ORBIS International has received a US$5 million grant from American International Group to ensure the growth of its long-term blindness prevention programs in China, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Latin America.

Martin Sullivan, AIG president and CEO says, "AIG is proud of our long-term partnership with ORBIS and inspired by its achievements throughout the world. We know that our investment will bring sight and a brighter future to many individuals in these important regions."

The World Health Organization currently estimates that nearly 37 million people worldwide are blind and an additional 124 million have vision so poor that normal life is impossible. Yet an estimated 75 percent of those suffering don't have to be blind. Millions can reportedly be cured because their blindness is caused by conditions that are easily treatable.

At each stage of ORBIS's development, AIG has reportedly contributed substantially to ORBIS's growth and success, whether early on with the Flying Eye Hospital or over the last decade as ORBIS launched country programs in Asia and Africa. Today, AIG is a leading corporate supporter of ORBIS country programs in Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, India, Vietnam and Latin America.

The latest contribution from AIG runs from October 2007 through September 2012. Initially, the grant will be devoted to combating blindness by providing sustainable eye care services in China, India and Vietnam. Projects will address the practical, systemic challenges facing service providers, such as improving rural services in Vietnam, developing pediatric ophthalmology centers in India and fostering affordable rural eye care services in western China. AIG's investment will enable ORBIS to bring further surgical or medical treatment to patients in areas of greatest need and enhance the skills of local doctors and medical professionals to better care for their communities.

"Because the fight against avoidable blindness requires comprehensive long-term solutions, ORBIS implements ongoing country programs in order to build sustainable eye care infrastructure and services. These programs address not just the quality of eye care, but the full spectrum of what is needed to connect patients to care. Our partnership with AIG is what makes our work possible," said Geoffrey Holland, ORBIS International executive director.