This is the place for the latest information about our work here at Glaucoma Research Foundation and for current events in the world of eye health. All breakthroughs and insights are made possible through the dedication of researchers, and through the continued financial support and active involvement of the community.

Synergy in Action

Two Concurrent Catalyst Initiatives Push for a Glaucoma Cure — and More

2023 Research Progress: Catalyst for a Cure

Glaucoma Research Foundation is dedicated to scientific research that deepens our understanding of glaucoma, generates new treatments, and will ultimately lead to a cure.

The Link Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Glaucoma

Glaucoma and Alzheimer’s Disease are two of the most severe age-related conditions affecting millions worldwide.

2023 Research Update from the Catalyst for a Cure Vision Restoration Team

The Steven and Michele Kirsch Catalyst for a Cure Vision Restoration Initiative (CFC3) is seeking innovative ways to regrow or replace retinal ganglion cells and axons, which make up the optic nerve.

2023 Research Update: Catalyst for a Cure Initiative to Prevent and Cure Neurodegeneration

The Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr Foundation Catalyst for a Cure Initiative to Prevent and Cure Neurodegeneration began their investigations in 2022.

Alternative Drug Delivery Systems for Glaucoma: A Dropless Future?

Currently, there is extensive research and development on “drop-free” or “drop-less” technologies for delivering glaucoma medications to the eye.

Update from the Catalyst for a Cure Vision Restoration Initiative

The Catalyst for a Cure Vision Restoration team has identified a set of three genes that, when inhibited, improve the survival of optic nerve cells in models of glaucoma.

Smart Contact Lenses Offer Exciting Glaucoma Breakthrough

Smart contact lenses use tiny sensors to collect data about the pressure inside your eye. They can measure and monitor changes in IOP, or provide on-demand release of glaucoma medication.

The 2022 Weston Lecture: Ahmara Gibbons Ross, MD, PhD

“Neuroprotection: A New Path for Glaucoma Patients” was the topic of the 2022 Weston Family Lecture presented virtually on October 27, 2022.

Neurodegeneration Explained

What is neurodegeneration? And how will discoveries related to it affect people with glaucoma?

Catalyst for a Cure: Meet the New Team of Investigators

The Catalyst for a Cure Initiative to Prevent and Cure Neurodegeneration.

Fourth Catalyst for a Cure Tackles Neurodegeneration

Made possible by visionary donors, Glaucoma Research Foundation’s latest research initiative targets the shared roots of conditions that occur when neurons deteriorate and die.

Catalyst for a Cure: A Synergistic Approach to Scientific Research

Dr. John G. Flanagan discusses recent discoveries that could cure glaucoma based on key research accomplishments from 20 years of Catalyst for a Cure.

“Solving Neurodegeneration” White Paper Publication Results from Innovative Research Collaboration

Research paper summarizes the most important common elements that characterize progression in neurodegeneration and hope for new therapies to help patients with these devastating diseases.

Protecting Retinal Ganglion Cells

This article summarizes published findings from Catalyst for a Cure (CFC1) research scientists and subsequent discoveries by Dr. Rebecca Sappington’s lab at Vanderbilt and Wake Forest.

The Robert N. Shaffer Glaucoma Lecture

Since 1980, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has presented a named lecture in honor of pioneering glaucoma specialist Robert N. Shaffer, MD in conjunction with their annual meeting.

Pilot Project Grants Fill Critical Gap

Pilot project grants support new and promising ideas in the field of glaucoma research.

Collaborative Research is Speeding Progress toward a Cure

When Glaucoma Research Foundation first launched Catalyst for a Cure in 2002, our bold idea was to recruit the most promising young researchers from different fields to work collaboratively.

Focus on Dr. Xin Duan’s Laboratory: Restoring Vision

Xin Duan, PhD is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the UC San Francisco Weill Institute of Neuroscience, where in 2017 he received a Trailblazer Award in Neuroscience.

Researcher Spotlight: Meet Padhu Pattabiraman

In this interview, we learn about Padhu’s extensive background, his research interests, and his personal passions.

Researcher Spotlight: Sayoko E. Moroi, MD, PhD

Sayoko “Sy” Moroi is the Jerome Jacobson Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at University of Michigan, Kellogg Eye Center.

2021 Research Progress Report: Catalyst for a Cure Vision Restoration Initiative

Since 2019, the Catalyst for a Cure scientists have been working together in search of innovative ways to replace, repair, and protect neuronal elements of the eye-to-brain connection that can be damaged by glaucoma.

Researcher Spotlight: Derek Welsbie, MD, PhD

Dr. Derek Welsbie’s patients know him as a skilled and compassionate glaucoma doctor. They may not know that he is also a dedicated researcher focused on restoring vision in glaucoma patients.

GRF Holds Catalyst Meeting: Solving Neurodegeneration

Neurodegeneration occurs when neurons — the building blocks of the central nervous system — deteriorate and die, eroding essential capabilities, such as vision or cognition.

Early Onset and Childhood Glaucoma Genetics

Early onset glaucoma is the term often used to describe glaucoma that is diagnosed before the age of 40 years.