OXFORD, U.K.—Vision for a Nation has been awarded top prize in the International Aid and Development category by the United Kingdom’s Charity Awards Programme, the U.K. charity sector’s most prestigious and longest-running awards program.

The award was based upon the measurable success of its groundbreaking nationwide primary eyecare program in support of the government of Rwanda that now provides local and affordable eyecare to 100 percent of the nation’s 10.5 million people. Vision for a Nation proved “demonstrated achievement” in all 10 “Hallmarks of Excellence,” including leadership, innovation, effectiveness and sustainability. The project has been funded by James Chen, UBS Optimus Foundation, DFID and a range of other donors.

Vision for a Nation was presented with the award at a ceremony at the Mermaid Theatre in London on June 9, hosted by former-BBC television personality, Bill Turnbull. “International Aid and Development” was one of 10 categories.

“Globally, 2.5 billion people have no access to local and affordable eyecare. Good vision empowers and transforms lives on every level,” said James Chen, founder of Vision for a Nation and the Clearly global vision campaign. “Vision for a Nation Rwanda is the culmination of many years of hard work, innovation and partnership with the government of Rwanda, and demonstrates what can be achieved through leadership, focus and execution. Rwanda provides a model for other nations around the world to follow and represents a significant step forward in our quest to bring improved sight to millions of people globally,” he said.