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Important Events in NEI History
Dr. Jules Stein speaks in favor of creating the NEI before the House Subcommittee on Public Health and Welfare (November 1, 1967).
August 16, 1968
Public Law 90-489 authorized formation of the National Eye Institute.December 26, 1968
The NEI was established.April 3-4, 1969
The National Advisory Eye Council held its first meeting.January 11, 1970
Dr. Carl Kupfer was appointed NEI Director.December 15, 1970
Reorganization of the NEI resulted in the formation of an Office of Biometry and Epidemiology; an Office of the Director of Intramural Research; and a Laboratory of Vision Research and a Clinical Branch as the foci of intramural research.April 1975
Publication of the National Advisory Eye Council's report, Vision Research Program Planning, was the first comprehensive assessment of major needs and opportunities in vision research in the United States.April 1978
Publication of the National Advisory Eye Council's 5-year plan, Vision Research: 1978-1982, included review and analysis of vision research and research training in the United States and discussion of future priorities.September 1978
A Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research was established within the intramural research program.June 1981
A Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology was established within the intramural research program.May 1983
The National Advisory Eye Council's second 5-year plan (1983-87) recommended future NEI programs.July 19, 1984
The Office of Biometry and Epidemiology was transferred out of the Office of the Director and established as the Biometry and Epidemiology Program (now Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications).August 1985
An Intramural Research Program reorganization abolished the Laboratory of Vision Research and created the Laboratories of Mechanisms of Ocular Diseases; Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology; and Immunology.1987
The National Advisory Eye Council's Vision Research-A National Plan: 1983-1987, 1987 Evaluation and Update, discussed accomplishments since the 1983-87 plan was published, evaluated the status of NEI-supported research activities, and revised priorities for the next 2 years.December 1987
The Collaborative Clinical Vision Research Branch was established to provide overall scientific management and administration for NEI grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements supporting clinical trials and epidemiologic studies.February 1989
The Office of International Program Activities was created to enhance coordination of NEI's international activities, particularly those relating to cooperation with nongovernmental organizations, international agencies, and the international components of other Federal agencies.February 10, 1990
The Ophthalmic Genetics and Clinical Services Branch (now Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch) was established in the intramural program.December 1991
The NEI established the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP), following Congressional encouragement that NEI increase its commitment to the prevention of blindness through public and professional education programs that encourage early detection and timely treatment of glaucoma and diabetic eye disease and the appropriate treatment for low vision. The NEHEP is coordinated in partnership with national organizations in the public and private sector that conduct eye health education programs.Spring 1993
Spring 1995-A "Celebration of Vision Research" commemorated the NEI's 25th anniversary.June 1993
The NEI and its advisory body, the National Advisory Eye Council, produced and distributed its fifth long-range plan, Vision Research-A National Plan: 1994-1998, that contained policy recommendations and scientific program priorities.June 1998
The NEI and National Eye Advisory Council produced and distributed Vision Research-A National Plan: 1999-2003, that contained policy recommendations and scientific program priorities. In developing this 5-year plan, the NEI and and its advisory council assembled panels of over 100 experts representing each of NEI's formal programs and special interest areas. In drafting this plan, special consideration was give to the purpose, intent, and requirements of the Government Performance and Review Act.October 19, 1999
The NEI launched the Low Vision Education Program, part of the National Eye Health Education Program.2000
The NEI was designated the lead agency for a new focus area on vision in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2010 initiative.July 15, 2000
Dr. Carl Kupfer stepped aside after 30 years as Director of the NEI. Dr. Jack A. McLaughlin was named Acting Director, NEI.June 17, 2001
Dr. Paul A. Sieving assumed duties as Director, NEI.October 2003
The NEI published and released its National Plan for Eye and Vision Research. The first strategic plan produced through the new, 2-phase planning process. This ongoing planning process involves the assessment of important areas progress in eye and vision research and the development of new goals and objectives that address outstanding needs and opportunities for additional progress. Workshops, conferences, or symposia in critical or emerging areas of science are conducted during the second phase of the planning process to explore how they might be applied to diseases of the eye and disorders of vision.August 2005
NIH Director Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni, and Dr. Maharaj K. Bahn signed a United States-India Statement of Intent for collaboration on expansion of vision research.September 2006
eyeGENETM--The National Ophthalmic Disease Genotyping/Phenotyping Network was created by the NEI in partnership with laboratories across the vision research community. Its fundamental purpose is to foster and support research into the genetic causes of ophthalmic disorders. The eyeGENE Network processed its first patient sample through the Network in the Fall of 2006.September 2007
The Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory was established in the intramural program with a goal to develop novel treatment modalities for blinding retinal diseases based on fundamental understanding of genetic defects and/or biological pathways underlying differentiation, homeostasis, aging, and disease pathogenesis.April 2009
NEI kicks off a year-long celebration to commemorate its 40th anniversary.Summer 2009
eyeGENETM --The National Ophthalmic Disease Genotyping/Phenotyping Network received its 1,000th blood sample for genetic eye disease testing.
Caption: Dr. Carl Kupfer, NEI director, and Dr. Phillip Lee, assistant secretary for health, at launch of the National Eye Health Education Program (December 12, 1991).
Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni, director, NIH (seated left) and Dr. Maharaj K. Bhan, secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India (seated right) sign the Statement of Intent for the Indo-U.S. Collaboration on Expansion of Vision Research (August 24, 2005).
