We believe every individual has vision, and that eyesight is not a requirement to achieving a dream.
Our goal is to restore function to people who are blind or visually impaired. To this end, we dedicate our research to investigating the functional implications of vision loss, access to interventions, optimizing rehabilitation therapies and developing assistive technology.
The goals that guide us
The National Institutes of Health have identified goals that are also in line with the ERI: to accelerate the translation of basic research into clinical studies, as well as strengthen the pool of vision researchers, including clinician scientists and young researchers from other disciplines who can apply their knowledge to vision research.
Through partnerships with national researchers and internal research programs, ERI works diligently to push breakthroughs in vision research that have immediate and practical implications for those who are blind or have low vision. The following goals help keep our research team on track and continuously mindful of how we can best serve the visually impaired community:
- Examine and validate best clinical practices to optimize intervention and rehabilitation methods
- Drive the development of novel devices and methods for the rehabilitation and integration of individuals into their communities and workplace
- Establish a team approach with clinical and education staff to identify critical research needs in our patient population and to disseminate research findings to caregivers and the community
- Inspire researchers to examine questions relevant to low vision and blindness
- Educate and train the next generation of vision rehabilitation researchers
- Create scientific opportunities to advance treatment, rehabilitation and accessibility for those with low vision or blindness
- Facilitate collaborations among scientists, clinicians and rehabilitation specialists to promote a multidisciplinary approach to vision rehabilitation research
GOVERNANCE
The ERI is governed by our Advisory Panel, which provides guidance and oversight in the establishment of organizational structures and policies that support research endeavors at ERI. The Panel assists the Executive Director in establishing connections to local and national businesses, clinics, and research and educational entities that support the innovative and fiscally sustainable growth of ERI. The ERI Advisory Panel also aids the Executive Director to identify research needs in the areas of low vision and blindness rehabilitation, as well as provide ethical and scientific oversight of ERI. In alignment with these needs, the Panel reviews ongoing research at ERI and makes recommendations on scientific direction and funding opportunities.
If you’re equally passionate about removing the functional barriers that blindness and visual impairment can create and want to further our cause, or if you have questions about ERI, please contact our Executive Director.