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Research at NEI

NEI is a leader in vision research. In addition to the work we do in our own facilities, we support outside research that advances the prevention and treatment of eye diseases and vision problems.

The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the lead federal agency for vision research, fostering scientific breakthroughs at the frontiers of vision research.

Research conducted at NEI (Intramural Research Program)

The NEI intramural research program conducts research in vision science and ophthalmology at our laboratories and clinical center located on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. We also develop the next generation of vision researchers through institutional research training and clinician-scientist development. The intramural program functions as an in-house resource of scientists and clinicians tackling high-risk, high-reward research.  Learn about our research labs, current projects, and staff

Research funded by NEI

NEI funds research and training opportunities at universities, medical centers, and other institutions both across the country and around the world through research grants, career development awards, and other mechanisms. We support about 2,100 research grants and training awards to scientists across more than 150 institutions worldwide. Learn more about funding opportunities

Woman getting an eye exam.

Join a research study or learn about our clinical trials

Clinical studies — research studies that involve people — can help researchers learn more about eye problems. One type of study, called a clinical trial, helps researchers try out new ways to find and treat eye diseases.

Researchers in a lab doing an experiment

Fellowships and training

Be a part of our research! NEI has career opportunities for vision researchers and internships, fellowships, and other training programs for students and professionals at our labs in Bethesda, MD.

Research Laboratory

Collaborations and Partnerships (Technology Transfer)

The NEI Technology Transfer Office facilitates collaborative relationships between NEI investigators and the broader scientific community.

Questions?

Want to learn more about NEI’s research? Interested in getting involved? Get in touch with NEI’s Division of Intramural Research.

Research News

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Brain wiring is guided by activity even in very early development

Researchers have identified how brain cells begin to coalesce into a wired network in early development before experience has a chance to shape the brain.
Two boys smile at the camera. Asymmetric dark spots block parts of the image, representing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

New UH study targets early signs of vision loss in diabetic patients

A new study at the University of Houston College of Optometry will track the health of patients with prediabetes and diabetes to find out who might develop eye problems and be at risk for future vision loss.
Fee-for-service Medicaid coverage of routine eye exams and glasses for adult enrollees, by state 2022. Exams and glasses covered annually in AK, NV, KS, Wi, AR, OH, NH, NJ. Exams and glasses covered biannually in CA, MT, ND, SD, NE, TX, MN, IA, MO, IL, MI, NY, MA, RI, CT, NC, AL, FL. Exams and glasses covered less frequently than biannually in IN, MS, ME. Exams coverage only, biannual or more frequently in WA, OR, CO, KY, VT, PA, VA.  No coverage in ID, UT, WY, AZ, NM, OK, LA, TN, DE, WV, SC, GA.

Medicaid vision coverage for adults varies widely by state

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that 6.5 million Medicaid enrollees (12%) lived in states without coverage for routine adult eye exams; and 14.6 million (27%) resided in states without coverage for eyeglasses.

Last updated: April 11, 2024