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The mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to fund research that will lead to preventions, treatments, and cures for retinal degenerative diseases including: retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and Stargardt disease. These diseases affect more than 10 million Americans and millions more throughout the world. These conditions often lead to severe vision loss or complete blindness.[1]
The Foundation Fighting Blindness was founded in 1971 by Gordon Gund and Bernard Berman, and a team of other dedicated leaders to find cures for blindness at a time when very little was known about retinal degenerations. Blind from retinitis pigmentosa, Gund is Chairman of the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Gund Investment Corporation.[2] He is former majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers (National Basketball Association) and former owner of the San Jose Sharks (National Hockey League). (Berman died in 1996.)
Through private individual contributions, corporate philanthropy and community-based fundraising activities, the Foundation has raised more than $300 million since its founding and is the largest non-governmental source of research funds for retinal degenerative diseases.[3]
Diseases Studied[edit]
Foundation-funded scientists at institutions throughout the world conduct research for the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases including: retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, Best disease, choroideremia, retinoschisis, Leber congenital amaurosis, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, cone dystrophy, cone-rod dystrophy, rod-cone dystrophy, achromatopsia, Refsum disease, and other rare retinal degenerative diseases. The Foundation funds research in a number of scientific areas including: genetics, gene therapy, nutrition, stem cells, and pharmaceutical therapies.[4]
Clinical Trials[edit]
After decades of Foundation-funded research, several promising treatments have recently moved into human clinical trials, including a landmark gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis, which has enabled a few young adults who were virtually blind to read several lines on an eye chart and see in dimly lit settings.[5] This success paves the way for the development of gene therapies to treat a wide range of other retinal conditions.
The Foundation is also funding clinical trials of a tiny innovative capsule that is inserted into the eye to slow vision loss from a variety of retinal degenerative diseases.[6]
National Neurovision Research Institute[edit]
In 2004, the Foundation established the National Neurovision Research Institute (NNRI) to accelerate the translation of laboratory-based research into clinical trials for treatments and cures of retinal degenerative diseases.[7] NNRI is a medical research institute that promotes cooperation and collaborations between academic researchers, government agencies, corporations and private foundations. NNRI is also negotiating royalties and licensing fees from drug discovery and commercialization of new therapies.
Fundraising and Activities[edit]
The Foundation has more than 50 volunteer-led groups and chapters across the U.S. These volunteers raise funds, increase public awareness, and provide support to their communities.[8]
In addition to grants and corporate gifts, the Foundation hosts a series of events across the country, including VisionWalk, Dining in the Dark, and a series of galas and dinners including the For the Love of Sight Dinner held in Washington, D.C., the Visionary Award Dinner in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Humanitarian Award Dinner in New York City.
Grants[edit]
The Foundation currently funds 137 grants at 74 prominent research institutions and eye hospitals in the U.S. and around the world.
See Also[edit]
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Macular Degeneration
- Usher Syndrome
- Stargardt's disease
- Leber's congenital amaurosis
References[edit]
- ^ [1]The National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research, accessed July 162008
- ^ [2]Forbes, accessed July 162008
- ^ Gene Therapy Provides Vision to People who Were Nearly BlindReuters, accessed July 162008
- ^ [3]Retina International, accessed July 162008
- ^ "Gene Therapy Improves Vision in Patients with Congenital Retinal Disease.",American Foundation for the Blind, accessed July 162008
- ^ "Long-term Retinal Implant Study Offers Hope For Treating Blindness.",Science Daily, accessed July 162008
- ^ [4]Retina International, accessed July 162008
- ^ [5]Retina International, accessed July 162008