Protect federal vision research funding
Advancing Vision Research through Advocacy, Education, Policy, and Partnership
We lead the national effort to protect and grow federal investment in eye and vision research. We ensure vision remains a priority in Congress, especially during times of political and budgetary uncertainty.
Our combined advocacy and education help safeguard the research pipeline that fuels discoveries, treatments, and cures for vision-threatening diseases.
Shape policy that drives discovery
We serve as the trusted bridge between researchers, patients, industry, and policymakers. Through congressional briefings, coalition leadership, and direct engagement with federal agencies, we translate science into policy impact.
Policymakers hear firsthand how vision research improves lives and why sustained investment is essential.
Elevate the next generation of vision scientists
Through our Emerging Vision Scientist Program, we train early-career researchers to become confident advocates for their science. Participants gain visibility, policy fluency, and leadership skills that strengthen both their careers and the broader vision research ecosystem. This is how we build a workforce prepared to lead and defend the future of vision science.
Unite industry, research, and patients
We bring together researchers, patient advocates, industry leaders, and policymakers to align around shared goals. Because progress happens faster when the entire community moves together. How we do it:
- Congressional briefings and policy forums
- Industry councils and partner convenings
- Cross-sector collaboration to strengthen the ecosystem
Strengthen the national research ecosystem
Breakthroughs in vision science don’t happen by accident—they depend on a stable, well-protected federal research ecosystem. Our organization focuses on safeguarding the policies, institutions, and systems that allow discovery to flourish and translate into real-world impact for patients.
Because a strong research ecosystem ensures discoveries don’t stop at the lab. They move forward into sight-saving treatments, technologies, and patient care.
Protecting NEI as a standalone institute
We advocate to preserve NEI’s independent mission, ensuring vision research receives the dedicated leadership, expertise, and funding necessary to address the full spectrum of eye diseases and visual disorders.
Supporting the integrity of rigorous peer review
We defend the peer review process as the gold standard for scientific excellence, accountability, and efficient use of taxpayer dollars, ensuring the most promising, high-impact research is funded.
Advocating for workforce development and research sustainability
We champion policies that support early-career scientists, clinician-scientists, and the broader research workforce, helping sustain the talent pipeline and long-term capacity needed for continued innovation.
Uniting the vision community
Progress in vision research doesn’t happen in silos. We bring together researchers, clinicians, patients, advocates, industry leaders, and policymakers to speak with one voice. This alignment strengthens our collective impact ensuring that vision research is understood not as a niche issue, but as a national priority.
