Elevating the Conversation: Dry Eye Disease Takes Center Stage on Capitol Hill

Millions of Americans live with Dry Eye Disease, a chronic condition that extends far beyond occasional eye irritation. For many patients, the disease is accompanied by persistent ocular surface pain, burning, light sensitivity, foreign body sensation, fluctuating vision, and other debilitating symptoms that can profoundly affect daily activities, work productivity, mental health, and overall quality of life.

To bring greater attention to this growing public health challenge, Alliance for Vision Research hosted a Congressional Briefing on Dry Eye Disease, bringing together leading clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, and congressional staff to examine the science behind the disease, the realities faced by patients, and the critical role of federal investment in advancing new treatments and improving patient outcomes.

The briefing highlighted the growing prevalence of Dry Eye Disease, its significant economic and societal burden, and the urgent need for continued investment in vision research. Speakers also explored emerging scientific advances, improved diagnostic technologies, and innovative therapeutic approaches that offer hope to millions of individuals living with this often misunderstood condition.

The program featured an outstanding panel of speakers representing the patient, clinical, and advocacy communities:

• Amanda Leigh, Patient Advocate
• Rebecca Petris, Co-Founder and President, Dry Eye Foundation
• Joseph Allen, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO, Founder, Doctor Eye Health

Together, the panel offered a powerful and comprehensive perspective on Dry Eye Disease—from the daily realities experienced by patients to the latest advances in clinical care and the importance of sustained federal support for research. Their presentations underscored that Dry Eye Disease is not simply an inconvenience, but a chronic, life-altering condition deserving of greater recognition by policymakers and the public alike.

Immediately following the briefing, Alliance for Vision Research partnered with the Dry Eye Foundation to host its annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, where patient advocates met directly with Members of Congress and congressional staff to share their personal experiences and reinforce the importance of protecting and expanding federal investment in vision research.

Alliance for Vision Research extends its sincere appreciation to our speakers, sponsors, partners, congressional attendees, and the many patient advocates who helped make this event such a success. By bringing together science, medicine, and the patient voice, we continue to elevate the national conversation around Dry Eye Disease and advance policies that support research, innovation, and better outcomes for the millions of Americans living with this life-altering condition.