10th Annual AEVR Emerging Vision Scientist Program Selects Largest Cohort Yet

35 Vision Research Experts to Advocate for Federal Investment in Vision Science

Washington, D.C., July 31, 2024 – The Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR) is thrilled to announce the selection of candidates for the 10th Annual Emerging Vision Scientist Program. This year’s program is the largest of its kind to date, with 35 outstanding participants from a wide array of specialties within the field of vision research.

The Emerging Vision Scientist Program aims to nurture and support the next generation of vision researchers, providing them with opportunities to engage with policymakers, share their research, and advocate for sustained federal investment in vision science. This initiative is critical for fostering innovative research and ensuring continued progress in the prevention, treatment, and cure of eye diseases.

The Emerging Vision Scientist Program is supported by a generous grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, whose organization is dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of vision researchers. Their unwavering commitment to funding innovative research and their mission to prevent blindness and preserve vision is instrumental in driving advancements in vision science.

The 2024 cohort includes experts specializing in various aspects of vision research, from the front of the eye, such as corneal diseases and dry eye syndrome, to the back of the eye, including retinal degenerative diseases like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Participants are also engaged in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence applications in vision diagnostics, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine, among others.

“Our Emerging Vision Scientist Program is a cornerstone of AEVR’s mission to advance vision research and support scientists driving innovation in this field. The diversity of expertise among this year’s participants reflects the broad scope of vision research and its critical importance to public health,” said AEVR Executive Director, Dan Ignaszewski. “We are incredibly thankful for the generous support from Research to Prevent Blindness, whose grant makes this program possible. Their steadfastness to driving forward the innovative research will improve countless lives.”

Throughout the program, the selected vision scientists will have the opportunity to present their research on Capitol Hill, engage with members of Congress and their staff, and participate in advocacy activities aimed at securing increased federal funding for vision research. These efforts are crucial in raising awareness about the importance of vision health and the need for continued investment in scientific research to combat eye diseases that affect millions of Americans.

About Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR)
The Alliance for Eye and Vision Research is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the importance of eye and vision research. AEVR works to educate policymakers, stakeholders, and the public about the critical need for sustained federal funding in vision research to improve public health, advance scientific knowledge, and develop new treatments and cures for eye diseases. AEVR’s mission is to ensure that everyone can enjoy the gift of sight and the benefits of innovative vision research.

For more information, please contact:

Judy Hill
Communications & Events Director
National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR) /
Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR)
[email protected]rg