A global reach Meanwhile, St John was expanding overseas. By 1891, first aid centres had been established in Australia, India, Gibraltar, Malta, the West Indies, New Zealand and South Africa. Another important development was the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem, founded in 1882. This quickly became a vital provider of ophthalmic care to thousands of patients in a region where eye complaints are common. In 1888, Queen Victoria recognised the enormous public value of the new Order and granted it a Royal Charter, as an order of the British Crown. Visit the website of the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group