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.
- Award Amount: $150,000
- Duration: 2 years
Recent News
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.
Helping the Eye Repair Itself: New Study Offers Clues to Restoring Vision Lost to Glaucoma
A new BrightFocus-funded study uncovers genetic clues that could point to new strategies for regrowing neurons in people living with glaucoma.
Exploring How Glaucoma Affects Mood and Sleep Problems
A BrightFocus-funded study examines how glaucoma affects a specific retinal cell involved in mood and sleep. This research could enhance treatment development and care for the individual as vision loss advances in glaucoma.
Investigating Eye Pressure to Prevent Glaucoma-Related Vision Loss
National Glaucoma Research grant recipient Bingrui Wang, PhD, and her mentor Ian Sigal, PhD, are investigating axon deformation and its link to damage to understand glaucoma’s causes. Read a Q&A with Dr. Wang.
Experimental Drug Could Improve Vision in Glaucoma
Explore new experimental drugs being tested for glaucoma treatment. Read about research that aims to preserve vision.
New Study Reveals Health Disparities in Glaucoma Care
Learn about racial disparities in glaucoma care, highlighting the urgent need for equitable healthcare practices.
FDA Approves First-of-its-Kind Glaucoma Treatment
Read about FDA-approved iDose® TR for glaucoma treatment, an eye implant offering up to three years of continuous medication, potentially eliminating daily eye drop routines.
Breakthrough Discovery Reveals New Pathway to Lowering Eye Pressure
Discover research that uncovers a new pathway for lowering eye pressure in glaucoma. Learn about the Schlemm’s canal’s pivotal role in eye health.
Blocking a “Master Switch” in the Eye’s Immune Cells to Treat Glaucoma
BrightFocus-funded research has shed new light on a way to block a “master switch” in the microglia, introducing a possible target for combatting glaucoma as well as other neurodegenerative diseases.