Vision Research

NEI
CFDA 93.867 Active Grant

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$864K FY2026
$696.5M
FY24
$702.7M
FY25
$864K
FY26*
* estimated

Who has received this funding

Organizations awarded under CFDA 93.867 (USAspending.gov).

Program Objective

The mission of the National Eye Institute is to eliminate vision loss and improve quality of life through vision research. The goal is to drive innovative research to understand the eye and visual system, prevent and treat vision diseases, and expand opportunities for people who are blind or require vision rehabilitation. Research grants and cooperative agreements 1) Support eye and vision research projects that address the leading causes of blindness and impaired vision in the U.S. These include, but are not limited to, retinal diseases; corneal diseases; cataract; glaucoma and optic neuropathies; strabismus; amblyopia; and low vision and blindness rehabilitation. 2) To increase understanding of the normal development and function of the visual system in order to better prevent, diagnose, and treat sight-threatening conditions; and, to enhance the rehabilitation, training, and quality of life of individuals who are partially-sighted or blind. 3) To encourage high quality clinical research, including clinical trials, other epidemiological studies, and health services research.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Local
  • State
  • Territorial
  • Tribal
  • Foreign Government
  • Foreign Nonprofit Organization
  • Foreign Not-for-Profit Organization
  • International Organization
  • Nonprofit Organization
  • Not-for-Profit Organization
  • For-Profit Organization
  • Small Business Person

Eligible organizations determined at the NOFO level.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Applications are reviewed initially for scientific and technical merit. A second level review of the programmatic relevance of applications is provided by the National Advisory Eye Council. Final approval is made by the Director, National Eye Institute. Formal award notices are transmitted to the appropriate institutional official.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: > 180 Days
  • Renewal interval: > 180 Days
  • Appeal: From 120 to 180 days

Approximately nine months for Research Grants, Individual Career Development Awards, Clinical Study Planning Grants, cooperative clinical studies or conferences, Core Grants, and NRSA Institutional applications; from six to seven months for NRSA individual applications; and for SBIR, about eight months.

Program details & compliance

Description

The mission of the National Eye Institute is to eliminate vision loss and improve quality of life through vision research. To achieve this mission, NEI provides leadership to: 1) Drive innovative research to understand the eye and visual system, prevent and treat vision diseases, and expand opportunities for people who are blind or require vision rehabilitation; 2) Foster collaboration in vision research and clinical care to develop new ideas and share knowledge across other fields; 3) Recruit, inspire, and train talented new generation of individuals to expand and strengthen the vision workforce; 4) Educate health care providers, scientists, policymakers, and the public about advances in vision research and their impact on health and quality of life.

Mission Categories

Primary: General Health and Medical

Other categories:
Prevention and Control (includes Suicide Prevention)Drug and Medical Device SafetyResearch and Development

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Research Grants provide funds for salaries, equipment, supplies, travel, and other expenses associated with scientific investigation relevant to program objectives.

Required Documentation

See the NIH Grants Policy Statement for further guidance on the applicability of cost principals (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/index.htm). 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

NEI Extramural — Director, Division of Extramural Activities
(301) 451-2020
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-09. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-28 07:29:06.