Odd Fellows and Rebekahs throughout the world raised $2,000,000 for establishment of an Endowed Chair in ophthalmic research at the Wilmer Institute of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. State, Province and related programs are operated and assisted by the Order. Pledge cards are available to those who wish to pledge their eyes after death.

“Seeing is believing,” and vision holds the key to sight. Our eyes are our contact with the world. To whatever degree we lose sight, we lose tough with our surroundings, and the quality of life is affected. Blindness is the most feared of all human disabilities. Today scientists, fortified with unprecedented skills, knowledge and technology are intensifying their research attack against blindness and are on the threshold of unlocking more doors to sight for many who suffer from a wide range of eve diseases and vision problems.

For example, the Wilmer Eye Institute. The Johns Hopkins Hospital has been at the forefront of eye research, teaching and patient care since it was founded in 1925. Year after year, the Wilmer Eye Institute leads the top ranking eye institutes in the United States.

Our goal is to increase the endowment to Wilmer Institute to $2,500,000.00. This will insure that all expenses for Odd Fellow / Rebekah’s Professor of Ophthalmology, Dr. Henry D. Jampel, M.D., M.H.S., will be covered.

The Big Eye Magnifier lamps, which have helped many members and friends who have vision problems or for use in hobbies and crafts, are available by contacting the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Visual Research Foundation Chairman.