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.
FY27 Dates & Deadlines
Full Proposal Opens:
Monday, June 25, 2026
Full Proposal Due:
Thursday, September 24, 2026
All deadlines are 5:00 p.m. EST (Washington, D.C.) on the day of the deadline.
Application guidelines, instructions, and eligibility criteria will be available when applications open.
About the Awards
National Glaucoma Research offers two types of awards:
Postdoctoral Fellowship Award
The National Glaucoma Research Postdoctoral Fellowship is intended to support Postdoctoral researchers and Clinician-scientists during their final stages of mentored training. The award provides support for a scientist-in-training to conduct postdoctoral studies focused on research that will enhance our understanding of the etiology, prevention or treatment of glaucoma. This award should also serve as the basis for the applicant’s own independent research career.
- Award Amount: $125,000
- Duration: 2 years
Standard Award
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
Glaucoma Fast Track
BrightFocus Foundation’s Glaucoma Fast Track workshop helps speed progress toward a cure for glaucoma by investing in promising young scientists in the field of vision research.
Recent News
Understanding the Causes of Steroid-Induced Glaucoma
A commonly used medication is linked to increased risk of glaucoma. A BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded scientist is trying to understand why.
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.
How Early Research Funding Is Transforming Glaucoma Detection
If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma in the past 15 years, you have likely unknowingly witnessed what early research funding can do for the 4 million Americans living with this sight-stealing disease.
Protecting Vision: A New Approach to Scar-Free Healing From Glaucoma Surgery
BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded scientist Jennifer Fan Gaskin, MD, 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.