Alliances’ Host Defense Briefing at 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting

At ARVO’s Annual Meeting, an insightful session explored funding opportunities within the Department of Defense (DoD) through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Attendees gained valuable knowledge on the various funding avenues available, including those under the Vision Research Program (VRP), and heard firsthand experiences from researchers who have received CDMRP funding.

The session highlighted that CDMRP funding, appropriated through the DoD budget, amounted to $1.51 billion in the final FY24 federal budget, with $20 million allocated to the VRP. The Vision Research Collaborative, a partnership between the VRP and the National Eye Institute (NEI), was also featured for its role in advancing vision research by funding additional meritorious applications.

Success stories of DoD applications were shared by Anat Galore, MD, MSPH of Bascom Palmer and Dong Feng Chen, PhD of Schepens and the panelists emphasized the importance of submitting pre-applications. Insights were provided into FY24 Vision Research Funding, VRP award mechanisms, eligibility, and the review process, with special contributions from Tian Wang, Ph.D., Program Manager of VRP. As vision research advances, CDMRP funding continues to be a crucial resource for impactful research worldwide.