Advocacy days
Uniting Voices to Advance Vision Research
Advocacy Days bring together researchers, clinicians, patients, industry leaders, and advocates to meet with Members of Congress and their staff about the importance of vision research. These meetings highlight personal stories, scientific breakthroughs, and the critical role of federal investment through the National Eye Institute—helping ensure vision research remains a national priority.
Why advocacy matters
When the Vision Community Speaks, Policymakers Listen
Federal investment in vision research drives breakthroughs that prevent blindness and restore sight. Advocacy Days ensure policymakers hear directly from the scientists, clinicians, and patients whose work and lives are impacted by these investments.
What to expect
Advocacy in action on Capitol Hill
During Advocacy Day, participants engage directly with policymakers and leaders across the vision community to advance support for vision research.
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Start the Conversation
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Share Your Story
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Support NEI Research
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Build Your Network
Meet with Congressional Offices
Engage directly with Members of Congress and their staff to discuss the importance of vision research and federal investment.
Show why research matters
Highlight scientific breakthroughs and personal experiences that demonstrate the real-world impact of vision loss and research.
Advocate for vision research funding
Advocate for sustained federal investment in vision research through the National Eye Institute and other key programs.
Connect with leaders across the vision community
Build relationships with researchers, clinicians, advocates, and industry leaders working to advance eye and vision research.
Advocacy day impact
Explore how Advocacy Day connects the vision community with policymakers to advance support for vision research.
Advocacy Days strengthen relationships between the vision community and Congress by providing policymakers with direct insight into how federal investment in vision research drives innovation, improves patient outcomes, and benefits communities across the country.
Each year, advocates participate in dozens of meetings with congressional offices, ensuring lawmakers and their staff hear directly from researchers, clinicians, and patients about the importance of vision research.
Participants include researchers, clinicians, patient advocates, students, and industry leaders from across the vision community who come together to share their expertise and experiences with policymakers.
Elevating the voices behind vision research
#SeeWhatMatters amplifies the voices of patients, researchers, clinicians, and advocates to highlight the real-world impact of vision loss and the power of research. During Advocacy Day, these stories bring urgency to Capitol Hill and show policymakers why sustained investment through the National Eye Institute is essential to preventing blindness and restoring sight.
