Complete Story
08/08/2025
OOS Advocating to Maintain the NEI’s Independence & Support for Continued Vision Research—You Can Help!
We Need Your Help
Our OOS has joined with AAO and other states to advocate to maintain the National Eye Institute (NEI) independence and to support continued vision research advancements.
Congress created an independent National Eye Institute (NEI) in 1968 to fight vision loss and support sight-saving research. Since then, 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. Its singular focus has translated into life-changing therapies for millions.
Now, NEI’s critical role in advancing treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other sight-threatening conditions is at risk...
A new federal proposal would eliminate NEI as an independent institute by consolidating it into a broader “Institute on Neuroscience and Brain Research.” This merger could relegate vision-specific projects to a lower priority in favor of broader neuroscience initiatives and threaten the growing patient community that relies on NEI’s prioritization of vision research.
The Ohio Ophthalmological Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the ophthalmic community are urging Congress to preserve NEI’s independence.
OOS leadership sent a communication this week to all members of the congressional delegation.
How You Can Help:
In addition to each organization’s communications, we need ophthalmologists across Ohio to send a message to your member of congress on this important issue.
