We advocate to keep NEI a standalone institute, protecting the expertise and focus needed to address blinding eye diseases.
Because the future depends on what we see today
Championing Science that Protects Sight and Transforms Lives
Every discovery in vision science brings us closer to preventing blindness and restoring hope. We exist to ensure that progress never loses focus.
Protecting the research that defines the future of vision health
Advancing Science
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ADVOCATE
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AMPLIFY
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TRAIN
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CONVENE
Advocate for robust federal funding
We educate Congress, federal agencies, and national decisionmakers about the economic, scientific, and human impact of vision research. We fight to protect the National Eye Institute and strengthen support for discovery across all eye diseases.
Amplify the voices of scientists and patients
Through briefings, advocacy days, and our #SeeWhatMatters campaign, we bring forward the human stories that shape policy, including the breakthroughs, the challenges, and the urgency of continued investment.
Train the next generation of vision science advocates
Our Emerging Vision Scientist Program develops early-career researchers into powerful advocates who can articulate the value of their work to policymakers and the public.
Convene and connect the vision research ecosystem
We unite researchers, clinicians, patient advocates, institutions, and industry partners to drive coordinated, national action for vision science.
A nation at risk of losing sight and funding
Vision loss affects more than 12 million Americans, yet federal research funding has not kept pace with the growing burden of eye disease. When investment lags, progress slows—delaying earlier detection, better treatments, and potential cures.
$200B
ANNUAL COST
Vision and eye health issues cost the U.S. economy nearly $200 billion annually and, without sustained investment in research and care, are shown to approach $400 billion by 2050.
60%
VISION IMPAIREMENT & BLINDNESS
Nearly 60% of Americans over 40 experience vision or eye health issues, affecting daily life, independence, and quality of life for millions nationwide.
50M
VISION LOSS CRISIS
In the U.S., more than 50 million adults experience some level of vision loss, highlighting the urgent need for sustained investment in research, early detection, and effective care.
90M+
RISK FACTORS
Over 93 million U.S. adults are at high risk for serious vision loss, underscoring the need for sustained investment in research, prevention, and access to quality eye care.
Why our impact matters
Our work ensures that vision research remains a national priority, that policymakers hear directly from those whose lives are changed by discovery, and that the next generation of vision scientists is empowered to lead. Together with our partners, we are building a future where sight is safeguarded for millions.
Protecting federal vision research funding
Through persistent advocacy and coalition-building, we help secure and protect federal funding for vision research—even during periods of budget uncertainty—ensuring lifesaving discoveries continue.
Safeguarding the NEI
We advocate to keep NEI a standalone institute, protecting the expertise, funding pathways, and national focus needed to address blinding eye diseases.
Uniting science and patient voices
Developing vision advocacy leaders
Our Emerging Vision Scientists Program builds advocacy capacity among early-career researchers, giving them visibility, skills, and support to champion the importance of federally funded science throughout their careers.
Championing vision research for service members
The DoD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ Vision Research Program receives strong, consistent advocacy to protect and grow its critical investments in military-relevant vision science.
The stakes are clear
Vision research is at a crossroads. Millions of Americans live with vision loss, and millions more are at risk. Yet, the federal investment that fuels discovery and innovation faces growing uncertainty. Without sustained support, breakthroughs that prevent blindness and improve quality of life are at risk of slowing or stopping altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
We advance vision research funding by connecting science, policy, and people. Through advocacy, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement, we ensure vision research is understood, prioritized, and funded at the federal level.
No—we don’t conduct research directly. Instead, we amplify and support the work of the vision research community by translating scientific advancements into clear, compelling messages that resonate with policymakers and the public.
Federal funding and policy decisions directly shape the future of vision research. Without strong advocacy, critical programs and discoveries risk being underfunded or overlooked. Advocacy ensures that vision research remains a national priority
We bring together researchers, clinicians, patients, industry leaders, nonprofit organizations, and policymakers to align around a shared goal: advancing vision research and improving patient outcomes.
Our work includes congressional briefings, national advocacy campaigns like #SeeWhatMatters, and programs such as the Emerging Vision Scientist Program, which prepares the next generation of researchers to engage in advocacy.
News & Events
Events
A Powerful Moment for Vision Science: Reflections from the “Impact of Vision Science” Convening
On March 24, the Alliance for Vision Research joined leaders from across the vision community at a remarkable convening hosted by Research to Prevent Blindness, titled “The Impact of Vision Science.” Bringing together experts spanning research, clinical care, industry, philanthropy, and advocacy, the event underscored both the extraordinary progress being made in vision science and … Continued
Events
Advancing Glaucoma Research on Capitol Hill
Alliance for Vision Research recently convened a Congressional Briefing on glaucoma, bringing together researchers, clinicians, advocates, and policymakers to highlight the latest scientific advances and the urgent need for sustained federal investment in vision research. While more intimate in size, the briefing delivered meaningful impact—fostering powerful conversations and connections between experts and congressional staff. Speakers … Continued
Advocacy
Advancing AMD Research and Elevating Patient Voices
In a recent Congressional Briefing focused on Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), leaders in research and patient advocacy came together to highlight both the latest scientific advances and the real-world impact of this leading cause of vision loss. The program featured Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor at Washington University School of … Continued
Events
TED Briefing Highlights Patient Impact
Alliance for Vision Research convened a Congressional Briefing on Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), bringing together clinical expertise and patient advocacy to highlight the significant impact of this condition on individuals during their prime working years. The program featured Prem Subramanian, MD, PhD, Chief of Neuro-Ophthalmology at University of Colorado Medicine, who provided an in-depth overview … Continued
In the News
Healio: Federal budget proposal retains NEI, revives vision injury research
Key takeaways: A 2026 budget proposal that retains the National Eye Institute as a stand-alone entity at NIH is advancing through Congress ahead of a Jan. 30 government funding deadline. The proposed HHS budget also revives a vision injury research program defunded last year. However, it would cut nearly a third of the budget from … Continued