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
FDA Approves Repurposed Anti-Depressant to Treat Alzheimer’s-Associated Agitation
Auvelity, developed by Axsome Therapeutics, was approved today by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease agitation, a common and challenging symptom that affects 40 to 60 percent of people living with Alzheimer’s.
BrightFocus Honors 5 Vision Scientists Advancing Breakthrough Eye Research
At a ceremony recognizing 2026 vision grant recipients, these prestigious awards honor five standout scientists whose work is shaping the future of prevention, treatments, and cures for macular degeneration and glaucoma—two leading causes of vision loss.
Donor Support Powers $16M+ Investment in 69 Projects Tackling Alzheimer’s, Macular Degeneration, and Glaucoma
Following a year of uncertainty surrounding federal biomedical research funding, BrightFocus Foundation provides critical support for innovative brain and eye research.
Breaking News Dispatch: Alzheimer’s Oral Therapies, Prevention Strategies, and Targeted Treatments Emerge
Get the latest research news from the 2026 International Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and Related Neurological Disorders (AD/PD) conference.
Focusing on the Future: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Glaucoma Fast Track
BrightFocus Foundation’s 2025 Glaucoma Fast Track brought together early-career and established scientists to provide a thorough overview of the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of glaucoma.
Shaping the Future of Macular Degeneration Research: Key Takeaways from the 2025 AMD Fast Track Workshop
BrightFocus Foundation’s 2025 Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Fast Track brought together early-career and established scientists to accelerate research toward a cure for AMD.
How Understanding Lipid Processing in the Eye Could Spark Innovative AMD Treatment Approaches
With the help of funding from Macular Degeneration Research, Dr. Neetu Kushwah is studying the link between abnormal lipid regulation in the eye, inflammation, and age-related macular degeneration. Her findings could inspire new methods for treating the disease.
Can Targeting the Immune System Slow the Progression of Alzheimer’s?
BrightFocus Alzheimer’s Disease Research grant recipient Joshua Emmerson, PhD, is exploring a certain type of immune cell’s unexpected role in Alzheimer’s disease—and what it could mean for protecting the brain.
BrightFocus Statement on Bipartisan Action to Protect Brain and Eye Research
BrightFocus Foundation supports the bipartisan appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026, which provides critical federal funding for brain and eye research.
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.