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Dear NEHEP Partners,
Thanks to all of you who joined in to promote Glaucoma Awareness Month in January and Low Vision Awareness Month in February. We appreciate your efforts to share key eye health messages and encourage everyone to prioritize their eye health all year long.
In that spirit, we’re using the March Eye Health Connection newsletter to promote February’s Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month. Read on to get details about relevant eye health resources and events for people with AMD, eye health professionals, and students.
This month, we’re also spotlighting The Power of Vision Research in Action — a new NEI campaign featuring groundbreaking gene therapy research supported by NEI. Keep reading to learn more and access campaign resources.
We are also preparing for Healthy Vision Month (HVM) 2026 in May, which is just 2 months away. We have some exciting collaborations to help spread the word about preventive care and the impact of lifestyle choices and healthy behaviors on eye health — we can’t wait to share more very soon! If you’re interested in partnering with NEI for HVM 2026, please email us at eyehealthmatters@nei.nih.gov.
Best regards,
Kathryn DeMott
Acting Director, National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP)
National Eye Institute
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The Power of Vision Research in Action
Watch the story behind groundbreaking gene therapy research supported by NEI.
Behind every breakthrough in vision research is a story of dedication, innovation, and collaboration. Learn how NEI-supported researcher Dr. Shannon Boye’s work is driving progress in gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases. Explore the new campaign page, watch her video, and access the partner toolkit to share this exciting work with your audiences.
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Protect Your Sight: What You Need to Know About AMD
In case you missed it, February was Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month! AMD is a leading cause of vision loss, but early detection and healthy habits can make a difference. Learn about risk factors, symptoms, and the latest treatments to take charge of your eye health.
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T-Minus One Month: Encourage U.S. High School Students to Enter Our Video Contest!
The Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest is still open!
Do you know a U.S. high school student? Are they passionate about science? Are they always asking “Why” or testing out their latest theories? Encourage them to submit a video by April 19th, 2026, about science in their world, in action, or in their future, for a chance to win a cash prize and have their ideas recognized.
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NEI Seeks Input for its 2026-2031 Strategic Plan
The mission of the National Eye Institute (NEI) is to eliminate vision loss and improve quality of life through vision research. We seek your input about significant scientific advances that may enable new opportunities, as well as critical needs that NEI should consider addressing.
Vision research has enormous potential to impact and shape scientific advancements more broadly. Therefore, NEI seeks to align with the wider NIH unified strategy that includes AI, real-world data platforms, new approach methodologies (NAMs, including organoids, complex microphysiological or stem cell-based systems, digital twins, in chemico or in silico approaches that mimic human tissue to facilitate new therapies), replication & reproducibility, nutrition, solution-oriented approaches in health disparities research, training future biomedical scientists, and others.
| | New to Vision Loss—A Roadmap to Moving Forward with Confidence and Understanding | Starting a journey with vision loss can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. APH ConnectCenter has updated its resources to help those new to vision loss navigate this journey with confidence and support. “New to Vision Loss?” is your essential roadmap, offering clear, practical, and supportive guidance for anyone newly diagnosed or adjusting to changes in vision. | | Updated APHConnectCenter Resource on AMD | |
The updated resource covers the different types of AMD, key risk factors, common symptoms, treatment options, and information about clinical trials — along with links to additional trusted resources.
It also features a new story of Barbara Beskind, a 91‑year‑old designer living with macular degeneration, who champions using thoughtful design principles to support safety, independence, and quality of life with vision loss.
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AFB Research Study for Older Adults With Vision Changes
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is conducting a research study seeking U.S.-based adults ages 55 and older who are experiencing changes in their vision. The study aims to better understand how older adults adjust to vision changes and what services can best support them. Participants may choose a 60‑minute interview or a 90‑minute focus group, offered either in person or virtually.
| | Join the American Academy of Optometry for Academy 2026 Anaheim | Join the American Academy of Optometry for Academy 2026 Anaheim from September 30 to October 3 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Attendees will have access to more than 300 hours of clinically relevant continuing education, hands‑on workshops, section and SIG symposia, and the latest research in optometry and vision science. The dynamic exhibit hall will feature over 150 industry partners showcasing new technologies and innovations. Registration opens April 14, 2026. | | | Other Events and Resources | |
April 23: Envision University is hosting Low Vision Grand Rounds 2026, an in‑person and live‑streamed event featuring case‑based courses that highlight the multidisciplinary team approach to low vision rehabilitation.
May 27–30: Envision University and VisionServe Alliance are hosting the Envision & VisionServe Alliance Conference 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. This premier multidisciplinary event brings together vision rehabilitation professionals, researchers, clinicians, agency leaders, and accessibility experts to explore the latest advancements in low vision care, leadership, technology, and service delivery.
July 15–18: The American Society of Retina Specialists is hosting the ASRS 44th Annual Meeting in Montréal, Canada — retina’s flagship scientific event featuring cutting‑edge clinical updates, rapid‑fire talks, surgical discussions, case conferences, and global collaboration among retina specialists from around the world.
Resource: The Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) Retina Health Series provides easy‑to‑understand patient information on 40 retinal conditions, including an overview of age‑related macular degeneration and two updated fact sheets covering wet AMD (including macular neovascularization) and dry AMD (including geographic atrophy). Many of the most popular titles are available for download in large print, Spanish, and Chinese.
Resources: Hadley provides practical resources, expert insights, and real stories to help those living with AMD adapt and maintain independence. They also offer free social‑emotional support for people experiencing vision loss, including insights from individuals who have navigated grief, isolation, and more.:
Resources: BrightFocus Foundation provides accessible research updates and expert insights on promising late‑stage AMD treatments, emerging gene therapy approaches aimed at longer‑lasting protection from vision loss, and monthly audio conversations with clinicians and researchers discussing the latest AMD science and practical management strategies.
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Emerging Treatments Offer New Hope for Dry and Wet AMD – Learn about promising late‑stage clinical trial treatments that could transform how AMD is managed.
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Gene Therapy Advances in Age-Related Macular Degeneration – Explore how gene therapy research is aiming to deliver longer‑lasting protection against vision loss through single‑dose treatment approaches.
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The Latest on AMD — Straight From Vision Experts – Listen to BrightFocus Foundation’s Macular Chats, free monthly audio conversations featuring doctors and vision experts discussing research updates, treatment options, and daily management tips. Episodes are also available as podcasts on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
Resources: EyeCare America®, a public service program of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers valuable support to help adults access essential eye care:
The Eye Health Connection is a newsletter developed with the input of NEHEP Partners and shared with the community of NEHEP’s 60+ partner organizations. The links are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only, they do not constitute an endorsement by the National Eye Institute or its employees.
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