BrightFocus Honors 5 Vision Scientists Advancing Breakthrough Eye Research

In recognition of their forward-thinking research proposals to save sight from macular degeneration and glaucoma, BrightFocus Foundation, a global nonprofit funder of brain and vision research, will honor five leading vision scientists aiming to prevent, treat, and cure macular degeneration and glaucoma.

The awards will be presented May 4 at the Foundation’s networking breakfast during the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). Named for esteemed BrightFocus donors and scientific advisors who care deeply about advancing vision research, they recognize BrightFocus’ top-ranked grant proposals in its Macular Degeneration Research and National Glaucoma Research programs as determined by independent scientific review committees of leading experts in the field.

At the breakfast, BrightFocus will also celebrate 29 new grant recipients across its Macular Degeneration Research and National Glaucoma Research programs. The Foundation recently announced approximately $7 million in new grants to support innovative vision research.

“We are continually inspired by the dedication and passion of the scientists we fund,” said BrightFocus President and CEO Stacy Pagos Haller. “These innovative and timely research projects will bring us closer to a future where vision loss can be treated more effectively or prevented altogether. These grant awards are not just an investment in research—they are an investment in hope for hundreds of millions of people worldwide.”

This year’s award recipients are:

Macular Degeneration Research

Celia Bisbach, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Helen Juanita Reed Award for Macular Degeneration Research

Dr. Bisbach is investigating a potential new treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is caused in part by the accumulation of VEGF protein in the retina. By targeting VEGF using the body’s natural waste disposal system, researchers aim to develop a more effective, localized, and longer-lasting therapy for wet AMD. This award is presented annually to the top-rated postdoctoral fellowship proposal in the Macular Degeneration Research program.

David Veysset, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard)
Dr. Joe G. Hollyfield New Investigator Award for Macular Degeneration Research

Dr. Veysset’s project combines two  cutting-edge techniques, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Raman spectroscopy, to analyze the structure and chemistry of harmful drusen deposits beneath the retina linked to AMD. By identifying  high-risk molecular profiles, the research  seeks to improve early detection, guide treatments, and  provide new insights into AMD progression. This award is presented annually to the top-rated New Investigator Grant recipient in recognition of exceptionally promising and forward-thinking ideas in the field of age-related macular degeneration.

Lily (Wenjing) Wu, PhD, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Elizabeth Anderson Award for Macular Degeneration Research

Dr. Wu’s research project is investigating whether replenishing very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFA), an essential molecule in the eye’s maintenance cells, could slow AMD progression. This could validate VLC-PUFA restoration as a new preventative treatment for early AMD.

National Glaucoma Research

Jeremy Sivak, PhD, University Health Network (Canada)
Dr. Douglas H. Johnson Award for Glaucoma Research

Dr. Sivak’s project will study how glaucoma damages retinal and optic nerve tissue in human eyes. Using a newly developed system, this project looks at the molecular changes in response to changes in eye pressure in human donor eyes. This data will be compared to long-term changes present in glaucoma samples to uncover critical links between eye pressure and disease. This award is presented annually to a top-rated National Glaucoma Research proposal in recognition of exceptionally promising and forward-thinking ideas.

Tyson Kim, MD, PhD, University of California, San Francisco
Thomas R. Lee Award for Glaucoma Research

Dr. Kim’s study will develop a new imaging method that visualizes and quantifies impaired fluid drainage from glaucoma with microscopic precision in the living eye, uncovering new insights into how eye pressure is regulated. These findings will open new opportunities for discovery and therapeutic innovation. This award is presented annually to recognize a highly innovative glaucoma research proposal.

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 this year’s conference and travel stipends for 14 attendees from five countries. For more information about upcoming research grant opportunities, visit brightfocus.org/apply.

About the Awards

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 BrightFocus’ 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 Award for Macular Degeneration Research
This award is presented annually to the top-rated New Investigator Grant recipient in recognition of exceptionally promising and forward-thinking ideas in the field of 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 in 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 BrightFocus bestows 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.