Schepens Eye Research Institute
Executive Summary

At the Schepens Eye Research Institute, our goal is to reverse vision impairment and prevent future vision loss.  Currently, there are some treatments but no cures for most eye diseases.  Research at Schepens Institute strives to change that and build upon its reputation for new medicines, technologies and knowledge.  With faculty appointments at Harvard Medical School and access to Harvard's intellectual resources, scientists at the Institute are the best in their fields.


Vision loss and blindness is devastating to those whom it affects, to their families and loves ones.  More than 70% of the information we process about the world around us comes through our eyes.  The loss of some or all vision dramatically reduces the quality of life.  Vision loss from eye disease can occur at any age, and the risk of vision impairment increases with age.

• In developed countries, blindness afflicts 1 in 10 individuals over 65; the incidence rises to 1 in 4 over 75 years of age
• By the year 2040, approximately one quarter of the population in the US will be over the age of 65 resulting in a fast-approaching epidemic of blindness
• Limited vision or total blindness is a reality for 1 out of every 28 Americans over the age of 40
• 14 million Americans have vision impairments significant enough to limit their enjoyment of everyday activities

The Schepens Institute is a basic and clinical research organization whose primary mission is to find and understand the causes of eye diseases and disorders, bringing new cures, treatments and preventions to the clinic and bedside.  Recognizing that many already suffer vision loss, the Institute is further dedicated to developing new devices and strategies to restore the quality of life and the ability to function to those with vision impairment. 

The need is urgent.  While the Institute has the highest level of funding from the National Institutes of Health of any independent eye research organization, federal funding for all academic research has leveled off.  Thus, increased support from the private sector, through companies, individuals and foundations, is imperative to the Institute's ability to continue accelerating the pace of discovery.

Schepens Eye Research Institute
is an affiliate of the
Harvard Medical School                . 

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