Paying Forward the Benefits of Research

Richard Truesdell, 97, has benefited from advances in glaucoma treatment for much of his life. He was first diagnosed with glaucoma at age 39, when he was a motorcycle officer for the Los Angeles Police Department.

“My mother had glaucoma after my parents retired, and she had the old-fashioned surgery,” he recalled.

Thanks to that procedure and special prescription glasses, Richard’s mother was able to continue enjoying hobbies like sewing and needlework. “Then I was diagnosed, and I’ve been treated ever since. I’ve had two surgeries—laser surgery and physical surgery—and I am on medication,” he explained.

Richard learned about National Glaucoma Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, through a neighbor with vision loss. Impressed by the caliber of grantees, he started donating in 2015. Shortly after, Richard was diagnosed with, and treated for, age-related macular degeneration in his right eye. Sadly, today he has no remaining vision in that eye. While the vision in his left eye is slowly deteriorating, he’s been able to carry on with his usual activities, including doing his own landscaping and maintaining the home he shared with his late wife Bette.

“How much longer my vision will last, I don’t know. We’re hoping to hit the century mark,” Richard said.

He attributes the longevity of his functional vision to ongoing research and the excellent care he has received from his specialists. Supporting BrightFocus Foundation is his way of paying that forward. A member of BrightFocus’ 10-Year Club, Richard has donated to both the National Glaucoma Research and Macular Degeneration Research programs.

“You’re getting help, and some of the knowledge that is being applied to you is available because of grants and donations,” Richard noted. “That enables your local doctor to take care of the disease much better than they would have without it.”

This story originally appeared in BrightFocus Foundation’s 2025 annual report.