The annual BrightFocus Vision Research Awards honor outstanding scientists pursuing groundbreaking macular degeneration and glaucoma research.
SALT LAKE CITY (May 6, 2025)—BrightFocus Foundation, a global nonprofit funder of brain and vision research, recognized five leading vision scientists for their ideas to prevent, treat, and cure macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Presented at the Foundation’s networking breakfast during the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the awards recognize BrightFocus’ top-ranked grant proposals in its Macular Degeneration Research and National Glaucoma Research programs as determined by independent scientific review committees of advisors in the field.
BrightFocus funds international eye and brain research and provides free expert health information to the public. Since its inception in 1973, the nonprofit has awarded research grants to more than 6,000 scientists across 25 countries, an investment of more than $300 million.
The recipients of this year’s named vision awards are:
Macular Degeneration Research
National Glaucoma Research
The ARVO Annual Meeting is the world’s largest gathering of eye and vision researchers. BrightFocus Foundation provided funding support behind over 50 presentations at the conference and travel stipends for 12 attendees from six countries.
For more information about upcoming international research grant opportunities, visit brightfocus.org/apply.
Elizabeth Anderson Award for Macular Degeneration Research
This award, selected by the Anderson family, is presented annually in honor of Elizabeth Anderson, the beloved wife of Dr. Robert (Gene) Anderson, a longstanding member of the BrightFocus Macular Degeneration Research Scientific Review Committee. Mrs. Anderson was dedicated to the vision research community and took particular interest in young scientists whom she shepherded through the difficulties of their early careers.
Helen Juanita Reed Award for Macular Degeneration Research
Helen Reed, known as Nita to her friends, was an incredibly generous philanthropist, leader, volunteer, and loving friend throughout her life. Nita, who had macular degeneration, is remembered for her incredible commitment to our mission. This award is in memory of Nita and her desire to help accelerate research to unravel the mysteries of AMD and is presented annually to the top-rated Fellowship proposal.
Dr. Joe G. Hollyfield New Investigator Awardfor Macular Degeneration Research
This award is presented annually to the top-rated New Investigator Grant recipient for exceptionally promising and forward-thinking ideas in age-related macular degeneration. It honors the contributions of Joe G. Hollyfield, PhD, to the field of age-related macular degeneration research and for his leadership at BrightFocus as chair of the Macular Degeneration Research Scientific Review Committee. During the 20 years he served in this capacity, he carefully guided BrightFocus to expand its support for early-career investigators, helping to grow and shape the future of vision research around the globe.
An international authority on vision research and author of over 200 papers on the cell and developmental biology of the retina, Dr. Hollyfield is renowned for his contributions to the science of saving sight. During his long career spanning five decades, he has been recognized with 10 major research awards, including the BrightFocus Scientific Impact Award.
Dr. Douglas H. Johnson Award for Glaucoma Research
This award is presented annually to the top-rated proposal in the National Glaucoma Research program. Beyond his strong record of contributions to the glaucoma field, Dr. Johnson is fondly remembered at BrightFocus for his many years of service as chair of the National Glaucoma Research Scientific Review Committee. Each year we bestow this award in recognition of exceptionally promising and forward-thinking ideas in the field of glaucoma.
Thomas R. Lee Award for Glaucoma Research
Thomas Lee was a farmer, businessman, investor, real estate developer, and philanthropist. Motivated by his battle with glaucoma, Mr. Lee bequeathed a significant gift to ensure continuous funding for research. This award is presented annually to a top-rated Fellowship proposal that makes significant contributions to his vision for a world without glaucoma.
BrightFocus Foundation is a premier global nonprofit funder of research to defeat Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Through its flagship research programs — Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research— the Foundation has awarded nearly $300 million in groundbreaking research funding over the past 51 years and shares the latest research findings, expert information, and resources to empower the millions impacted by these devastating diseases. Learn more at brightfocus.org.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is a public service of BrightFocus Foundation and is not intended to constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical, dietary, and/or exercise advice. Any medications or supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. BrightFocus Foundation does not endorse any medical products or therapies.
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