ARVO | Homepage (Foundation)

ARVO Foundation for Eye Research

Empowering advances in vision science

Our Mission

Established in 2001, the ARVO Foundation funds novel research, education and outreach initiatives of ARVO. Our mission is to serve as a global catalyst for innovation, workforce development and collaboration in the field of vision research.

Our Support

The Foundation supports eye and vision scientists worldwide through programs and initiatives such as travel grants and fellowships, research awards, leadership and career development opportunities, global collaboration, education and outreach.

Our Impact

The Foundation awards over 400 travel grants per year for early-career researchers to attend the ARVO Annual Meeting, providing unparalleled exposure of their work to a global audience. This year, through 49 named funds, grants were awarded to trainees from 27 countries.

400+

travel grants funded annually

$66K

Invested in career development programs for junior researchers

$400K

invested in research grants and fellowships

Supporting breakthrough research

The Impact of ARVO Foundation Travel Grants

Dowling Society

Over 150 members of the ARVO community have been inducted into the prestigious Dowling Society thanks to their significant support of eye and vision research. Find out how you can be part of this special group of donors.

Individual/ Corporate donations

Your gift today is an investment in the future of eye and vision research and the many lives this work will impact.

Legacy Society for Planned Giving

Take advantage of this opportunity to continue to advance research far beyond your career journey.

ARVO Foundation Events

Silver Anniversary celebration
This year, the ARVO Foundation celebrates 25 years of providing support for novel research, education and outreach initiatives of ARVO.

ARVO Foundation Gala - May 1, 2027
Held the evening before the Annual Meeting, join us in San Diego, Calif., as we wrap a year of celebration for the Foundation's 25th anniversary! All proceeds from this celebratory event support the Foundation's programs, events, grants and fellowships.

Women in Eye and Vision Research (WEAVR) Luncheon - May 4, 2027
All are welcome to attend this inspiring event held during the ARVO Annual Meeting. The Luncheon raises funds to support the career and leadership development of women in the visual sciences.

ARVO Foundation News

Barbara Wirostko, MD, FARVO, named chair of ARVO Foundation Board of Governors

05/19/2026

ARVO Foundation announces 2026 Ludwig von Sallmann Clinician-Scientist Award

03/04/2026

2026 Oberdorfer awardee recognized for outstanding research in low vision rehabilitation

03/02/2026

2026 ARVO Foundation Early Career Clinician-Scientist Research Awardees selected

02/10/2026

2025 Kreissig Award for Excellence in Retinal Surgery recipient announced

01/27/2026

ARVO Foundation names 2026 recipients of Dr. David L. Epstein Award