Mar 11, 2025

Protecting Vision Research in the Face of Potential U.S. Cutbacks

By Jennifer Jones, President and CEO, Fighting Blindness Canada

The uncertainty surrounding tariffs and research funding cuts in the United States is sending shockwaves through the global scientific community.

The U.S. has long played a crucial role investing in research and development and advancing treatments for conditions such as inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the impact of tariffs and cuts to US federal funding for research could stall critical discoveries and disrupt international collaboration—including in Canada.

At Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC), we know firsthand how interconnected the global research ecosystem is. Scientific progress in vision health depends on strong networks of researchers, clinical trials, and knowledge exchange across borders. U.S. institutions have been key partners in groundbreaking work, from the development of genetic therapies to stem cell research that offers hope to millions living with vision loss. But the deepening uncertainty in U.S. research funding threatens to slow these advances, just as new treatments are on the horizon.

FBC is Canada’s largest charitable funder of vision research, supporting cutting-edge projects that aim to accelerate the discovery of treatments and cures for blindness. Through strategic investments in Canadian scientists and collaborations with international partners, FBC is ensuring that Canada remains a leader in ophthalmic research. With our focus on funding promising studies, engaging policymakers, and educating the public, we are committed to fostering a robust research ecosystem that retains and attracts top talent from around the world.

The U.S decisions are already being felt. The U.S. government funded National Institutes of Health (NIH), a cornerstone of global medical research, has faced significant cuts to indirect research expenses, jeopardizing the ability of labs to function effectively. At the same time, tariffs on essential materials—such as medical devices, lab equipment, and pharmaceuticals—may drive up costs for researchers. These barriers not only make it harder to conduct research but also discourage young scientists from entering the field, creating long-term consequences for innovation.

For Canada, these challenges present both a risk and an opportunity. With U.S. institutions struggling to maintain research momentum, Canada must step up as a leader in vision research. The Canadian research environment is increasingly attractive to scientists seeking stable funding and institutional support. Our country offers cutting-edge facilities, and a growing ecosystem of researchers dedicated to fighting vision loss. The recent passage of the National Eye Care Strategy underscores Canada’s commitment to vision health, reinforcing the need for sustained investment in research and care. By enhancing federal investment in scientific funding, supporting international partnerships, and ensuring our policies foster a stable, well-funded research environment, we can position Canada as a premier destination for world-class vision science.

To our dedicated supporters—thank you. Your generosity fuels the research and advocacy needed to drive progress in vision health. With your continued support, we can ensure Fighting Blindness Canada remains a leader in advancing treatments and protecting sight—it’s more important now than ever. We cannot afford to let scientific progress in vision health stall. The breakthroughs we need—new therapies, improved diagnostics, and ultimately, cures—depend on sustained investment and international cooperation. As the U.S. faces a period of uncertainty, Canada must reaffirm its commitment to research and innovation. The future of vision science, and the millions who stand to benefit from it, is at stake.

Together, we can keep the momentum going. To advance the science that leads to life-changing treatments, donate today.