Please Call 757-622-2200

and ask for Dr. Sheppard
The Virginia Eye Foundation (VEF)
is a 501(c)3 tax exempt charity dedicated to the improvement of eye care and the prevention of blindness in Virginia. VEF is an independent agency to assess charitable interests dedicated to its focus upon the visual sciences, both clinical and basic laboratory. Clinical concerns include providing medical and surgical eye care to needy or uninsured individuals, the promotion of both clinical and laboratory research, and the training of individuals planning or engaged in a career in the visual sciences.






Basic science concerns include development of medications, drugs, devices, procedures, processes, practices, strategies, guidelines or instruments that treat or prevent blindness. A special emphasis is placed upon Virginia, and particularly southeastern Virginia entities engaged in worthy relevant activities. Leading national concerns are also awarded funding.

VEF is governed by an all volunteer board of directors charged with preservation of foundation equity, responsible equity growth through sound management, and distribution of fund gains to worthy organizations. VEF headquarters is located in Norfolk in the new academic state of the art Virginia Eye Consultants building. Targeted diseases include:

  • Cataract & Glaucoma
  • Corneal Infections & Scarring
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Blinding Eye Injuries

Principles of Grant Awards:

The board assesses all potential fund recipients or beneficiaries through an exhaustive process of due diligence. Thus, screening by the board will seek out recipients that not only produce outstanding results in the field of vision care, research, and blindness prevention, but also organizations that utilize funds in an efficient, cost effective, and ethical manner. Therefore, VEF will act on behalf of donors seeking to promote vision who do not have access to the necessary information to make such an important decision.

Virginia Eye Foundation funding sources

  • Patients, colleagues and friends
  • Physician donations
  • Foundation newsletter recipients
  • Professional fund raising drives
  • Dedicated facilities, rooms, services, chairs, exhibits, plaques,
    and centers at the new Virginia Eye Consultants building
  • Charitable organizations
  • Donations from industry

Our doctors have traveled the world to provide education, research, and clinical care. Help us continue this tradition here in Virginia, giving the gift of sight. Please call us at 757-622-2200 and ask for Dr. Sheppard to discover how you can make a difference. We can also assist you with estate planning.

Central Office
241 Corporate Boulevard
Norfolk, VA 23502
757-622-2200