Foundation Fighting Blindness

10/21/2026

In today’s episode of Eye on the Cure, host Maddie Mossman sits down with Dr. Daniel Chung, Chief Medical Officer of Beacon Therapeutics, to discuss Laru-zova, an emerging gene therapy that showed encouraging results in a Phase 3 clinical trial, including improvements in low-light vision.

Dr. Chung explains how the potential treatment works, what the latest findings mean for the XLRP community, and what’s next as Beacon prepares to begin a rolling FDA submission later this year.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness funded preclinical research that helped pave the way for Laru-zova. We’re proud to see how research can move from the lab toward potential treatments for people living with blinding diseases.

Listen to Episode 104 of Eye on the Cure today: https://bit.ly/47zAius

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 Alicia Kemble and Maddie Mossman with text underneath that says, "With Dr. Daniel Chung, October 21, 2026."

10/21/2026

Sometimes, hope comes from seeing what’s possible.

It can come from the progress being made, knowing scientists have more tools than ever to develop treatments and cures for blinding diseases, or finding strength in the people who continue to share their stories.

For researchers, hope can come from moments that show the impact of their work, like someone seeing a snowflake for the first time.

There is so much happening in science and research right now. We have the tools. And we have people whose stories continue to drive the work forward.

This , and share what you imagine when you think about the future.

www.FightingBlindness.org/ShareYourVision

Video Description: A series of individuals, seated against a blue backdrop, share their personal experiences on what gives them hope. The video concludes with the Foundation Fighting Blindness logo.

10/20/2026

Today is World CRISPR Day, a chance to spotlight the exciting possibilities of precise genome editing technologies in research for blinding diseases.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is proud to support researchers exploring how these technologies could help target disease-causing genetic mutations. Among them are Qin Liu, PhD, at Mass Eye and Ear, who is studying a precise correction for a mutation in the USH2A gene; Krzysztof Palczewski, PhD, at the University of California, Irvine, whose work is focused on precision genome editing for PRPH2; and Peter Quinn, PhD, at the University of Pennsylvania, who is developing a targeted gene therapy approach for PRPH2-associated inherited retinal diseases.

Together, this research represents important progress toward understanding how precise genetic approaches could address the underlying causes of blinding diseases.

Explore more Foundation-funded grants and awards supporting innovative research at: www.FightingBlindness.org/funded-grants

Image Description: Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness logo in the top right corner. Down the left side, from top to bottom, is a teal and green DNA strand with text through the center that reads "World CRISPR Day." Text in the bottom right corner reads "October 20, 2026."

10/20/2026

Our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Amy Laster, and retinal surgeon and NASCAR driver Dr. Patrick Staropoli recently joined Eric Estepp on Out of the Groove to discuss the Foundation Fighting Blindness and our mission to accelerate research toward treatments and cures for blinding diseases.

From the latest advances in research to the importance of awareness and advocacy, the conversation highlights the progress being made and the work still ahead to drive treatments and cures.

Watch the conversation on YouTube:

National VisionWalk Day is October 31st! Learn more about Foundatio...

10/19/2026

Connection and support can open the door to new opportunities.

For Adriann, living with Stargardt disease had become isolating. But after moving to Florida, she connected with others in the blind and low vision community and found resources that made it easier to navigate life with vision loss. Through those connections, she discovered new opportunities and a greater sense of independence.

Those experiences had such an impact on Adriann that she now works to help others access the same resources within the vision loss community.

This , and reflect on a moment, connection, or experience that changed how you see your future.

www.FightingBlindness.org/ShareYourVision

Video Description: Adriann sits against a blue backdrop, sharing her story with vision loss due to Stargardt disease. The video concludes with the Foundation Fighting Blindness logo.

10/19/2026

As we continue to this month, we're inspired by 10 individuals living with Usher syndrome who completed the swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco to raise awareness and support research this weekend.

Their courage, advocacy, and commitment to accelerating progress for the Usher syndrome community remind us of the power of sharing our experiences and coming together to drive change.

Congratulations to the swimmers and the Usher Syndrome Society on this incredible accomplishment!

Ten people living with Usher syndrome will swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco to raise awareness and funds for research toward treatments.

10/17/2026

Vision loss can shape the way we see ourselves, our purpose, and the lives we want to lead.

Erica shares what life looked like before her vision loss—and what she would continue to do even if she could regain her sight today.

She’d still advocate for people living with vision loss through her work with the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and she’d still be a teacher supporting students with disabilities. Because while vision loss has shaped her life in many ways, it hasn’t changed her passions or the difference she wants to make.

This , and share what moments or experiences have shaped the way you see yourself.

www.FightingBlindness.org/ShareYourVision

Video Description: Erica sits against a blue backdrop, sharing her story with vision loss from corneal damage. The video concludes with the Foundation Fighting Blindness logo.

10/16/2026

Blindness is difficult. And sometimes, saying that out loud is difficult, too.

For Madison, talking about her experience with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) can be deeply emotional.

One pivotal moment in her journey came when she said out loud, for the first time, that she had a blinding disease—not only to herself, but to the world, while sharing her story on Netflix’s Love Is Blind.

Today, Madison feels honored to connect with others in the vision loss community, especially those who are newly diagnosed. By sharing what she’s been through, she hopes others can find greater understanding and connection.

This , and tell us about the first time you opened up about your vision loss.

www.FightingBlindness.org/ShareYourVision

Video Description: Madison sits against a blue backdrop, sharing her story with vision loss due to RP. The video concludes with the Foundation Fighting Blindness logo.

10/15/2026

Today on White Cane Day, we’re sharing Amy’s story. 👩‍🦯

When Amy first started using a white cane, she wasn’t comfortable using it in public. At first, she would carry it in her bag rather than use it.

Over time, hearing others in the vision loss community talk about their experiences helped Amy see her white cane differently. She realized that using a cane doesn’t change who she is or how she deserves to be treated—and with that came greater confidence to use it openly.

This , we invite you to and join the conversation by sharing a moment that changed how you experienced or understood vision loss.

www.FightingBlindness.org/ShareYourVision

Video Description: Amy sits against a blue backdrop, sharing her journey with her white cane. The video concludes with the Foundation Fighting Blindness logo.

10/14/2026

There are many ways to , and sharing your experience can help shape the future of Usher syndrome research.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is looking for people living with all subtypes of Usher syndrome and their caregivers to share their experiences as speakers and panelists during our virtual Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) meeting on April 8, 2027.

Your voice can help researchers, drug developers, regulators, and other key stakeholders better understand the experiences and priorities of the Usher syndrome community and inform the conversation around future treatments.

Learn more and submit a nomination: www.FightingBlindness.org/usher-pfdd

Thank you to AAVantgarde, Atsena Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, The Fairfield Fund, and Sepul Bio by Théa for their generous support of this meeting.

Image Description: Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness logo in top left corner. Text below reads, "Your voice can help shape the future of Usher syndrome treatments. Call for panelists: Usher Syndrome PFDD Meeting, April 8, 2027."