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Beginning in late July, NIH will start introducing a new website experience designed to make it easier to find health information, research, funding opportunities, and other resources. During the transition, you may notice changes to navigation, page layouts, and where some information is located. Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Research and Training

The National Eye Institute is the lead federal agency for vision research. As part of the National Institutes of Health, NEI safeguards our sight by advancing the prevention and treatment of eye diseases and vision problems. 

Research we Conduct

NEI’s intramural research program conducts vision research science and ophthalmology at the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. In addition to being our in-house home for groundbreaking research, our program is an incubator for the next generation of vision researchers.

  • Research Labs and Branches

    NEI scientists are part of the National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Program (IRP), the largest biomedical research institution in the world. From eye disease to gene therapy, our staff scientists, fellows, and students are discovering the future of vision research.

    See our research labs and branches

  • Training Opportunities

    Interested in vision research? NEI has a broad range of opportunities for students and professionals, including internships and fellowships, and training programs at our labs in Bethesda, Maryland. We also support opportunities at institutions throughout the country.

    Find training opportunities

Research we Support

NEI funds extramural research that aligns with our mission to eliminate vision loss and approve quality of life through vision research. Find funding opportunities and learn how to apply below.

  • Funding Opportunities

    Explore NIH’s Grants & Funding search page (from the Office of Extramural Research) to find up-to-date information about NIH funding, including all NEI-related programs and opportunities.

    Learn how to fund your research

  • How to Apply

    Get an overview of the application process, read tips on how to develop your proposal, and see current funding opportunities and research priorities. 

    Learn how to apply

  • Technology Transfer

    The NEI Technology Transfer Office (NEI TTO) works closely with NEI investigators to facilitate development of novel inventions and collaborative relationships between NEI and the broader scientific community.

    Learn about technology transfer

Vision Research News

  1. NIH announces winners of S-index Challenge to advance data sharing across biomedical research

    In the 21st century, biomedical science is increasingly based on “big data”. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is aiming to ensure that researchers who generate and share high-quality datasets receive recognition.

  2. NEI-funded research grows retinal blood vessel cells

    NEI-funded research at Duke University used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to grow specialized blood vessel cells critical to retinal health for the first time.

  3. NEI announces winners of ‘Eye on the Future’ teen video contest

    Three high school students have been selected as the grand prize winners of the fifth annual National Eye Institute (NEI) Eye on the Future teen video contest.

Read all vision research news

Upcoming Events

There are currently no upcoming events.

Please check back later or view past events.

See all upcoming events

Our Impact

Supporting Visionaries

NEI supports the next generation of scientists and innovators in vision research. Get an inside look at how NEI-funded scientists find their footing, and change lives, in vision research.

Uncover our impact

More from NEI

  • NEI History

    For more than 50 years, NEI has been at the cutting edge of vision research and outreach to help the public keep their eyes healthy.

    Learn about our story

  • Research Priorities

    Our research is focused on the leading causes of blindness and impaired vision. NEI supports research, trials, studies, and career development in these critical categories. NEI-funded research is being conducted at over 150 institutions worldwide.

    Explore research priorities

Last updated: April 9, 2026

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