye doctor, Dr. Alana Grajewski, to start a a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation to pursue her passion for helping the families of her patients with pediatric glaucoma. We understand the complexities of childhood glaucoma, and believe both patients & their families, as well as physicians & health care professionals need access to the most effective care and treatment information available.
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Now in its second decade, the GL Foundation has made a real difference in helping to save sight in children. Through this work, we have:
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Assisted hundreds of parents in getting prompt access to specialized care and countless children have sight today because they were properly diagnosed & promptly treated.
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Hosted educational programs for primary doctors on diagnosis and treatment.
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Equipped clinics in Europe, Central America, and South America with the instruments and training necessary to provide specialized eye care.
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Successfully started the Childhood Glaucoma Research Network, a collaborative network of surgeons and scientists who joined together to improve care & accelerate research.
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Created this online resource center that provides Support, Information, Tools, and Education for parents of children with glaucoma.
Thank you for your interest in supporting the GL Foundation! The GL Foundation carries out all of its functions on a lean budget. We rely on volunteers and donations. Charitable donations of any size are greatly appreciated and necessary to continue our programs. Your gift will help support and promote progress in the care of Childhood Glaucoma. If you have any questions about giving, please email us at abroad@childhoodglaucoma.com.
There are several ways you can give. If you prefer to mail a check, please make it payable to the GL Foundation and mail it to: 3901 Grand Avenue, #341, Miami, FL 33133
Our Mission is Twofold
1. To provide resources to families dealing with childhood glaucoma
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2. Collaborative support for eye care professionals caring for childhood glaucoma
Our Vision
There are large gaps in the delivery and equality of healthcare systems and the need and mission of the GLF are more important today than ever. We continue to evolve and introduce new resources, while remaining committed to our vision of a future that eliminates preventable blindness in children.