Vision is on the Line: Proposed NIH Reforms Threaten the National Eye Institute
WASHINGTON — July 22, 2025 — The Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR), with generous funding support from Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB), has officially launched #SeeWhatMatters, a powerful national campaign to protect the future of vision research in America.
At a time when proposed reforms to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) threaten to consolidate the National Eye Institute (NEI) into a broader neuroscience institute, the #SeeWhatMatters campaign is sounding the alarm. This proposed consolidation risks diluting NEI’s focused mission, disrupting dedicated funding streams, and undermining decades of research that has transformed lives, restored sight, and prevented blindness.
“Vision plays a fundamental role in how we connect with the world around us, shaping how we learn, work, move, and relate to one another,” said Dan Ignaszewski, Executive Director of AEVR. “Every day, NEI-funded researchers are advancing groundbreaking science to protect, preserve, and restore sight. But that progress is now at risk. These proposed structural changes threaten the independence and impact of the National Eye Institute, and we need everyone—patients, scientists, clinicians, and advocates—to speak out and share why vision research matters.”
The campaign launches with a comprehensive #SeeWhatMatters Advocacy Toolkit, offering downloadable resources for advocates, institutions, and organizations to take action. The toolkit includes:
- Campaign overview deck
- Sample social media copy
- Creative assets and infographics
- Impact statements and messaging
- Printable handouts
- Direct calls to action to contact Congress
This effort is grounded in the belief that vision is public health, and that research saves sight. The campaign invites the public to explore the personal, societal, and economic stakes of vision loss, which is expected to cost the U.S. economy over $400 billion annually by 2050.
More than 60% of Americans over 40 live with vision challenges. From diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration to myopia and inherited retinal diseases, vision research touches every family, every community, and every generation.
“Thanks to the unwavering support of Research to Prevent Blindness, and with the strength and backing of our partners, we are building a movement to ensure vision research remains a national priority,” said Ignaszewski. “We can’t afford to go backward.”
Learn more, explore the tools, and share your voice by visiting#SeeWhatMatters.org. Because speaking up for vision research now will protect the future of sight-saving treatments and cures.
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About AEVR
The Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that educates policymakers, the public, and the media about the value of federally funded vision research. AEVR promotes the importance of research supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI) and other federal agencies, highlighting how this science prevents blindness, restores sight, and enhances quality of life. Through public education, congressional briefings, and strategic partnerships, AEVR ensures that vision research remains a national health and economic priority.
Research to Prevent Blindness
Thie #SeeWhatMatters campaign is made possible through the generous support of Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB), whose mission is to preserve and restore vision by supporting high-quality research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of all blinding diseases. RPB’s investment enables AEVR to expand its educational and policy activities through a strategic, brand-agnostic campaign that unites the vision research community around the shared goal of protecting the NEI. At a time when the future of NEI is being debated, this work would not be possible without RPB’s continued leadership in advancing sight-saving science.
Media Contact:
Judy Hill, Communications & Public Affairs Officers
NAEVR/AEVR
Phone: (240) 351.3413
Email: [email protected]
Website: eyeresearch.org
