Foundation Fighting Blindness

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Foundation Fighting Blindness

The Foundation is the driving force in the global development of treatments and cures for blinding diseases. Join the fight and help us accelerate our mission.
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The urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. The Foundation is a beacon for those affected by these blinding diseases.

09/03/2026

For the first time ever, we’re coming together for National VisionWalk Day on October 31, 2026—a virtual event bringing our community together from wherever we are.

Join us for a live-streamed program, challenges, community milestones, and moments to celebrate every step forward as we rally together to advance treatments and cures for blinding diseases.

No matter where you walk, every step moves us forward.

Register today and join us for National VisionWalk Day on October 31! https://bit.ly/4gA7ZRZ

Image Description: VisionWalk ribbon cutting ceremony during a rainy VisionWalk, with a blue ribbon cut in half and a blue balloon arch overhead. Blue banner across the bottom with text that reads, "National VisionWalk Day. Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m. ET. Virtual." Foundation Fighting Blindness VisionWalk logo followed by a green "Register Today" button.

09/02/2026

🎙️ NEW EPISODE of the Eye on the Cure Podcast!

What happens when you find your people?

On this episode, host Maddie Mossman talks with Kenyetta McCurdy-Byrd and Heather Edwards—two nonprofit leaders who are also living with blinding diseases. In a candid and often humorous conversation, they share their experiences with vision loss, the accessibility tools that help them thrive in their personal and professional lives, and how connecting with the Foundation Fighting Blindness helped them find community, resources, and support along the way.

Their conversation is an honest reminder that you don’t have to navigate vision loss alone—and that the right connections and resources can open the door to new possibilities.

Listen to the latest episode of Eye on the Cure now. https://bit.ly/4raei2t

Image Description: Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness logo and the Eye on the Cure Podcast logo in the top left. Text "New Episode Out Now" is in the top right corner. Below are headshots of Heather Edwards, Kenyetta McCurdy-Byrd, and Maddie Mossman, with text underneath that says, "With Kenyetta McCurdy-Byrd and Heather Edwards, September 2, 2026."

09/01/2026

September is National Service Dog Month! 🐕‍🦺

This month, we’re celebrating the incredible dogs—and the people—who make these partnerships so special.

For people living with vision loss, a guide dog can be so much more than a helper. They’re trusted companions, adventure buddies and partners in navigating the world with greater confidence and independence.

Explore our Paws & Purpose photo gallery featuring adorable guide dogs from Leader Dogs for the Blind! 💙 https://bit.ly/4oXhGw4

Image Description: Golden Retriever puppy wearing a harness that reads "Future Leader Dog," sitting in a pile of fallen leaves.

08/31/2026

As Children's Eye Health and Safety Month comes to a close, the need for awareness continues.

Many families affected by blinding diseases spend months, or even years, searching for answers. Raising awareness about the signs of these rare diseases and the importance of early detection can help more children receive an accurate diagnosis sooner.

Our My Retina Tracker® Genetic Testing Program offers no-cost genetic testing and counseling for eligible individuals, helping families better understand their diagnosis and explore next steps.

Learn more at: www.FightingBlindness.org/open-access-genetic-testing-program

Image Description: Dark blue background with the Foundation Fighting Blindness logo in the top left corner, followed by text to the right that reads "Children's Eye Health and Safety Month." Below is an eye care professional performing an eye exam on a young boy.

08/28/2026

Spotlight on Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) 👁️‍🗨️

Research is changing what's possible for people with LCA. LUXTURNA®, the first FDA-approved gene therapy for an inherited disease, treats LCA2 caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene.

Today, genetic medicines for six types of LCA (LCA1, LCA2, LCA4, LCA5, LCA10, and LCA13) are being evaluated in clinical trials, bringing hope for additional treatment options in the future.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is proud to help drive this research forward! For the latest advances in LCA research, visit our website at: https://bit.ly/3WCf0q7

Image Description: Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness and Spotlight on Leber Congenital Amaurosis logo in top left corner. Text below reads, "Genetic medicines for six types of LCA are being evaluated in clinical trials." Six green circles below list the six types of LCA: LCA1, LCA2, LCA4, LCA5, LCA10, and LCA13. A small tag above the LCA2 circle reads, "LUXTURNA®."

08/27/2026

Spotlight on Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) 👁️‍🗨️

This Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, we're raising awareness of LCA, which often causes severe vision loss or blindness within a child's first year of life. Every child's experience is different, but early signs, like a lack of visual responsiveness, are often the first clue for families.

A genetic test can provide a definitive diagnosis, helping families understand what's causing their child's vision loss and connecting them to the research shaping LCA's future, including emerging treatments and clinical trials.

Learn more about LCA at: www.FightingBlindness.org/diseases/leber-congenital-amaurosis-lca

Image Description: A young mother holding her toddler daughter on her lap while looking together at a tablet screen. Dark blue banner in the top left corner with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Spotlight on Leber Congenital Amaurosis logo. Three dark blue circles stacked vertically with an arrow pointing from top to bottom along the left side, each with an icon depicting genetic testing, then diagnosis, then clinical trials.

08/26/2026

This National Dog Day, we're honoring guide dogs like Luna and the people whose lives they transform.

Meredyth was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 32, after years of unexplained symptoms and specialist visits. In 2022, she applied for a guide dog through Leader Dogs for the Blind, and after months of paperwork and three weeks of training, she finally met Luna and knew instantly she'd found her match.

"She's literally me in a dog," says Meredyth.

Read Meredyth and Luna's story at: www.FightingBlindness.org/stories/lead-with-luna-199

Image Description: [All slides] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness logo and "National Dog Day" in the top left. [Slide one] Meredyth and Luna posing together with a teal and green gradient border and text on the bottom right that reads, "Meet Luna: A guide dog who gave Meredyth her independence back." [Slide two] Luna is sitting in a photo frame at a Foundation Fighting Blindness event with a teal and green gradient border. Text at the bottom reads, "Trained for the Job: Luna was matched with Meredyth through Leader Dogs for the Blind." [Slide three] Luna sitting beside Meredyth and another participant at a VisionWalk event outdoors, surrounded by a teal and green gradient border. Text at the bottom reads, "On the Job: Luna guides Meredyth around obstacles, stops at curbs and stairs, and alerts her to hazards." [Slide four] Meredyth holding Luna on a boat with water, mountains, and a glacier in the background, surrounded by a teal and green gradient border. Text at the bottom reads, "Partners for Life: Luna goes everywhere with Meredyth." [Slide five] Large white and green text fills the center with a quote, "As soon as they brought Luna to me, I knew she was my dog. She’s literally me in a dog." Meredyth's name appears below the quote.

08/25/2026

Spotlight on Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) 👁️‍🗨️

In recognition of Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, we're shining a light on LCA, a group of inherited retinal dystrophies that often present within the first year of life, causing severe vision loss or blindness.

LCA isn't a single disease—it's caused by mutations in at least 25 different genes, highlighting the genetic complexity of LCA.

By raising awareness and supporting research, we're helping drive progress toward more treatments and cures for LCA and many other blinding diseases.

Learn more about LCA at: https://bit.ly/3WCf0q7

Image Description: Dark blue background with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and “Spotlight on Leber congenital amaurosis” logos in the top left corner. Text below reads, "Did you know? Mutations in at least 25 different genes can each cause LCA."

08/24/2026

This week, we're shining a Spotlight on Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA)—starting with Jackson Kennedy.

At age 9, Jackson received LUXTURNA®, the first FDA-approved gene therapy for an inherited retinal disease. Before treatment, he used a white cane, read and wrote in Braille, and often walked into walls because he couldn't see them.

After treatment, Jackson saw ice cubes in a glass for the first time, watched traffic from a hotel window, and even discovered what his dad looked like while chewing.

Jackson still lives with low vision, but LUXTURNA gave him the opportunity to see and experience a world that once seemed out of reach.

Read Jackson’s Beacon Story and discover how treatment changed his life at: https://bit.ly/4wDjTz2

Video Description: Jackson speaking directly to the camera discussing his journey with LCA.

08/21/2026

We’re officially ONE MONTH OUT from the start of our VisionWalk fall season! 🎉

From coast to coast, our VisionWalk community is coming together to raise funds, build awareness, and support research toward treatments and cures for blinding diseases. We can’t wait to walk alongside you this fall!

We're also excited to announce the winner of our Team Captain Challenge: Eric Bennardo of Team We See Hope in Pittsburgh!

Congratulations, Eric, and thank you to every team captain helping lead the way this VisionWalk season!

Register for your local walk today at www.VisionWalk.org

Image Description: Eric stands with three other team members (one male, two female) surrounding a large mascot of a man wearing a blue and yellow hat and matching flannel, holding a sign that reads "We See Hope."

Address

6925 Oakland Mills Road, #701
Columbia, MD
21045

Telephone

+18006835555

Website

http://www.FightingBlindness.org/

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