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The Bernadotte Foundation For Children's Eyecare, Inc. is engaged in the promotion and funding of advanced research and clinical study of eye diseases and defects in visual development found in children around the world.

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A Brief History

Recognizing the pressing need for further research and professional development to eliminate children’s eye disease, Marianne Bernadotte of Sweden established The Sigvard & Marianne Bernadotte Research Foundation For Children’s Eyecare in Sweden in 1990. In order to expand the mission, The International Research Foundation For Children’s Eyecare, Inc. (the “Foundation”) was incorporated in New York in 1993 and is registered in the state of Florida. In honor of the Founder and her late husband, Prince Sigvard, the Board of Directors approved the change of name to The Bernadotte Foundation For Children’s Eyecare, Inc.

Since its creation, the Foundation has hosted fundraising events in New York, Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles through Vision of Light®, its fundraising arm. Through these events and other collaborative efforts with universities, hospitals and medical professionals, the Foundation has awarded significant research grants funding pediatric ophthalmologic institutions and post-doctoral researchers. These grants are a demonstration of the current and future potential of the Foundation as administered under the guidance of Marianne Bernadotte with strong support from the members of the Medical Advisory and Awards Committee.

The Need

We are one of the few non-governmental organizations whose sole mission is advanced research on children’s eye disease. It is estimated that there are 1.5 million blind children and about 5 million visually disabled children around the world. While the causes of blindness in children vary depending generally on the wealth of the region, it is commonly estimated that each year there are 8 new blind children for every 100,000 children in industrialized countries. In less developed countries, the ratio is significantly higher, but difficult to estimate. Research, especially in methods of prevention and early detection, is part of the key to reducing this often-unnecessary scourge.

Our Goal

Our goal is to reduce childhood blindness and visual impairment through the support of advanced clinical research.

The Foundation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to the promotion and funding of advanced research and clinical study of eye diseases and defects in visual development found in children around the world.

Established in New York in 1993, the Foundation has generated an endowment of nearly $1,000,000. Through our intense focus, we seek to grow with the like-minded doctors, researchers, institutions and other patrons recognizing the serious need for further research and attention to visual defects in children.

The Foundation seeks to raise $2,000,000 over the next three years in order to broaden the type of research funded and to increase the number of grants awarded.

The Bernadotte Foundation For Children's Eyecare, Inc. is recognized as a non-profit organization and has received 501(c) 3 status from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

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