Resources to inform, engage, and take action
Vision research is at a pivotal moment. With the NEI facing potential consolidation and proposed NIH funding caps threatening scientific progress, staying informed and engaged has never been more critical. Preserving the NEI as an independent institute ensures that eye and vision research receives the dedicated leadership, focus, and investment required to prevent blindness, restore sight, and improve quality of life for millions of Americans.
This resource library brings together our most trusted tools, insights, and updates, while empowering you to understand the stakes, communicate the impact, and advocate for a strong future for vision research.
Our resources
Equipping You to Advocate for Vision Research
Access clear, concise fact sheets and handouts that highlight the impact of vision research, federal funding priorities, and the growing burden of vision disorders. Designed to inform and empower, these resources translate complex data into accessible insights, equipping researchers, advocates, and partners with the information needed to educate stakeholders and drive meaningful action.
Cost of Vision Disorders by State
Vision disorders impact millions of Americans across every state—affecting quality of life, workforce participation, and healthcare costs. Understanding the state-by-state burden of vision loss helps illustrate the urgency of investing in vision research and ensuring access to care. Explore how vision disorders are affecting your state and why continued federal support is critical.
Keep the NEI Independent
Proposals to merge the NEI into a broader neuroscience structure risk undermining decades of progress in vision research. Maintaining its independence is essential to preserving focus, advancing innovation, and improving outcomes for millions affected by vision loss.
Vision Research Funding is Vital
Federal investment in vision research through the NEI is essential to addressing the growing burden of vision loss, improving patient outcomes, and reducing the significant economic and public health impact of eye disease in the US.
Myopia: a growing concern
Rising Rates. Real Consequences.
The National Academies (NASEM) myopia report highlights the growing prevalence of myopia and calls for coordinated research, prevention strategies, and policy action to address this emerging public health challenge.
Rising budgets, Shrinking impact.
Me, too!
Despite a 27.6% funding increase, inflation has reduced the NEI’s real buying power by 8.2%, limiting investment in vision research. With vision disorders rising, sustained federal funding is essential to drive innovation and protect sight.
Global vision loss
A Growing Public Health Challenge
Globally, at least 2.2 billion people live with vision impairment, with at least 1 billion cases preventable or untreated—highlighting the urgent need for improved access to care, early intervention, and sustained investment in eye health worldwide.
Too Common. Too Preventable.
Vision impairment poses an enormous global financial burden, with the annual global cost of productivity estimated to be $411B.
Risk is Rising
Over 50M American adults reported experiencing some amount of difficulty seeing with risk increasing with age highlighting the need for prevention, early detection, and sustained investment in vision health.