Notice Number: NOT-EY-11-001

Key Dates
Release Date: December 16 2010
Response Date: February 1, 2011

Issued by
National Eye Institute (www.nei.nih.gov)

Purpose

The National Eye Institute (NEI) is updating its 2004 document, “National Plan for Eye and Vision Research”.  This Notice is a time-sensitive Request for Information (RFI) to solicit opinions from those members of the scientific, medical, and patient communities with an interest to help shape the research agenda of the NEI.

Background

The mission of the NEI includes the authorization “. . .to plan for research and training, especially against the main causes of blindness and loss of visual function.”  Over the past 40 years, the NEI has engaged in a periodic strategic planning process and published a series of national plans for vision research.  These plans were developed in partnership with the National Advisory Eye Council; select panels of expert vision scientists; numerous members of the vision research community; and with supporters in scientific, voluntary, and philanthropic organizations throughout the country.  These volumes have assisted Institute staff in assessing progress, identifying needs and opportunities, and developing strategies for supporting the highest quality research projects to achieve the goals and objectives that emerged from the planning process.  The FY2011 Plan will be the seventh in this series.
See http://www.nei.nih.gov/strategicplanning/ for background information on NEI program planning.

Information Requested

NEI invites the scientific vision community, health professionals, patient advocates, professional societies, and the general public to provide suggestions on the following topics:
●  What are the most significant scientific discoveries in vision research that have occurred since 2004?
●  What are the most significant scientific research needs, gaps, and opportunities that should be addressed by the NEI?

You will receive an email confirmation acknowledging receipt of your response.  Submitted information will be reviewed by NEI staff and shared with members of the program planning panels.  This information will be used for informational and planning purposes only.

Responses

Please respond by February 1, 2011, at extramural@nei.nih.gov

Inquiries

Questions about this RFI may be directed to:

Michael A. Steinmetz, Ph.D.
Director, Strabismus, Amblyopia, and visual Processing Program
Division of Extramural Research
National Eye Institute
Suite 1300, 5635 Fishers Lane
Bethesda, MD 20892-9300
Phone: 301-451-2020
E-mail: steinmem@nei.nih.gov