On Feb. 7, ARVO hosted its annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to meet with U.S. legislators and advocate for support of eye/vision research. Organized in partnership with the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR), this year’s event had an unprecedented turnout, with over 70 advocates participating. The group included members of various ARVO committees, current Science Communication Training Fellows and alumni, plus past participants of the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research’s (AEVR) Emerging Vision Scientists program. Also joining ARVO's advocacy efforts on the Hill for the first time were patient advocates, high school students, and medical students from Future Leaders in Sight (FLIS). 

ARVO staff members—Julene Joy, Salewa Akintilo, Jason Spessard, Kiyah Morrison, John Saville, Cathy Conley, Brian Katz, Dyamond Blackman, Shiesha McNeil and Abdullo Sayfidinov—supported the participants alongside NAEVR’s Dan Ignaszewski and Judy Hill. 

Together, the advocates conducted over 95 Congressional office visits, in-person and virtually. The meetings included key lawmakers responsible for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and oversight, ensuring that the voices of the vision science community were heard at the highest levels. 

The vision researchers, along with patient advocates, expressed gratitude for past increases in NIH and National Eye Institute (NEI) funding while urging Congress to: 

• Finalize Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 funding maintaining at least level funding for NEI in FY25 at $896.5 million. 

• Increase FY26 funding for NEI to $1 billion. This boost would accelerate groundbreaking research into treatments and cures for blinding diseases, advance AI-driven diagnostics and address public health challenges such as myopia, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. 

• Preserve NEI as a standalone institute within NIH. A dedicated focus on vision research is crucial to preventing blindness and improving vision health. Consolidation could dilute research impact and slow progress in critical areas. 

• Ensure appropriate stakeholder input in future NIH restructuring discussions. 

Advocates had meaningful exchanges with policymakers and many revisited offices where they had advocated in previous years. Some staffers recalled past discussions, underscoring the impact of these engagements. Several offices expressed support for the advocates’ requests, with some offering follow-ups and letters of support for NIH grant applications. By continuing to build relationships with legislators, ARVO and its partners are shaping a future where innovation in vision science thrives.

Advocacy Day reflections

“The support from ARVO and NAEVR staff was incredible. It was a wonderful experience, and I’m grateful for the chance to share my story.” 
— Carolyn Smith, patient advocate

"I loved my experience working with ARVO at Advocacy Day! I felt supported by Advocacy Day veterans who helped amplify my voice as a future ophthalmologist, and I am eager to advocate for my future patients by helping ensure continued investment into research for their cures. I gained experience communicating toward the policymaker perspective which will influence my career as I continue on to residency and beyond.” 
— Edward Esposito, Vision Research Action Group chair of Future Leaders in Sight (FLIS)

Post-Advocacy Day update

On Feb. 7, it was announced the NIH would cap funding of indirect costs at 15%, effective Feb. 10.  Leveraging the relationships built on Advocacy Day, ARVO advocates are using their follow-ups to urge members of Congress to ask the Administration to rescind this order and conduct a thorough study on the impact of indirect cost caps before implementing the policy.

Learn more about how ARVO is taking action and how you can join the effort.