National Glaucoma Research Request for Proposals
National Glaucoma Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, provides research funds for U.S. domestic and international researchers pursuing pioneering research leading to greater understanding, prevention, and treatment of glaucoma.
We are committed to supporting scientists from diverse backgrounds to foster creativity and innovation in addressing complex scientific challenges and strongly encourage applications from individuals who are from groups underrepresented in glaucoma research.
FY26 Dates & Deadlines
Full Proposal Opens:
Monday, June 30, 2025
Full Proposal Due:
Thursday, October 30, 2025
All deadlines are 5:00 p.m. EST (Washington, D.C.) on the day of the deadline.
About the Awards
National Glaucoma Research offers one type of award:
Standard Awards
The standard award provides significant funding for researchers who have already generated some amount of preliminary data, but are often required to demonstrate additional, significant progress before they can apply to governmental or industrial funding agencies. Postdoctoral fellows are eligible to apply as Co-Principal Investigator for the Standard Award.
- Award Amount: $150,000
- Duration: 2 years
Recent News
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.
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.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Transform Glaucoma Detection
A National Glaucoma Research-funded scientist is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence and telemedicine to detect glaucoma earlier, improve access to care, and prevent irreversible blindness.
How Some Eye Cells Survive Glaucoma
BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded scientist Mengya Zhao, PhD, uses a unique combination of techniques to understand why certain retinal cells stay strong in glaucoma while others don’t.
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.
How the Breakdown of Cellular ‘Powerhouses’ Drives Exfoliation Glaucoma
A study yields new insights that could inspire novel treatments for exfoliation glaucoma.
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.
A Key Protein Could Alter Risk for Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma
BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded scientist Hannah Youngblood, PhD, is investigating the role of an important protein called LOXL1 to pave the way for new glaucoma treatments.
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.