Visit NEI at ARVO 2026! See us at the following events or stop by our booth.
Sunday, May 3
12:00-1:00 p.m.
NEI Director's Session
The National Eye Institute in 2026: What You Should Know
Join NEI leadership to hear about updates and emerging research priorities at the nation’s largest funder of vision research. A Q&A period will follow. This session will be very useful for researchers, clinicians, and trainees seeking to align their research programs with NEI priorities and stay informed about federal funding opportunities in vision science.
- Location: Bluebird Ballroom 1A
Monday, May 4
3:00-4:30 p.m.
NEI Grant Funding
Understanding the NIH Grant Application Process from Pre-submission to Post Award
Applying for NIH funding can be a time-consuming and challenging process at any career stage. This session is designed to support trainees, early-stage investigators, and established investigators by offering practical insight into the NIH funding landscape. Through a comprehensive overview, NEI staff will guide attendees through essential steps of the grant application and award process emphasizing key considerations that can strengthen an application. Participants will have an opportunity to engage directly with NEI staff, ask questions and discuss NIH/NEI-supported funding opportunities including training and career development, basic science, and translational and clinical research programs. Overall, this session aims to clearly communicate NIH funding priorities and empower participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to prepare competitive applications that ultimately eliminate vision loss and improve quality of life through vision research.
Location in Denver Convention Center Exhibitor Education Forum 4111
Grant Links (PDF)
Wednesday, May 6
7:00-8:00 a.m.
NEI Institutional Training Grant Session
Updates and important information for NEI T32s and T35s.
Join NEI Training Program Officers for an informal overview of the T32 and T35 institutional training grants. This session will also discuss recent changes to the T32 and T35 funding opportunities, preparing a competitive new or renewal application, and expectations for annual progress reports.
- Location: ARVO Fellows Lounge, Room 207
Wednesday, May 6
5:15-6:30 p.m.
NEI Session
From Discovery to Patients: Overcoming Translational Barriers in Vision Research
This session will convene translational research leaders from academia, industry, and patient advocacy groups to identify and align on the critical translational barriers limiting the progression of vision research discoveries into clinical approved therapies. The discussion will span key unmet needs in ocular diseases and address challenges common across therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, devices, and cell and gene therapies. Topics will include limitations of current disease models, gaps in biomarkers and clinical endpoints, manufacturing and scalability hurdles, regulatory uncertainty, and barriers to cross-sector collaboration. Panelists will discuss how emerging innovative technologies—such as advanced human-relevant models, AI-enabled analytics, and platform-based approaches—can mitigate translational risks. The goal is to move beyond merely cataloging challenges to developing actionable strategies that foster shared priorities and partnerships to accelerate delivery of safe, effective vision therapies to patients. The format will be a panel discussion moderated by the session organizers.
Location: Bluebird Ballroom 1A
Have a question about a grant?
Meet with NEI Extramural Program and Grants Staff at our booth (#6075) at the Denver Convention Center Exhibit Hall.
Links and Downloadable Information Sheets
- Vision Research at NIH: about the National Eye Institute (PDF)
- Extramural Program Contacts
- NEI technologies are available for Collaboration and Licensing. Download NEI Technology Transfer Information here: