National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR)

🎃👻🍬 We had an incredible time celebrating Halloween with our fantastic office hosts, ARVO! Thanks to the amazing Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) team, who went above and beyond to create a spooktacular celebration filled with treats, costumes, and Halloween spirit. The decorations were chillingly perfect, and it was a joy to join in the festivities with such a spirited group. Sharing space with ARVO is more than just having a home base—it’s about being part of a warm, collaborative environment that brings out the best in both of our teams. Thank you, ARVO, for a memorable and fun Halloween together!

🔍 New Research Alert: Vision & Hearing Loss Linked to Increased Heart Disease Risk 🫀👀👂 A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that middle-aged and older adults with vision and/or hearing loss may face a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. As the research shows, those with only vision issues had a 24% higher risk, those with hearing loss had a 20% higher risk, and individuals with both impairments saw a 35% increased risk. With heart disease and stroke still leading causes of death, this discovery highlights the importance of regular screenings and treatments for sensory deficits to potentially reduce cardiovascular risks. It also underscores the broader health impact of vision and hearing health and the critical need for further research. https://bit.ly/48y3hi4 We are dedicated to advancing research and advocating for policies to protect vision health. Studies like these remind us that by preserving our senses, we protect our overall health. Together, let's continue to prioritize vision research!

We’re thrilled to share that former Emerging Vision Scientist Program participant Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, FAAO, has been awarded a two-year R21 grant from the National Eye Institute (NEI)! Dr. Khanal, an assistant professor at University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, will be pioneering research on a new wavelength-based method to help slow the progression of myopia in children. His work holds promise to reshape how myopia is managed, addressing the urgent need for treatments that reduce future risks of vision loss and boost long-term eye health. This innovative study could change the trajectory of childhood myopia care and offers potential public health benefits that will impact millions globally. Congrats to Dr. Khanal and his team at UAB on this incredible opportunity to make a difference! 👏💡 #VisionResearch #EmergingVisionScientist #MyopiaResearch https://bit.ly/3YlP8jm

During our first meeting of the Modeling Vision Injury Special Interest Group, we had the honor of hosting two Ukrainian ophthalmologists who traveled from Ukraine to provide a frontline perspective on the tragic, life-altering injuries soldiers are enduring, including devastating eye trauma and vision loss. They shared invaluable insights into the complex medical challenges they face in the field, allowing us to better understand the critical needs and inspire new directions in our research. Their unwavering dedication and courage shine through as they face the unimaginable – treating soldiers suffering severe injuries, including devastating vision loss, in the field. Thank you for your bravery, resilience, and commitment to saving sight. Together, we've just begun the work of developing animal models aimed at advancing treatment options that can improve outcomes for those impacted by vision loss and injury in conflict zones. This collaboration signifies an important first step in the journey toward effective treatments, and we are committed to making a meaningful impact on behalf of those who sacrifice so much. #VisionResearch #VisionInjury #StandWithUkraine

A huge thank you to Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for introducing us to Bryan Manning of Two Blind Brothers during #AAO2024 in Chicago! 🙌 Bryan, along with his brother, co-founded this incredible clothing brand, and their inspiring journey has deep ties to the fight against vision loss. Bryan Manning and his brother were diagnosed with #Stargardt disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive vision loss. Rather than let it define him, he and his brother Bradford Manning turned their personal experience into a mission for good. Through #TwoBlindBrothers, Bryan has become a passionate advocate for vision research and blindness awareness. The brand donates 100% of its profits to funding research aimed at finding treatments and cures for eye diseases, including Stargardt. Their dedication to advancing research aligns with NAEVR’s efforts to ensure federal funding for crucial vision research. We're thrilled to connect with such an influential voice in the vision community and look forward to future collaborations to push forward our shared mission of saving sight! https://bit.ly/4hfZrht

Peace out, #AAO2024! It was an outstanding conference, and we were thrilled to meet so many new faces and make lasting connections. We look forward to another rewarding and impactful event next year. Thanks to everyone who stopped by NAEVR's booth—we can't wait to continue advocating for vision research together

We couldn't resist a quick stop at the petting zoo during #AAO2024! 🐐🐰 Taking a moment to unwind with these adorable animals. Sometimes a little animal therapy is all you need! #AnimalTherapy #RelaxAndUnwind

The best part of #AAO2024? We’re right across the aisle from our friends at the Vision Health Advocacy Coalition! Stop by NAEVR at Booth 1233 today to learn more about our work advocating for federal funding to advance sight-saving research. We fight for increased resources for the NIH and the National Eye Institute and the DoD to ensure breakthroughs in treating and curing eye diseases. From supporting early-career vision scientists to protecting NEI as a standalone institute, we are committed to the future of vision health. Come see how you can join us in making a difference! #VisionResearch #NAEVR #Advocacy"

Advancing Visual Injury Research at #AAO2024! This week, NAEVR partnered with the DoD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) Vision Research Program to lead a Modeling Visual Injury Special Interest Group Planning Committee Kickoff Meeting. This critical meeting brought together experts to address the urgent need for research into visual injuries, particularly those related to wartime and combat situations. Visual injuries sustained in the field are a significant and often under-researched challenge for service members and veterans, requiring advanced clinical and basic science research to develop better treatments and recovery solutions. Discussions during the meeting focused on creating a white paper to guide future research, outlining the current clinical knowledge gaps, limitations in existing animal models, and opportunities to improve understanding of visual trauma. This initiative is a crucial step toward enhancing research efforts that aim to protect and restore vision, particularly for those impacted by combat-related visual injuries. We look forward to sharing the next steps in this important initiative!

Protecting the National Eye Institute (NEI) The NEI is a critical pillar of vision science, advancing life-changing research that benefits millions. But it's currently under threat of consolidation, which could limit its ability to operate independently and hinder progress in vision health breakthroughs. Now more than ever, we must advocate to keep the NEI as a standalone institute. Additionally, increased funding for the NIH and NEI is essential to continue this groundbreaking work, ensuring that innovation in vision research is not compromised. Let's unite to preserve the NEI and the future of vision health! https://bit.ly/4bck7TS