Stand Up for Sight-Saving Science
The National Eye Institute (NEI) is at risk of being consolidated into a larger Brain and Neuroscience Institute under proposed NIH reforms. This would dilute its vision research focused mission and jeopardize the progress made in understanding, preventing, and treating eye diseases—undermining decades of targeted investment in sight-saving research.
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See What Matters.
Protect What’s at Risk.
Every day, vision research saves sight and changes lives, but that future is on the brink. Vision research is at risk due to proposed NIH reforms that could consolidate the National Eye Institute into a broader neuroscience institute— threatening its focused mission, dedicated funding, and progress in preventing blindness.
of Americans aged 40 and above experience vision and eye issues
Americans are visually impaired
Americans a day reach the age of 65, putting them at the highest risk for age-related eye diseases
Annual economic impact of vision issues by 2050
Choose Your Diagnosis
Vision is Priceless.
Research Makes it Possible.
Science that saves sight
Vision is public health
People power progress
Funding fuels the future
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The NEI leads the federal charge to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life through cutting-edge research, driving innovation, advancing collaboration, growing the vision science workforce, and informing the public and policymakers alike.
Diabetic Retinopathy:
NEI trials showed laser surgery, blood sugar control, and lipid-lowering therapies help slow diabetes-related vision loss.
Age-related Macular Degeneration
NEI-supported studies found antioxidant and zinc supplements can reduce risk of advanced AMD-related vision loss.
Glaucoma
NEI-backed research identified effective medications that lower eye pressure to help prevent blindness.
Amblyopia
NEI trials demonstrated that eye patching or drops can improve vision in the weaker eye in children.
Corneal Stromal Keratitis
NEI research proved an oral antiviral can reduce recurrence of this severe herpes-related eye disease.
Sight-Saving Science Can’t Wait When Millions Are At Risk Of Losing Their Vision.
Every second counts in the fight against vision loss. The #SeeWhatMatters campaign is a national call to protect and expand federal funding for vision research. Because behind every breakthrough is a person whose future depends on it.
With cuts and consolidation threatening the NEI, we must act now. Join us to amplify the science, stories, and people behind sight. When we protect vision research, we protect lives.
Protect Vision.
Use Your Voice.
Every breakthrough in vision science - every treatment, every discovery, every life changed starts with strong federal investment in research. But that progress is now at risk. When you speak up for the NEI and vision research funding, you help ensure that scientists can continue developing the therapies that prevent blindness, restore sight, and transform lives. Policymakers need to hear from the people who understand what’s at stake, including researchers, clinicians, patients, advocates, and partners.
The Toolkit
Policymakers need to hear from the people who understand what’s at stake, including researchers, clinicians, patients, advocates, and partners. That’s why we’ve created the #SeeWhatMatters Advocacy Toolkit—a ready-to-use resource to help you speak up for vision science and federal funding.
A stylized slide presentation that introduces the #SeeWhatMatters campaign, its purpose, strategy, and high-level messaging. This deck helps internal teams, partners, and advocates understand the campaign and communicate it confidently to their own networks.
Pre-written captions in a range of tones and formats, tailored for key platforms: LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram. Options are crafted to speak to different audiences and scenarios, making it easy to find a version that resonates and aligns with different voices.
Platform-optimized graphics, short animations, and static cards designed to be shared across social media. These visual assets bring the campaign to life and reinforce the emotional and scientific importance of vision research.
Download the assets (zip)The impact statements bring the campaign’s message into focus. Each statement connects the everyday with the extraordinary, speaking to the fragile power of sight and the systems that uphold it.
Download the statements (pdf)A stylized handout that distills the campaign message in a way that’s accessible and compelling. Ideal for use in clinics, at events, or in advocacy conversations. It explains what the campaign is, why it matters, and how to get involved.
Download the handout (pdf)A list of engaging CTAs with ways supporters can engage with the campaign, from sharing a post to contacting a legislator or telling their personal story. CTAs are designed to meet people where they are, making it easy for different audiences to take meaningful action.
For Researchers & Academic Institutions
- Share your research story: Post about your work, your lab, or the discoveries that inspire you, and tag it with #SeeWhatMatters to show the science behind sight.
- Speak up for federal funding: Use your voice to protect the future of vision science. Share why consistent funding matters to your work and patients.
For Patients & Advocates
- Share what vision means to you: Post a photo, a memory, or a moment made possible by sight and tell the story behind it using #SeeWhatMatters.
- Bring the message to your representatives: Use our handout or campaign messaging to email your elected officials and urge them to prioritize vision research funding.
For Partner Organizations
- Feature a researcher or patient: Spotlight someone in your network whose work or story brings vision research to life, and explain why their story matters.
- Host a visibility moment: Choose a day to turn your social feeds over to the campaign. Invite your staff, members, or community to share what “See What Matters” means to them.
- Highlight the campaign in your communications: Include the campaign assets and messaging in your next newsletter, blog, or presentation. Help amplify the importance of protecting vision research.
For Everyone
- Download the campaign toolkit: Get customizable social graphics, sample captions, and fact cards to help raise awareness in your community.
- Use the hashtag: Add #SeeWhatMatters to your posts to join a growing national movement and help make vision research impossible to ignore.
Bring #SeeWhatMatters to your next meeting: Whether it’s a lab group, staff meeting, board presentation, or a community gathering, introducing the campaign can spark real momentum. Use the campaign overview deck to get started.
