By: Dan Ignaszewski, Executive Director 

What is your organization’s mission? 

Alliance for Vision Research is the nation’s leading nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to advancing vision research through education, public policy, coalition building, and strategic partnerships. Our mission is to ensure that vision research remains a national priority by supporting sustained federal investment in scientific discovery, fostering collaboration across the vision community, and educating policymakers and the public about the life-changing impact of research. Ultimately, our goal is to accelerate discoveries that prevent blindness, restore sight, and improve quality of life for millions of people. 

Tell us about the communities you serve. 

Vision loss affects nearly 100 million Americans and intersects with many chronic and complex health conditions, including diabetes, neurological disease, autoimmune disorders, aging, and rare diseases. We proudly serve patients, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, professional societies, academic institutions, federal agencies, industry partners, and policymakers. One of our greatest strengths is our ability to bring these diverse communities together around shared goals and demonstrate that vision research benefits all of health care—not just eye disease. 

What are your organization’s main programs or issue areas? 

Alliance for Vision Research serves as the national voice for federal vision research advocacy. Our work focuses on protecting and strengthening funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Eye Institute (NEI), and the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Vision Research Program (CDMRP VRP). We educate Congress and federal agencies about the importance of sustained investment in vision research and advocate for policies that preserve a strong, independent, and innovative biomedical research ecosystem. 

This year, much of our attention has been focused on the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed revisions to the federal grantmaking framework. We believe these proposed changes would significantly affect how federally funded research is reviewed, awarded, managed, and potentially terminated. We have worked alongside researchers, institutions, patient organizations, and scientific societies to educate the community, develop resources, coordinate comments, and advocate for preserving independent scientific peer review and evidence-based decision-making. 

We also convene bipartisan Congressional Briefings throughout the year that educate policymakers on emerging vision science, innovative treatments, and the patient experience across diseases such as glaucoma, inherited retinal diseases, thyroid eye disease, diabetic retinal disease, dry eye disease, age-related macular degeneration, and myopia. 

Another signature initiative is our Emerging Vision Scientist Program, which equips early-career investigators with the knowledge and skills to become effective advocates for research. Participants receive training in science policy, federal advocacy, and communications before meeting directly with Members of Congress and their staff. Beyond advocacy, the program has become a national network that fosters mentorship, collaboration, and leadership among the next generation of vision researchers. 

Our national #SeeWhatMatters campaign complements these efforts by raising awareness of the profound impact vision research has on patients, families, and society while highlighting why sustained investment in research matters. Designed as a resource for the entire vision community #SeeWhatMatters is an open platform where any organization, researcher, clinician, patient, or advocate can educate, engage, and inspire others to champion vision research. Visit SeeWhatMatters.org to explore the free resources and join the movement. 

How does your work relate to the National Health Council’s mission and the work of its members? 

Our work aligns closely with the NHC’s commitment to advancing patient-centered health policy through collaboration. Vision loss rarely exists in isolation. Research in vision science has driven breakthroughs in gene therapy, artificial intelligence, regenerative medicine, imaging, neuroscience, and precision medicine that benefit patients across numerous diseases and conditions. Likewise, advances in other medical specialties often accelerate innovation in vision care. 

Health care organizations are strongest when they work together. Whether advocating for robust NIH funding, protecting the integrity of scientific peer review, strengthening the research workforce, or ensuring patients have access to innovative therapies, we share many priorities with fellow NHC members. We are excited to collaborate across disease areas and help elevate vision as an integral component of overall health. 

Is there an accomplishment your organization is most proud of? 

We are most proud of our ability to convene the vision community around common goals. We serve as a trusted connector among researchers, patients, clinicians, professional societies, industry leaders, and policymakers, creating partnerships that amplify our collective impact. 

What are you most looking forward to this year? 

This is one of the most consequential periods for biomedical research policy in decades. We look forward to continuing our work to protect NIH and NEI funding, preserve the integrity of scientific peer review, strengthen the DoD CDMRP VRP, and ensure patients remain at the center of research and policy decisions. 

We’re excited to collaborate with organizations across the health care community, share ideas, build partnerships, and advocate together for policies that strengthen scientific discovery and improve the lives of patients nationwide. 

Alliance for Vision Research is a new member of the National Health Council. For more information on NHC membership, please email membership@nhcouncil.org.