We Support New Ideas
Our mission:
to fund new ideas at their inception
The Society’s independently judged, peer-reviewed research grants are highly valued by researchers and considered important and prestigious within the scientific community.
The Society has funded research projects by most of Canada’s top glaucoma researchers – doctors and scientists interested in finding new treatments and in preventing blindness from glaucoma. These highly respected researchers are recognized across Canada and internationally.
Their research includes:
- seeking to protect good nerve cells in the eye and repair damaged ones
- searching for genes related to glaucoma
- improving blood flow to the eye, and
- making glaucoma surgery easier for the patient.
80% of funds raised go directly to researchers
Sound governance, a volunteer board, and low administration costs ensure that more than 80% of funds raised by the Society go directly to Canadian researchers.
The Glaucoma Research Society of Canada is the only Canadian non-profit organization solely dedicated to funding glaucoma research. Since 1988, it has raised more than one million dollars in support of more than 80 research projects. The Society funds 10 to 15% of all independent glaucoma research in Canada.
2009 Research Grants
Researchers received more than $205,000 in research grants for the following projects:
- Determining the Usefulness of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT) in Monitoring Glaucoma Progression
- Mapping the Lymphatic Outflow Pathway in the Mouse Eye
- Studying the Awareness and Knowledge of Glaucoma among Black People in Toronto
- Studying the Association between Prescription Drugs containing Sulpha and Glaucoma
- Studying the Role of Immune Cells in Retinal Cell Survival
- Studying the Role of the Protein, Endothelin-1, (ET-1) in Glaucoma
- Inhaling Carbon Dioxide and Its Effect on Blood Vessels in the Eye
- Studying Nerve Growth Factors and Receptors in Glaucoma
- Determining if Regulating Endocannabinoid Levels Provides Retinal Protection following Ischemia and Optic Nerve Injury
- Evaluating Long-Term Corneal Cell Loss associated with Glaucoma Surgeries
- Studying the Response of Human Optic Nerve Cells to Different Modes of Mechanical Strain
- Comparing Different Types of Tonometry following Corneal Surgery
Dr. Alexander Ball’s 2009 Lab Group
Your donations have funded numerous scientists who have gained international respect and reputations in advancing research into glaucoma.
The next decade should see some important breakthroughs including methods to maintain and possibly even repair damaged optic nerves in glaucoma.
Your support is essential to continue this valuable and much needed research.
Research Grant Applications
Researchers into glaucoma from across Canada apply annually for funding. Independent peers review the applications under the guidance of the Scientific Advisory Committee of renowned ophthalmologists and scientists from across the country. The Committee makes funding recommendations to the Society's Board of Directors.