The National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR), a 501(c)(4) non-profit advocacy organization, constitutes a coalition of nearly 50 professional, patient, consumer, and industry organizations actively engaged in the realm of eye and vision research. NAEVR’s overarching objective is to secure the optimal eye and vision care for all Americans through dedicated advocacy and public education initiatives. These efforts primarily focus on promoting eye and vision research supported by key federal entities such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including its National Eye Institute (NEI), the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other federal agencies.
Established in 1997, NAEVR functions as an affiliate of the non-profit 501(c)(3) educational foundation, Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR). The latter was founded in 1993 by esteemed organizations including the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO). Operating as the “Friends of the NEI,” We underscore the profound impact of NEI-funded research on saving and restoring vision. This research not only saves and restores vision but also plays a crucial role in reducing healthcare costs, boosting productivity, preserving independence, and enhancing the overall quality of life for millions of Americans.
In close collaboration with regulatory agencies, notably the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), NAEVR remains vigilant in ensuring awareness of the outcomes of NEI-funded research and its potential implications for product approvals.
A significant milestone occurred in September 2016, marked by the release of a report sponsored by NAEVR and conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). Titled “Making Eye Health a Population Health Imperative: Vision for Tomorrow,” this report has since become a cornerstone for NAEVR’s advocacy efforts. Leveraging its findings, NAEVR actively advocates for increased appropriations for the NEI and calls for a more coordinated federal approach to vision preservation.
Commitment to Diversity
The NAEVR Board of Directors has adopted the following Diversity Policy.
In addition to the core leadership team, our Board is further strengthened by the inclusion of the following Directors: