Coalition Building and Opportunities for the Vision Research Community

Over the past eight months, the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR) has substantially increased its efforts in advocating for the National Eye Institute (NEI) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Our efforts have encompassed a range of initiatives aimed at ensuring robust support for vision research and highlighting its integral role in advancing medical science and the importance of prioritizing vision science and maintaining the NEI as a dedicated institute.

Opposition to NEI Consolidation Proposal

In response to the proposal in the House of Representatives to consolidate the NEI into a broader “Institute on Neuroscience and Brain Research,” NAEVR united with leaders within the vision community to express significant concern. We collectively emphasized that maintaining NEI’s independence is crucial for preserving critical advancements in vision research. Not only did we engage the vision community, but we also coordinated messaging with advocacy groups supporting the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, which were each proposed to be combined with the National Eye Institute (NEI) under the proposal. While NAEVR focused efforts specifically on supporting the NEI as a dedicated institute, which is our top priority, we also worked with broader NIH advocacy coalitions to coordinate messaging on the overall impacts of such a consolidation.

Educating Congressional Offices

NAEVR has proactively engaged with congressional offices to underscore the value and impact of vision research and the importance of vision to people. We have highlighted how vision researchers have not only advanced eye care with significant advancements over the years supported by NEI funding, but how vision researchers have also contributed significantly to broader medical science, leading to innovations that benefit public health including gene therapies, imaging, artificial intelligence, regenerative medicine, and more.

Collaborations with Advocacy Groups

Throughout our history, and especially over these past months, the organization has collaborated with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and over 300 other advocacy groups through the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research. This coalition, comprising patient and voluntary health groups, medical and scientific societies, and academic and research organizations, supports enhancing federal investment in biomedical research conducted and supported by the NIH.

Additionally, NAEVR has worked alongside over 80 organizations within the Coalition for Health Funding to advance NIH and other medical research funding initiatives and public health programs that support the vision community.

Engagement with the Defense Health Research Consortium

NAEVR has actively participated in the Defense Health Research Consortium, advocating for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) and leading efforts to support the Vision Research Program (VRP) to support their mission of elevating military-related eye trauma research. In the coming weeks, we are scheduled to meet with leaders of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to emphasize the importance of CDMRP funding, specifically in support of the VRP.

Advocacy Against Funding Constraints

We continue to serve as the leading voice for vision research advocacy with elected officials, ensuring that vision research remains a cornerstone of our messaging. NAEVR is actively opposing the federal funding freeze executive order and the proposed 15% cap on indirect costs for NIH grants, recognizing that such measures could significantly hinder scientific progress.

Through these concentrated efforts, NAEVR continues its commitment to elevating the NEI and VRP, and supporting NIH and CDMRP more broadly. We work diligently with our stakeholders and partners to ensure that the value and impact of vision research are recognized and prioritized within the broader landscape of medical research and public health programs.

Opportunities to Partner with NAEVR

There will be greater opportunities in the coming months for vision community stakeholders to get involved in our advocacy efforts and to elevate awareness and messaging about the importance of ensuring vision remains a priority as an independent institute within NIH and in support of the federally funded research programs that have allowed for substantial progress in vision care and medical science. We’ve recently updated our website to provide more resources and materials to support nationwide advocacy efforts and will be further expanding these resources and tools for advocacy moving forward. We look forward to partnering with you as vision community stakeholders to advocate for vision science.