Vision Health Month
May is Vision Health Month, and this year, recognizing the importance of research in changing lives is more important than ever before. Join us in marking Vision Health Month and learn about the latest research and developments, take part in educational events and sign up to help bring change through our fundraising event.
Funding Cutting-Edge Canadian Research
As we stand on the verge of major breakthroughs in stem cell research and genetic therapies, research has the power to change lives.
As the U.S. scales back investment in science—cutting federal research grants—the need to champion Canadian innovation has never been greater. Canada’s vision researchers are leading breakthroughs that restore sight, improve lives, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. But they can’t do it alone.
With your support, we can ensure Canada remains a global beacon of discovery and hope in an uncertain world. Below is a look at the research of just three Canadian researchers funded by FBC through our Early Career Research Grants.
Dr. Matthew Benson
The goal of Dr. Matthew Benson’s project is to understand how defects in peroxisomes lead to retinal degeneration. Peroxisomes are small structures that help cells break down fats and neutralize harmful substances.
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Dr. Pierre Mattar
Once a retinal cell dies, it is lost forever. This is why retinal cell death plays a key role in the main causes of blindness. And this is why Dr. Pierre Mattar’s lab focuses on understanding how neural cell types are produced and maintained.
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Dr. Brittany Carr
Dr. Brittany Carr is diving deep into the mysteries of photoreceptors—specialized cells that allow us to see. Her project focuses on a gene called prominin-1 (PROM1), known to play a critical role in retinal diseases like bull’s-eye macular dystrophy and cone-rod dystrophy.
Learn More
Join MOVE FOR SIGHT
Join hundreds of Canadians from coast to coast to help raise funding for sight-saving research, as well as educational programs. On Sunday, June 22, join us in person in Toronto or move your own way from anywhere in Canada. You can walk, run, jump, cycle, skate and more. Gather your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues and come together to help create a brighter future.
Join a View Point Educational Event
FBC is dedicated to providing in-depth educational resources on blinding eye disease, as well as updates on the latest research and a chance for individuals and families living with vision loss to connect with one another through community connection sessions.
IRD Spotlight: Understanding X‑linked Conditions
Learn from experts about X-linked inherited retinal diseases, including X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP), X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS), and choroideremia.
IRD Spotlight: Understanding Stargardt Disease
This session features Dr. Kenneth Fan, a distinguished board-certified medical and surgical retina specialist, who share his insights into care and treatment.
View Point Calgary
Date: Saturday, May 24
Registration and Community Resource Fair: 1–2 p.m. MT
View Point Sessions: 2–5 p.m. MT
Social Hour: 5–6 p.m. MT
Location: Carriage House Hotel, 9030 Macleod Trail, Calgary, AB T2H 0M4
Help Support Future Research & Programs
FBC is dedicated to supporting research into blinding eye disease, by supporting early career researchers whose studies form the foundation of developing future life-changing treatments. We also help provide education and connection programs for people living with vision loss so they can learn about their disease, find out about the latest research and connect with others facing similar challenges. Help us make a difference.
Join the Fight!
Learn how your support is helping to bring a future without blindness into focus! Be the first to learn about the latest breakthroughs in vision research and events in your community by subscribing to our e-newsletter that lands in inboxes the beginning of each month.
