As the year 2020 approaches, the National Eye Institute (NEI) is developing new plans for vision research over the coming decade. The NEI is asking the vision research community, patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates to comment on two Requests for Information (RFIs): a strategic planning initiative, the 2020 Vision for the Future, and a new research program, the Anterior Segment Initiative (ASI).
NEI’s 2020 Vision for the Future will define the institute’s research opportunities and goals for 2020 and beyond. The strategic plan will be organized around several cross-cutting areas of emphasis that encompass the broad scope of the NEI mission. Input from the vision research community, as well as key stakeholders in vision health education and other fields, will be crucial for generating a comprehensive strategic plan. For more information about NEI’s 2020 Vision for the Future, and to respond to this request for information, visit https://nei.nih.gov/form/rfi. Responses regarding the 2020 Vision for the Future are due January 8, 2020.
The ASI is a new research program aimed at tackling difficult-to-treat diseases of the anterior segment (front) of the eye, including the cornea, iris, ciliary body, and lens. Some diseases that affect anterior parts of the eye include dry eye, ocular pain, uveitis, and a variety of genetic conditions. The ASI will complement the existing Audacious Goals Initiative, which is focused on the back of the eye. NEI is seeking information from the vision research community regarding current gaps in our knowledge about the anterior segment, barriers to research, and emerging tools, techniques and model systems that may catalyze research progress in this area. For more details about the ASI and to submit responses to this inquiry, visit https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-EY-20-001.html. Responses regarding the Anterior Segment Initiative are due January 9, 2020.