Basel, March 2, 2015 – Novartis is calling for submissions for the 2015 eXcellence in Ophthalmology Vision Award (XOVA), which provides grants to support innovative, sustainable, not-for-profit eye care projects worldwide that typically address the vision needs of underserved populations. Launched in 2010 and co-sponsored by the Pharmaceuticals and Alcon divisions of Novartis, XOVA has awarded more than EUR 650,000 for 21 grants in 16 countries. XOVA welcomes entries through April 30, 2015 from all eye care specialists, including trainees and specialist nurses, with the support of their responsible institutions. Applications are made via the XOVA program website.

Globally, more than 285 million people live with vision impairment and blindness¹. But, more than 80% of vision problems can be prevented, treated or cured, provided patients have access to treatment¹. XOVA seeks to protect and enhance vision health by empowering leaders and innovators in the fields of ophthalmology and optometry.

"Preserving or restoring patients’ vision is vital, life-changing work, and the XOVA award aims to support projects that will achieve these outcomes in underserved populations. Past XOVA winners include programs that benefited patients by supporting education of health care professionals and patients or those that provided high-quality screening, treatment and prevention, particularly in the long-term," said Dirk Sauer, Global Head Development, Ophthalmology Franchise, Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Alcon and Novartis Pharmaceuticals initiated and support the XOVA as part of their commitment to improving eye care around the world.

Impactful projects benefiting patients worldwide 
The 2014 XOVA winners comprised five programs: door-to-door screening for glaucoma, diabetes and hypertension in India; surgery, postoperative care and low vision devices for children and training of a vision professional in eastern Uganda; a hospital operating theater in Myanmar; training and deployment of ophthalmic personnel to support an eye care service in Ethiopia; and clinical and managerial training to enable affordable treatment for diabetic retinopathy patients in Nigeria.

Application process and eligibility 
The 2015 XOVA applications are open to ophthalmologists, optometrists and allied eye healthcare professionals, including those in training. Applications must be endorsed by a legitimate academic institution (e.g., a university) or organization (e.g., recognized not-for-profit organizations, hospitals and clinics). The XOVA grants are awarded to the employing institutions of the winning applicants. Winners will receive their grants as part of a XOVA ceremony at a medical congress in the fall of 2015.

• The XOVA is awarded to eye care professionals and institutions who have devised not-for-profit educational or innovative initiatives;
• These not-for-profit educational or innovative initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on unmet needs in the field of eye care;
• Proposals must indicate how the initiative can be run in the local country using local resources after the funds have been used;
• Proposals must demonstrate with clear plans and examples long-term viability, impact and benefit in the local area.