In 2009, the National Eye Institute (NEI) commemorated its 40th anniversary as the leading institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dedicated to managing and funding the nation’s commitment to preserving and restoring vision. Congress honored this milestone by passing H. Res. 366 and S. Res. 209, designating 2010-2020 as the decade of vision and recognizing the leadership of the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR) and the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR). AEVR’s Decade of Vision Initiative served as a sustained educational effort, illuminating the benefits of federally funded vision research for patients, particularly poignant given the growth of the aging population, the disproportionate incidence of eye diseases in fast-growing minority populations, and the impact of chronic diseases on vision.

Within the framework of the Decade of Vision (DOV), AEVR organized 4-7 Congressional Briefings annually on a wide spectrum of vision research topics, hosted its annual Emerging Vision Scientists Day on Capitol Hill events, and published fact sheets, studies, and publications. Notable recent highlights include:

AEVR launched its innovative Research Saving Sight, Restoring Vision Initiative, which hosted six virtual global Congressional Briefings throughout the year, each dedicated to specific themes such as World Glaucoma Week (March), Dry Eye Awareness Month (July), International AMD Awareness Week (September), Myopia (October), World Keratoconus Day (November), and Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week (November).
AEVR successfully conducted its Seventh Annual Emerging Vision Scientists (EVS) Day on Capitol Hill virtually, featuring engaging research videos by 28 EVSs and a 30-minute video conversation titled “Moving Beyond COVID in My Career Pathway.” Following the publication of the 2020 EVS COVID Conversation in the July 1, 2021, edition of JAMA Ophthalmology, AEVR has submitted a written version of the 2021 Conversation to JAMA Ophthalmology.

Looking ahead to 2021 and beyond, AEVR introduced the Research Saving Sight, Restoring Vision Initiative, building upon the success of the Decade of Vision. This initiative serves as the umbrella under which AEVR will continue its educational endeavors, encompassing Congressional Briefings, EVS Days, and the production of fact sheets, studies, and publications. Similar to the DOV, this educational initiative will emphasize the impact on patients, addressing unmet needs and focusing on underserved populations.

Diversity Policy

AEVR’s commitment to diversity is underscored by the adoption of a Diversity Policy by its Board of Directors.

AEVR Board of Directors

Steven Feldon, MD, MBA, Flaum Eye Institute/University of Rochester, Board President
Eduardo Alfonso, MD, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/University of Miami
T. Rowan Candy, MCOptom, PhD, Indiana University School of Optometry
Marissa Goldberg, Doheny Eye Institute
Brian Hofland, PhD, President, Research to Prevent Blindness
Judy Kim, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin, Secretary
Stephen Lane, Chief Medical Officer, Alcon
Kelly Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Treasurer
Joan O’Brien, MD, Scheie Eye Institute/University of Pennsylvania
Grace Prakalapakorn, MD, MPH, Duke University
Rajesh Rajpal, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Global Head of Clinical and Medical Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Vision
Michael Robinson, MD, Vice President, Clinical Development, Ophthalmology, AbbVie
Iris Rush, CAE, Executive Director, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Gregory Skuta, MD, Dean, McGee Eye Institute/University of Oklahoma),Vice President

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AEVR Executive Director
Dan Ignaszewski