Foundation Fighting Blindness

Foundation Fighting Blindness Logo 2020

Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) is a non-profit organization based in the United States focused on funding research for preventing, treating, and curing retinal degenerative diseases. Established in 1971, the foundation has become a leading source of private funding for research in retinal health, particularly conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and Usher syndrome. The organization's efforts encompass a broad spectrum of activities, including funding pioneering research, providing information and resources to affected individuals and families, and advocating for the interests of the visually impaired community.

History

The Foundation Fighting Blindness was founded by a small group of families driven by personal connections to retinal degenerative diseases. Their goal was to advance research in a field that, at the time, received limited attention and funding. Over the decades, FFB has grown significantly, both in terms of its financial resources and its impact on the field of retinal disease research.

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments, and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. The organization accomplishes this through direct funding of research projects, fostering collaboration among scientists, and facilitating the translation of discoveries into therapies.

Research Funding

FFB funds research across a wide range of scientific areas, including genetics, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and pharmacotherapy. The foundation's grant programs support both established and emerging researchers, encouraging innovative approaches to understanding and treating retinal diseases.

Patient Support and Resources

In addition to funding research, the Foundation Fighting Blindness provides a variety of resources for individuals and families affected by retinal diseases. These resources include educational materials, webinars, and seminars that offer information on living with visual impairments, advancements in treatment, and how to participate in clinical trials.

Advocacy

FFB also plays an active role in advocacy, working to ensure that policies and regulations support the needs of the visually impaired community and foster an environment conducive to research and the development of new therapies.

Impact

The Foundation Fighting Blindness has been instrumental in advancing the field of retinal disease research. Its funding has contributed to significant scientific breakthroughs, including the identification of numerous genes responsible for retinal diseases, the development of optogenetics as a potential treatment strategy, and the advancement of gene therapy techniques that have restored vision in clinical trials.

Events and Fundraising

FFB organizes a variety of fundraising events throughout the year, including the VisionWalks, dining in the dark events, and the annual VISIONS conference, which brings together researchers, clinicians, and families to share the latest advances in research and treatment.

See Also

• Retinitis Pigmentosa
• Macular Degeneration
• Gene Therapy
• Stem Cell Therapy