Orlando, FL—The BrightFocus Foundation today honored five outstanding scientists in the fields of macular degeneration and glaucoma, presenting them with named research awards at an event during the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
"Each year we give these awards in recognition of the most promising and forward-thinking ideas in the fields of glaucoma and macular degeneration research," said Stacy Pagos Haller, BrightFocus President and CEO. "These special grant awards are funded in honor of exceptional people who fought these diseases and wanted to support outstanding researchers."
Today's honorees come from five states—California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, and Texas— and are among 30 scientists offered a total of $3.5 million in BrightFocus grant awards this year to fight vision diseases.
Macular Degeneration Awards
Three of the awardees are studying macular degeneration, a disease that causes deterioration of the retina and can interfere with clear central vision. They are:
Glaucoma Awards
Two researchers received special grant awards for research on glaucoma, a group of eye diseases involving damage to the optic nerve, which limits peripheral vision and can lead to blindness if left untreated. The grant recipients are:
ABOUT BRIGHTFOCUS FOUNDATION
BrightFocus Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing brain and eye health, by funding research worldwide on macular degeneration, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's disease. BrightFocus also provides the public with information about these diseases, including risk factors, current treatments, and coping strategies.
CONTACT: Michael Buckley, Vice President of Public Affairs
BrightFocus Foundation
Phone: (301) 556-9370; Email: mbuckley@brightfocus.org