Auction raises funds for U.S. chapter

Washington, DC-A silent auction of original paintings has helped to launch the American Friends of Vision for the World Inc., the U.S. chapter of a global non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and curing of blindness in Third World countries.

The April 17 charity event, sponsored by WaveLight Inc. during the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting, was attended by 200 guests. More than 30 bids were placed on works by New York City artist Oz El-Hai; 20% of the proceeds will support Vision for the World. The amount raised was not disclosed.

The organization was founded in November 2002 by Wavelight Laser Technologie AG's chief executive officer, Max Reindl, and vice president of marketing and investor relations, Susanne Grethlein. The American chapter is led by Wade Tetsuka, president of WaveLight Inc. and Alexander Muellerklein, treasurer.