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#SeeWhatMatters

Stand Up for Sight-Saving Science

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Policy issues

Advancing Policies that Protect Vision Research

Alliance for Vision Research works with policymakers, researchers, clinicians, patient advocates, and industry partners to ensure that federal policies support scientific discovery, innovation, and access to care for millions of Americans affected by vision loss.

Through education, advocacy, and collaboration across the vision community, we help elevate the importance of vision research and the policies needed to prevent blindness and restore sight.

Vision policy priorities

Advancing Policies that Protect Sight

Alliance for Vision Research works across key federal programs and policy areas shaping the future of vision research and eye health in the United States. Our advocacy focuses on protecting the National Eye Institute, supporting innovative research through the Department of Defense Vision Research Program, engaging agencies like the FDA and CDC, and advancing policies that improve patient access to care. Together, these priorities help drive discovery, accelerate treatments, and ensure patients benefit from advances in vision research.

National Eye Institute

Advancing discovery through vision research.
The NEI is the nation’s leading funder of vision research. Through strategic investments in basic, translational, and clinical science, NEI supports groundbreaking discoveries that improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of eye diseases and vision disorders affecting millions of Americans.

DoD Vision Research Program

Supporting research that protects vision for service members and civilians.
The Department of Defense Vision Research Program supports innovative research to prevent and treat traumatic eye injuries and vision-related conditions affecting service members, veterans, and civilians. Alliance for Vision Research advocates for continued funding and stability for this critical program.

FDA, CDC & Other Agencies

Strengthening the federal ecosystem for vision health.
Federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) play essential roles in advancing innovation, surveillance, and public health related to vision and eye health. Alliance for Vision Research works with these agencies to promote policies that accelerate treatments, improve data collection, and strengthen prevention efforts.

Access to Care

Ensuring patients benefit from advances in vision science.
Scientific breakthroughs can only improve lives if patients have access to timely and effective care. Alliance for Vision Research works with policymakers and partners to address barriers to eye care, promote early detection, and advance policies that improve access to vision health services across the United States.

 

Advocacy in action

Our Sustained Engagement

Real progress happens when advocacy drives impact. Through sustained engagement and collaboration, Alliance for Vision Research helps shape policy, protect funding, and ensure the voices of patients and researchers are heard.

Elevate vision research as a national priority
Strengthen relationships between the vision community and Congress
Protect funding during periods of uncertainty
Amplify the voices of patients and researchers in policy discussions

Engaging Policymakers

Elevating Vision Research

We engage policymakers through targeted efforts that connect vision science to real-world impact. By combining advocacy, direct engagement, and storytelling, we ensure decision-makers understand both the importance and urgency of investing in vision research.

  • Congressional briefings
    We convene congressional briefings to connect science, patient experience, and policy, ensuring lawmakers understand what’s at stake.
  • Direct meetings with lawmakers and staff
    We meet directly with lawmakers and their staff to provide timely, tailored insights that connect vision research to policy decisions and constituent impact.
  • National advocacy campaigns like #SeeWhatMatters
    Uniting the vision community to elevate awareness, amplify impact, and drive support for sustained investment in vision research.
  • Strategic communications that translate science into impact
    Translate complex vision science into clear, human-centered stories that demonstrate impact and drive informed policy and funding decisions.