The mission of The Glaucoma Foundation (TGF) is to develop a cure for glaucoma through innovative research and collaboration, with its current concentrated effort on seeking a cure for glaucoma caused by exfoliation syndrome. Founded in 1984 by Dr. Robert Ritch, TGF is one of the premier not-for-profit organizations dedicated to eradicating blindness from glaucoma through vital research and education. The Foundation works to encourage and support basic and applied research in glaucoma, to gain and disseminate new information about the causes and treatment of glaucoma, and to further efforts to identify and develop novel approaches to preserve visual function and reverse blindness caused by glaucoma. -The Foundation’s Grant-in-Aid Program has awarded millions of dollars in seed money for cutting-edge research projects. Preliminary data from these projects have frequently been used to support proposals for larger grants from entities such as the National Institutes of Health. Beginning in 2013, TGF’s Grants Program is exclusively funding projects on a pathway to cure exfoliation syndrome. -The Glaucoma Foundation’s interdisciplinary Annual International Scientific Think Tank has brought together some of the world’s top scientists and clinicians. These gatherings continue to be a catalyst for setting the course to find new treatments and cures for glaucoma. This year’s Think Tank will again address exfoliation. -Headquartered in New York, TGF serves patients across the globe through its website and on-line support groups. -The organization’s “Eye to Eye” newsletter keeps thousands of households worldwide informed about research news and other developments, and includes such informative features as “Doctor, I Have A Question.” An electronic newsletter is sent out bi-monthly.
