Foundation Fighting Blindness

06/18/2026

"For the first time in my lifetime, the conversation isn’t just about preserving vision—it’s about potentially restoring some of it."

That sense of hope was felt throughout United in Vision 2026. 💙

Brand ambassador Madison Maidenberg shares her experience being part of the conversations, connections, and community that made this event so meaningful. From learning about exciting advancements in inherited retinal disease research to meeting others who truly understand the journey of vision loss, United in Vision brought people together from around the world to learn, connect, and inspire one another.

Thank you, Madison, for sharing your perspective and reminding us why community matters.

Video Description: Madison shares clips from United in Vision, including clips of speakers from different sessions, meeting other individuals, and clips of herself participating in the conference.

06/16/2026

How do you adapt when vision loss keeps changing over time? Stargardt Coffee Conversations returns with another honest look at life with Stargardt disease.

In this episode, host Adam Chodak, anchor at WROC News 8 who also lives with Stargardt, sits down with Sam Seavey, creator of The Blind Life and a trusted voice in assistive technology and vision loss education.
Together, they discuss adapting to vision changes, navigating uncertainty, and how technology can help support everyday life with vision loss.
Watch the full conversation at: www.FightingBlindness.org/startgardt-community-education

This special Stargardt Coffee Conversation episode is sponsored by Alkeus Pharmaceuticals.

Video Description: Sam and Adam discuss how vision loss progression changes over time and the role assistive technology can play in everyday life.

06/15/2026

Brand Ambassador, Eavan, is taking us along for day one at United in Vision 2026 💙

Through her perspective, you’ll see the energy of the opening sessions, exciting updates in research, and one of the most meaningful parts of the weekend: meeting online friends in person for the very first time!

As Eavan said, United in Vision felt like “Disney World for blind people” — a place where connection, community, and shared experiences come together in such a powerful way.

We’re so grateful to everyone who made this weekend unforgettable!

Video Description: Video opens with a selfie of Eavan walking into the convention center, followed by clips from her and her mom's perspective throughout the day.

06/11/2026

Because of this incredible community, Night for Sight NYC raised more than $800,000 to support research leading to treatments and cures for blinding diseases.

From honoring visionary leaders and celebrating 10 years of partnership with Two Blind Brothers, to gathering alongside passionate advocates, sponsors, researchers, and families, the evening was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Guastavino's, donated, bid in the auction, raised a glass, and supported this mission. Your generosity is helping drive progress for millions of people living with blinding diseases.

Swipe through to relive some of our favorite moments from an unforgettable evening. 💙

Image Descriptions: [Slide one] Jason Menzo and Brad Manning. [Slide two] Tables receive colored balloons during the balloon fundraising challenge. [Slide three] Evan Mittman, Rebecca Alexander, and guest. [Slide four] Bryan and Brad Manning. [Slide five] Jason Ferreira stands at the podium. [Slide six] Jason Menzo stands at the podium in front of room full of seated guests.

06/09/2026

This week, United in Vision brings together the best of the Foundation Fighting Blindness VISIONS Conference and the Retina International World Congress for an unforgettable global gathering.

Researchers. Clinicians. Industry leaders. Advocates. Individuals and families affected by blinding diseases.

Together, we'll explore groundbreaking research, emerging therapies, and the latest innovations in assistive technologies, products, and services—all united by a shared commitment to advancing treatments and cures for blinding diseases.

As we prepare to kick off this historic event, we're looking back at some of the incredible moments from VISIONS 2024.

Will you be joining us in Fort Worth, Texas? Let us know in the comments where you're traveling from!

06/04/2026

Can’t make it to Fort Worth for United in Vision 2026 on June 12–13? You can still experience key moments of the conference from wherever you are!

For $50, livestream access puts you in the room for keynote speaker Anastasia Pagonis, the latest in research and innovation, mental health, and community conversations, and more — plus on-demand access to recordings after the conference.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4g1hUjq

United in Vision 2026 conference unites two prestigious events - the Foundation Fighting Blindness VISIONS conference and the Retina International World Congress - into one extraordinary global gathering.

06/04/2026

Exciting new research is underway! Congratulations to our latest PARD award recipients, Dr. Breandán Kennedy and Dr. Qin Liu, whose innovative PRPH2-focused projects are advancing our understanding of blinding diseases and helping move potential therapies forward.

Dr. Kennedy’s team will explore how PRPH2 disease develops and create new patient-based models to evaluate tailored treatment strategies, while Dr. Liu’s team will investigate a next-generation gene editing approach designed to address PRPH2-associated vision loss.

We’re proud to support innovative research that is helping advance treatments and cures and creating momentum for the entire vision loss community.

Image Description: [Slide one] Dark blue background. Green banner on the top left side with text that reads, "PARD Science Award." Text below reads, "Advancing research for PRPH2-associated retinal diseases." Dr. Breandán Kennedy to the right, with text below that reads "Dr. Breandán Kennedy." Foundation Fighting Blindness and Nixon Visions logos bottom left corner. [Slide two] Dark blue background. Green banner on the top left side with text that reads, "PARD Science Award." Text below reads, "Advancing research for PRPH2-associated retinal diseases." Dr. Qin Liu to the right, with text below that reads "Dr. Qin Liu." Foundation Fighting Blindness and Nixon Visions logos bottom left corner.

05/31/2026

As we wrap up a meaningful month of conversation, awareness, and connection, we’re reflecting on the voices and stories that made May so meaningful.

The mental and emotional side of vision loss is real—and support matters. We’ll keep advancing treatments and cures while continuing to support the full journey, because this work doesn’t stop here.

Our Mental Health Resource Center is here for you, not just in May, but all year long. Because no one should have to navigate this alone.

Explore resources, stories, and support anytime: www.FightingBlindness.org/MentalHealth

Video Description: Jason stands in his office and speaks directly to the camera.

05/30/2026

Mental health looks different for everyone, and no one should have to navigate it alone.

While Mental Health Awareness Month may be coming to a close, the conversation doesn’t stop here—and neither does our commitment to supporting the vision loss community. Every story shared helps break down stigma, build connection, and ensure more people feel seen, understood, and supported.

Through our storytelling series, 'The Reality of an Invisible Disability,' Anam Minhas has shared her voice and is helping to bring visibility to the emotional side of vision loss. And you can keep these important conversations going all year long, too!

Share your story: www.FightingBlindness.org/invisible-disability-stories

Video Description: Anam sitting at her kitchen table with a cup of coffee, speaking directly to the camera.

05/29/2026

No two vision loss journeys are the same, but no one is alone in what they’re feeling.

In our mental health community stories, individuals and families share honest experiences navigating the emotional side of vision loss—from uncertainty and identity to resilience and growth. These stories offer connection, understanding, and a reminder that support can take many forms.

Read and share: www.FightingBlindness.org/mental-health-stories

Image Description: [Slide one] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo across the top. Austin sits on a wooden bench outdoors beside his dog, wearing sunglasses and long sleeves, with trees and greenery in the background. A blue box in the bottom right corner with text that reads, "More than what you see." [Slide two] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo across the top. Raquel posing at the San Diego VisionWalk with her Unblurred Warrior painting. A blue box in the bottom right corner with text that reads, "Turning RP into a canvas of hope." [Slide three] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo across the top. Rob posing holding his golf club. A blue box in the bottom right corner with text that reads, "Seeing beyond GA." [Slide four] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo across the top. Krystle sitting in front of an audience holding and reading one of her books aloud. A blue box in the bottom right corner with text that reads, "A mother's vision of a more inclusive world."