Congress created an independent National Eye Institute (NEI) in 1968 to fight vision loss and support sight-saving research. Since its establishment, NEI has grown into the global leader in eye and vision research, driving breakthroughs in the prevention, recognition, and treatment of eye disease and vision impairment. The NEI’s singular focus on vision research has translated into lifechanging therapies for millions of Americans. Now, NEI’s critical role in advancing treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other sight-threatening conditions is at risk. 

The Academy is deeply concerned about a proposal to merge the NEI into a broader “Institute on Neuroscience and Brain Research.” Merging the NEI into this larger institute could potentially relegate vision-specific projects to a lower priority in favor of broader neuroscience initiatives and threaten the growing patient community in the United States that relies on NEI’s prioritization of vision research to address sight-threatening eye diseases and vision disorders. 

With the country facing rising rates of eye disease and vision impairment, NEI isn’t just relevant, it is leading where others can’t. An independent NEI is more vital to Americans now than at any point in its 57-year history.

It is imperative that Congress hears from you now. Tell your members of Congress to preserve the NEI’s independence and protect the research driving breakthroughs in the prevention, recognition, and treatment of eye disease.