BrightFocus Foundation
BrightFocus Foundation is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative scientific research and providing expert information to defeat Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. With a mission to envision a world where everyone can age free from diseases of mind and sight, BrightFocus invests in groundbreaking research, supports the next generation of scientists, and empowers individuals and families with trusted resources. Over its 50-year history, the foundation has awarded nearly $300 million in research grants to more than 6,000 scientists worldwide, catalyzing life-changing breakthroughs and advancing public education on brain and vision health. The foundation's impact is evident in major scientific milestones, such as the first successful cell transplantation for glaucoma, FDA "Breakthrough Therapy" designations, and the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative and vision diseases.
BrightFocus Foundation
22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871, USA
What We Do
A signature program funding research to better detect, prevent, and cure Alzheimer’s disease, and providing expert information to the public.
Funds research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of macular degeneration, and offers resources for patients and caregivers.
Supports research projects on the causes, prevention, and treatment of glaucoma, and provides educational resources.
Includes 'Zoom In on Dementia & Alzheimer’s', 'Macular Chats', and 'Glaucoma Chats'—live and audio programs connecting the public with experts and the latest research.
Immersive workshops for early-career scientists in Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma research, fostering collaboration and mentorship.
BrightFocus Foundation provides initial and early-stage funding for innovative, experimental research projects in Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Grants are awarded to scientists worldwide through a rigorous peer-review process.
Psychological and Cognitive Health and Performance
Show More (1)Key People
President and CEO
Vice President, Scientific Affairs
Sr. Vice President, Development
Sr. Vice President, Strategic Partnerships
Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration
Nobel Laureate and Honorary Member, Board of Directors
News & Updates
BrightFocus Foundation announced nearly $13 million in grants to support 50 scientists exploring risk reduction, earlier detection, and new treatments for Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Drs. Val C. Sheffield and Edwin M. Stone of the University of Iowa received the 2025 Helen Keller Prize for Vision Research for their groundbreaking work, awarded by BrightFocus Foundation and Helen Keller Foundation.
The annual BrightFocus Vision Research Awards honor outstanding scientists pursuing groundbreaking macular degeneration and glaucoma research.
BrightFocus has funded the boldest research and 'what-if' ideas for over 50 years, resulting in novel treatments and diagnostic tools in use today.
BrightFocus grantee Petr Baranov, MD, PhD, and team at Harvard Medical School achieved the first successful transplantation of lab-grown retinal ganglion cells into mice, paving the way for future vision-restoring treatments for late-stage glaucoma.
Pioneering work by BrightFocus grantee Ilyas Washington, PhD, led to the FDA 'Breakthrough Therapy' designation for a potential Stargardt disease treatment, with implications for dry AMD.