Building on 50 Years of Impact to Create a Brighter Future
From research to education to data mobilization, Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) has been fueling sight-saving progress for the past 50 years. We have become the largest charitable funder of vision research in Canada, investing more than $45 million into research and education.
Now is the Time to Raise Our Sights
Our community needs new and improved treatments to stop vision loss and restore sight. And they need more access to disease-specific educational resources and opportunities to connect with others who have similar experiences, so they and their loved ones are empowered and supported.
The Stark Reality of Blinding Eye Disease
One evening, you see your child bump into the sofa in the dimly lit living room. Thinking your child was just clumsy, you brush it off. But when it happens again, you begin to think something isn’t right. After several examinations and various tests, you get the news. Your child has a rare eye disease and will go blind. The news is devastating. And for most, there are no treatments available.
Living With a Blinding Eye Disease Has a Profound and Life-Changing Impact on a Person’s Health and Wellbeing
Mental Health
A recurring state of fear and social isolation.
Physical Health
A loss of independence and difficulty navigating the world.
Financial Health
Fewer job opportunities and a loss of income.
Ending Vision Loss Caused by Blinding Eye Disease: Our Commitment to You
Some of the shining examples of our ongoing work that will serve as a basis for what’s to come:
Research
FBC’s research competitions invite top scientists from Canada and around the world to compete for funding for their high-potential research projects. We apply a rigorous approach to ensure only the best projects are funded.
Education
FBC’s education programs provide reliable knowledge and support from a trusted source to help make living with blinding eye disease easier. Resources include what to expect along your journey, the latest research discoveries and up and coming treatment options.
IRD Patient Registry
FBC’s patient registry is designed to help advance the development of new treatments and cures for inherited retinal diseases and quickly bring these promising new treatments to Canada by inviting people to register their genetic and medical information.
Providing Hope with Ground-Breaking Research
Bringing hope to those with late-stage retinitis pigmentosa, Drs. David Gamm and William Beltran’s world-class research team developed a stem cell therapy to replace damaged photoreceptors with new, healthy ones. Having just received approval, when it launches it will be the first ever clinical trial of its kind. The results could be life-changing — there is now hope that one day, there could be a way to restore sight.
Read more impact stories in Raising Our Sights.
You Can Accelerate a Brighter Future for Our Community
Consider amplifying your support for Fighting Blindness Canada by making an extra gift to celebrate this special year — one that will help set in motion our bold new vision. Your gift will make a real and tangible impact across our priority areas; for example:
$200K
Cost of one Research Grant.
$50K
Cost of one in-person View Point conference.
$15K
Average cost of IRD Patient Registry in one province.