Local Physician Injects BOTOX® Cosmetic To Cure Blindness in Africa - Charitable Effort Aimed at Helping Millions Suffering from Curable Blindness

The Eyes of Africa Initiative will take the growing trend of women and men being treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic in the United States and turn it into a philanthropic call to action to end blindness in Africa. Cataract is responsible for almost half of the 7 million blind Africans despite the availability of a simple $25-$50 procedure that could permanently restore their sight.

Bellevue, WA (PRWEB) October 16, 2007 -- Ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Fredric A. Stern has been selected to represent Washington State in a unique national fundraising event to be held on Friday, November 16, 2007. All profits will be dedicated to curing blindness in Africa through the Eyes of Africa Initiative of the One World Sight Project.

The Eyes of Africa Initiative will take the growing trend of women and men being treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic in the United States and turn it into a philanthropic call to action to end blindness in Africa. Cataract is responsible for almost half of the 7 million blind Africans despite the availability of a simple $25-$50 procedure that could permanently restore their sight.

On November 16, 2007 the Stern Center for Aesthetic Surgery in Bellevue will be one of 35 select centers throughout the country simultaneously participating in this event. Allergan, Inc. has agreed to donate BOTOX Cosmetic® for this event, and Dr. Stern and his staff will be donating their time and expertise for this worthwhile cause. The profits from all Botox® injections performed at the Stern Center this day will be donated to the Eyes of Africa Initiative One World Sight Project.

After being selected to join this effort because of his extensive experience in the use of BOTOX® Cosmetic to reduce frown lines and facial wrinkles, Dr. Stern stated, "How could I not help improve the lives of so many by donating my time and expertise? I'm honored to be a part of this wonderful project."

The Eyes of Africa Initiative is working to raise more than $250,000 in an effort to complete the first comprehensive training center for community ophthalmology in all of Africa, located in Moshi, Tanzania (near Mt. Kilimanjaro), and is made possible by a generous contribution of BOTOX® Cosmetic from Allergan Medical, a division of Allergan, Inc.

In addition to sustainable development plans, there will be a relief component with live cataract surgery being performed in Africa simultaneous with the fundraising. More information can be found at www.endblindness.org.

Fredric A. Stern, MD, FACS, is the Medical Director of the Stern Center for Aesthetic Surgery, P.C., in Bellevue, WA.    An oculoplastic surgeon and board certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Stern has been performing BOTOX® Cosmetic injections for more than 10 years and is an instructor of the BOTOX Cosmetic™ National Education Faculty™. More information about Dr. Stern and The Stern Center can be found at: www.sternctr.com

###