On February 24th, the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR) hosted a congressional briefing to elevate vision as a national priority. The briefing highlighted vision’s impact on mental health and the urgent need for increased federal investment and broader scientific research. The program featured a powerful patient advocate, psychologist Connie Hills, PhD, who shared her experience living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), followed by a research presentation from Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD, Washington University School of Medicine. Affecting roughly 20 million Americans, AMD is a progressive disease that causes the loss of central vision.
Dr. Hills depicted her life with AMD as a difficult and progressive journey that requires regular travel to medical appointments to receive injections in her eyes, which are physically uncomfortable and emotionally stressful. The costs of treatment and transportation add additional burdens. Dr. Hills opened up about the emotional toll of the disease, mentioning her friend who “used to be full of life” but is now losing vitality as her vision declines. AMD gradually diminishes independence and complicates daily activities. In addition to vision loss, patients may experience cognitive decline, mental health struggles, social isolation, and safety concerns. Because of these changes, Dr. Hills emphasized the importance of assistive technologies and supportive tools to help patients maintain their independence and remain connected to their surroundings.
Dr. Atpe illustrated how decades of federally funded research has translated into meaningful treatments. He noted that it typically takes 20 to 40 years of research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) before scientific discoveries, including those in vision sciences, reach the clinical trial stage. Disruptions to federal research funding produce both long term and immediate effects, and will ultimately delay the development of treatments for diseases like AMD. He warned AMD is projected to affect 300 million Americans by 2040 — representing a critical public health issue that requires greater awareness, attention, and investment.
Continued federal investment into basic science remains essential to sustain progress in AMD research and other medical advances, such as assistive technologies. Strengthening federal support for scientific research will ultimately lead to more comprehensive care, improved patient outcomes, and policies that recognize the deep connections between physical health, brain function, and mental wellbeing.
