VNMU project of blind veterans rehabilitation won the second prize in the prestigious international award

National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya got the second place in the nomination “Award for Social Innovation and Public Engagement in Ukraine”. This nomination was launched specifically for our country within the framework of the international Triple E Awards, which annually recognizes universities and individual scientists from around the world for their contribution to the development of entrepreneurship and public engagement.

The award is presented by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) – the only global quality assessment body that assesses the activity of universities in the community and their entrepreneurship. This year, in addition to the traditional participants from Europe and Africa, institutions from South America and Australia joined the competition.

A Life-Changing Project

The project “Life After War: Vision Rehabilitation for Blind Veterans” was submitted for the Award. The project was initiated and led by the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at VNMU, Associate Professor Kateryna Hryzhymalska. Applying the experience gained during her internship in 2023 at the Vision Rehabilitation Center of the University of Toronto, she adapted the best international practices to Ukrainian realities.

In partnership with the NGO “All-Ukrainian League of Organizations of Persons with Visual Impairments “Modern View”, VNMU twice held an intensive rehabilitation camp in Vinnytsia for veterans who lost their sight in the war. The 2024 and 2025 campaigns offered blind soldiers personalized mobility training, daily living skills, digital literacy, and psychological support.

Comprehensive approach to rehabilitation

The program included a wide range of activities, from white cane training to cooking workshops, sports classes and mental health sessions. Ophthalmologists, psychologists, physiotherapists and volunteers participated in the project.

The project was financially supported by Women in Ophthalmology, the Danish Association of the Blind and other donors. The project, which combines medical care, social inclusion and international cooperation, restores independence, dignity and hope to people who lost their sight in the war. In this way, a personal tragedy is often transformed into the beginning of a new life.

International recognition

The award ceremony took place on September 10-11 at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague. The university was represented at the ceremony by Viktoriia Rodinkova, Professor of the Department of Pharmacy. But for VNMU, this award would not have been possible without the university’s participation in the Erasmus+ UNICOM (Universities-Communities: strengthening cooperation) project, which allows the university to realize the importance of its third mission — that vast activity through which the institution is actively involved in community life.

The project “Life After War: Vision Rehabilitation for Blind Veterans” vividly demonstrates how a medical university can solve the most pressing social problems through a combination of scientific expertise, international cooperation, and social activity. And the current recognition of a social initiative for the rehabilitation of people who have lost their sight emphasizes the role of VNMU not only as an educational institution, but also as an active participant in social transformations in wartime conditions.

Detailed information about the award can be found at: https://2025.triple-e-awards.com/finalist/id/1216

All nominees and award categories are presented here: https://2025.triple-e-awards.com/finalists/region/2025global