Over 50 Years of Bold Research
We believe that having the courage to invest in innovative ideas will lead to revolutionary therapies. Explore how the research we’ve funded has fostered life-changing breakthroughs across Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
1 in 7
People over age 40 in the U.S. affected by Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, or glaucoma.
202
Active scientific projects funded by BrightFocus worldwide.
6,386
Scientists from 25 countries supported by BrightFocus grants working toward cures.
Resources
We’re here for you.
Optogenetics Offers Hope for Restoring Vision in Macular Degeneration
This breakthrough technology is one of the most promising approaches to vision restoration.
3 Subtle Signs Your Glaucoma May Be Getting Worse
In between doctor visits, you are the best advocate for detecting changes to your glaucoma. Discover the key symptoms to watch for and how early action can help protect your vision.
A Hidden Path to Alzheimer’s Disease for Women
Women who survive intimate partner violence may face long-term brain health risks—including a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s.
Promising Research to Defeat Glaucoma
Learn about some of these groundbreaking research projects and how they are advancing earlier detection, risk reduction, treatments, and, ultimately, a cure for glaucoma.
Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, certain treatments can help control or delay its symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the disease. Learn about the various types of treatment options available.
Caring for Your Mental Health After AMD Diagnosis
This Mental Health Awareness Month, join psychologist Ed McDaniel for an honest conversation about the emotional impact of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographic atrophy.
What to Know About Light Therapy for Dry Macular Degeneration
A new treatment using red light may help protect vision for people with dry age-related macular degeneration. Here’s what a retina specialist wants you to know.
What AI Means for Alzheimer’s: 6 Things an Expert Wants You to Know
Expert insights on how artificial intelligence is transforming Alzheimer’s and dementia research and diagnosis.
How Focused Ultrasound is Changing Alzheimer’s Treatment
Join Dr. Ali R. Rezai, a leader in neuroscience and neuromodulation, for a live conversation on how focused ultrasound is opening new possibilities in Alzheimer’s research and care.
Virtual Programs
Connect With Experts
Explore a variety of programs for people with Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma to hear directly from experts, ask questions, and build community.
Zoom In on Dementia & Alzheimer’s
A live, interactive virtual discussion series with renowned research scientists and clinicians to keep you informed about the latest brain health breakthroughs and findings.
Macular Chats
Accessible audio conversations with scientists and vision experts about treatments, research breakthroughs, news, and tips for living with macular degeneration.
Glaucoma Chats
Scientists and vision experts weigh in about treatments, research breakthroughs, news, and tips for living with glaucoma through accessible audio conversations.
News
Accelerating Progress in Brain and Vision Science
A Key Model to Study Cellular Functions to Better Treat Glaucoma
BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded scientist Samuel Herberg, PhD, is using a 3D model of the fluid drainage tissue that could improve our ability to understand and treat glaucoma.
The Early Alzheimer’s Signals We’ve Been Missing (Until Now)
Using advanced genetic sequencing, BrightFocus Alzheimer’s Disease Research-funded scientist Dr. Mark Ebbert is identifying overlooked changes in the brain that could finally unlock a way to diagnose Alzheimer’s before it begins.
How the Breakdown of Cellular ‘Powerhouses’ Drives Exfoliation Glaucoma
A study co-funded by BrightFocus Foundation and The Glaucoma Foundation yields new insights that could inspire novel treatments for exfoliation glaucoma.
How Better Models of Macular Degeneration Could Help Prevent Vision Loss
Most experimental models that researchers use to study macular degeneration fall short. BrightFocus Macular Degeneration Research grant recipient Dr. Brittany Carr aims to change that.
Macular Degeneration Research News: Spring 2025
In this issue: How Exosomes Could Lead to Early Detection Before Symptoms Appear, Could a New Night Vision Test Save Sight? Inflammation and Gender Unlock Key Insights into Macular Degeneration, and more!
Looking Beyond Pressure-Lowering Drugs to Treat Glaucoma
A National Glaucoma Research-funded scientist is building a 3D model of the optic nerve that she hopes will solve unanswered questions about glaucoma—and inspire new treatments.
Is This the Next Best Thing to Regrowing a New Retina?
A BrightFocus Macular Degeneration Research-funded scientist is investigating a new regeneration technique to restore key cells that are wiped out in late-stage age-related macular degeneration.
New Blood Test Could Personalize Alzheimer’s Treatment Like Never Before
A new Alzheimer’s blood test may reveal how far the disease has progressed and identify who’s most likely to benefit from anti-amyloid therapies.
What Early-Life Brain Activity May Reveal About Alzheimer’s Risk
BrightFocus Alzheimer’s Disease Research grant recipient Keith Hengen, PhD, is pioneering a novel approach to identifying Alzheimer’s risk in early life, which could enable earlier diagnosis, risk reduction, and treatment.
Perspectives
I appreciate BrightFocus Foundation’s support of funding high-risk, high-reward projects. That is what truly investing in the next generation of scientists means—supporting these new ideas, which can sometimes be high risk. But they also come with high rewards, and that is helping us to bring new ideas to the table.
Zahra Shirzadi, PhD, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Recipient
After I was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, I had no idea where to turn. Fortunately, a friend and neighbor shared with me a newsletter from BrightFocus Foundation. Since then, I have participated in the nonprofit’s monthly Macular Chats and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Community Circle group. I’ve been able to connect with people across the U.S. who are also living with macular degeneration. BrightFocus has been a huge part of my life.
Maureen Foley, Diagnosed with macular degeneration
BrightFocus serves as a crucial catalyst for the careers of emerging investigators. By making their new findings possible, BrightFocus supports entire communities of scientists who have dedicated their lives to addressing these brain and eye conditions.
John S. Penn, PhD, Associate Dean and Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
I am an artist, and shortly after I was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, I printed out a picture I painted to bring to my eye doctor. It was a picture of my granddaughter drinking a cup of hot cocoa. I wanted him to see what I do and how important my vision is to me.
Wynicia Clute, Diagnosed with macular degeneration
Donate Now to Fund Critical Research
Your gift today can help drive innovation in Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma research. By donating, you’ll support life-changing research and provide valuable resources for those affected by these devastating diseases. Give now to fuel hope and bring us closer to finding cures.
Get Involved
Ways to Support Our Work
There are many ways to get involved and help us defeat diseases of mind and sight.
Help Find a Cure
Nearly 1 in 10 U.S. adults aged 65 and older has dementia. Macular degeneration and glaucoma are leading causes of irreversible blindness, robbing millions of Americans of their vision and independence. Help us end these diseases for good.
Search for a Clinical Trial
Clinical trials are key to advancing medical science, breakthroughs, treatments, and cures.
Their success depends on volunteer participants. Learn more about the clinical trial process and find a clinical trial near you.
Become a Partner
We work with public and private companies that share our values and commitment to end these diseases.