This World Sight Day, BrightFocus Foundation Highlights Low Vision Resources, Community Support

WASHINGTON (Oct. 12, 2023) — As we mark World Sight Day today, October 12, BrightFocus Foundation reaffirms its commitment to funding breakthrough research for macular degeneration and glaucoma and providing valuable resources for people living with low vision.   

Through its Macular Degeneration Research and National Glaucoma Research programs, BrightFocus has invested nearly $100 million in research worldwide on the causes and potential prevention and treatment of these sight-stealing diseases, catalyzing thousands of life-enhancing scientific breakthroughs. 

“With approximately 280 million people worldwide affected by glaucoma and macular degeneration—two leading causes of blindness—BrightFocus offers a range of free informational materials, bilingual resources, and events to help those living with low vision regain their independence and improve their quality of life,” said BrightFocus President and CEO Stacy Pagos Haller. “We encourage everyone to share our scientifically vetted resources with their loved ones and raise awareness about early symptoms, treatments, and risk reduction.” 

Twice per month, BrightFocus connects the low-vision community with doctors and vision experts through its BrightFocus Chats program. During these free, accessible audio discussions, participants can learn about the latest treatment options, promising scientific research, and tips for living with macular degeneration and glaucoma. Recent episodes have focused on marijuana as a potential treatment for glaucoma, tips for managing wet age-related macular degeneration, and the current research on how stem cells could help preserve vision. 

Vision loss can often feel isolating, and BrightFocus is proud to offer AMD Community Circle, a free monthly Zoom program where people with macular degeneration can join together to share tips, ask questions, and build community.   

New resources include: 

• Understanding Macular Degeneration (printable brochure) 

• Understanding Glaucoma (printable brochure) 

• What is Geographic Atrophy? 

• Spanish resources 

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 60 and can lead to blindness in advanced stages. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, affecting 80 million people. Half of those impacted by glaucoma may not even know it because it usually has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages.  

Currently, there is no cure for macular degeneration or glaucoma; however, through early diagnosis and treatment, these diseases can be controlled before vision loss or blindness occurs.  

BrightFocus Foundation is committed to discovering cures for diseases of mind and sight. Learn more about the research we fund and read about the latest breakthroughs made possible through our grants.

About BrightFocus Foundation 

BrightFocus Foundation, through its flagship programs Alzheimer's Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research, is on a mission to stop Alzheimer's and vision loss in its tracks.

Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma affect more than 300 million people worldwide—1 in 7 people over age 40 in the U.S.—and disproportionately affect communities of color. BrightFocus is committed to investing in bold research that generates novel approaches, diagnostic tools, and treatments that serve all populations. Learn more at brightfocus.org.