Cure in Mind. Cure in Sight.
For more than 50 years, BrightFocus Foundation has catalyzed scientific breakthroughs across diseases of mind and sight that have led to novel treatments, prevention strategies, and diagnostic tools.
Our Mission
BrightFocus funds exceptional scientific research worldwide to defeat Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma and provides expert information on these heartbreaking diseases.
Building on Over 50 Years of Impact
Our donors fuel the work of scientists who are paving the way toward cures for Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Most of our grants support early-stage research, ensuring fresh perspectives are brought to the forefront and offering an increased return on research investment over time through novel discoveries that fuel the field.
Funding Discoveries and Breakthroughs
Our funding has helped blaze new trails of discoveries and breakthroughs, supporting distinguished scientists holding two Nobel Prizes, as well as 49 MetLife Foundation Awards, 34 Potamkin Prizes, and many others. Through our Fast Track programs and scientific travel awards, we are investing in the next generation of innovators around the world.
Research Funded by Country
More than $310 million
Invested in research funding since inception.
28
Countries where we have supported innovative research.
6,613
Scientists supported by BrightFocus grants.
What We Do
How We Do It
Funding Innovative Research
Our robust research programs provide initial funding to ideas with the greatest promise to change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Investing in Scientists
We educate, train, and support the next generation of brain and eye scientists.
Sharing Expert Information
While we work toward a better tomorrow, we empower families impacted by these diseases by sharing trusted information on the latest research findings and best practices.
BrightFocus Programs
Research Programs
Providing initial funding for highly innovative, global research through three specialized programs.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Our funded research on Alzheimer’s disease leaves no stone unturned, exploring the full range of scientific paths toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Macular Degeneration Research
We accelerate groundbreaking research to better understand the root causes of and prevention strategies for macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in people 50 years and older worldwide.
National Glaucoma Research
We are one of the world’s premier nonprofit funders of research on glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Our funded researchers are advancing new and innovative ways of detecting, treating, and preventing this “sneak thief of sight.”
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.
World-Class Scientific Advisors
BrightFocus’ scientific portfolio is guided by its world-class scientific review committees composed of renowned leaders in their fields who recommend new research opportunities for BrightFocus to advance its mission.
Our Leadership
Meet our experienced leadership team guiding BrightFocus Foundation’s mission and impact.
Funding Rising Stars
BrightFocus grant recipients have gone on to receive numerous scientific awards, including two Nobel Prizes, three Breakthrough Prizes, and 34 Potamkin Prizes, among countless others.
News
Recent News & Breakthroughs
4 Takeaways from Alzheimer’s Fast Track 2025
This innovative meeting hosted by BrightFocus Foundation bridges cutting-edge science, mentorship, and community building for early-career researchers.
Understanding Alzheimer’s & Exploring New Frontiers in Treatment
Watch a conversation inspired by the documentary film Taking Care and the latest research in Alzheimer’s therapies.
Shaping the Future of National Alzheimer’s Research Priorities
BrightFocus Foundation’s VP of Scientific Affairs helped set national research priorities at the federal Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias Summit, influencing how billions in NIH funding will advance dementia research and care.
2025 Research Portfolios Spotlight Breakthrough Science
BrightFocus is proudly supporting 186 cutting-edge research grants, fueling the global fight against Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
New Supplement to Prevent Macular Degeneration Inspires Deeper Search for Cures
A Macular Degeneration Research-funded scientist launched a supplement based on a link he discovered between the eye disease and Parkinson’s disease. Now he’s continuing research in the hopes of finding novel cures.
New Clues in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s: Q&A with Dr. Keith Hengen
During World Alzheimer’s Month, Alzheimer’s Disease Research grantee Dr. Keith Hengen joined BrightFocus’ Dr. Sharyn Rossi on Instagram Live to talk brain health—how the brain functions, why quality sleep matters, and tips to keep your brain healthy.
Protecting Vision: A New Approach to Scar-Free Healing From Glaucoma Surgery
BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded scientist Jennifer Fan Gaskin, PhD, is exploring safer, more effective treatments to prevent scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery, also known as trabeculectomy.
2025 Annual Report Now Available
BrightFocus Foundation’s 2025 annual report celebrates groundbreaking research and public awareness.
National Glaucoma Research Grantee Receives $2.2 Million Follow-On Award Aimed at Curing Blindness
Additional funding is propelling BrightFocus-funded scientist Jason Meyer, PhD, toward advances in whole-eye transplantation.
MTEC Impact Award
BrightFocus received the inaugural Impact Award from the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium, a U.S. Department of Defense public-private partnership. America’s military and veterans who have experienced repeated mild traumatic brain injury are at 2-5 times the risk for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. BrightFocus is working to advance new protections through the scientific development of better treatments.