The Vision Research Program (VRP), as part of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP), is the only dedicated funding source for research on combat-related eye trauma and vision loss. Since 2009, it has driven critical advancements in treatment and rehabilitation for our nation’s service members and veterans.

On March 15, CDMRP funding was cut by 57%, eliminating 23 of the 35 funded research areas, including the VRP, for Fiscal Year 2025. Since 2019, Congress has provided $20 million annually for the VRP, recognizing the program’s essential role in improving outcomes for those with eye injuries.

This funding cut comes as eye injuries among service members continue to rise. Since 2000, more than 275,000 service members have sustained eye injuries, and more than 490,000 have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries, many experiencing serious, vision-threatening complications.

As part of ongoing efforts to protect military vision research, the Academy, the American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma, the Society of Military Ophthalmologists, and other health care organizations are supporting H.R. 3906, the Medical Research for Our Troops Act. Introduced by House Reps. Andre Carson, D-Ind., and Mike Levin, D-Calif, this legislation seeks to restore full funding for medical research programs administered by the DoD, including the VRP. H.R. 3906 is essential to preserving critical programs like the VRP, which will support innovative research to prevent and treat combat-related eye trauma and vision loss.

It is critical that we continue to advance research to protect the sight of our service members. Urge your representative to support H.R. 3906.