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.
How Much Forgetfulness is Too Much?
Ronald C. Petersen, MD, PhD, discusses what we know about Alzheimer’s and how we can better understand what it is – and what it isn’t.
Financial Aid for Macular Degeneration Medications
Learn about financial aid resources that may be available to help cover the costs of your macular degeneration prescription medications.
Financial Aid for Alzheimer’s Medications
Learn about financial aid resources that may be available to help cover the costs of your Alzheimer’s prescription medications.
Financial Aid for Glaucoma Medications
Learn about financial aid resources that may be available to help cover the costs of your glaucoma prescription medications.
Function of the Normal Macula
Macula 101—how this eye part works and how to keep it healthy.
Implants and Injectables for Glaucoma Treatment
Discover the latest innovations in glaucoma treatment, from surgical implants to sustained-release medications.
Alzheimer’s Research Opportunities: How to Participate
Dr. Michelle Papka gives insights into how to participate in trials that are currently open for enrollment across the US.
How Glaucoma Affects Different Ethnic Groups
This article explores how glaucoma impacts African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Caucasians in different ways.
Light Therapy and Macular Degeneration: What You Need to Know
Join us for a conversation about light therapy and macular degeneration, where we’ll explore how different types of light—blue, red, and sunlight—affect the retina, the science behind light therapy, and the newly approved Valeda red light therapy
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
Breaking News Dispatch: Alzheimer’s Drug Breakthroughs and Care Access Tools
Read the top headlines in Alzheimer’s clinical trials and healthcare platforms.
Alzheimer’s Science News: Winter 2025
In this issue: Alzheimer’s Linked to Fragmented Sleep and Brain Degeneration, Researcher Spotlight: Brittany Butts, PhD, Alzheimer’s Disease: Home Safety Precautions, and more!
National Glaucoma Research Report: Winter 2025
In this issue: Developing Tools to Prevent Vision Loss, Experimental Drug Could Improve Vision, Researcher Spotlight: Xiaorong Liu, PhD, and more!
Could Listening in to Cellular Communication Help Treat Glaucoma?
By unlocking the secrets of how cells communicate, this first-of-its-kind BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded study could help prevent vision loss and restore sight for those living with the disease.
Turning Back the Biological Clock on Aged and Injured Eye Cells
A de-aging technique offers hope for halting damage in early macular degeneration.
A BrightFocus-Funded Non-Invasive Treatment Slows Alzheimer’s Progression in Yearlong Study
Sinaptica Therapeutics unveils breakthrough Phase 2 results for an experimental non-invasive treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
National Glaucoma Research Report: Fall 2024
In This Issue: Blocking a “Master Switch” in the Eye to Treat Glaucoma, Growing Cells to Restore the Eye-Brain Connection, Researcher Spotlight: Mark Prausnitz, PhD, Treatment Options: Which One Is Right for You? And more!
Breaking News Dispatch: A Non-Invasive Alzheimer’s Treatment, Early Detection, and More
Get the latest in Alzheimer’s screening and treatments.
New Research Links Blue Light to Macular Degeneration Risk, Antioxidants May Offer Hope
Blue light may damage the eyes by causing unstable “free radicals” to form, which increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration. BrightFocus-funded research offers a potential way to protect the eyes from blue light.
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.