Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for NEI Research for Low Vision and Blindness Accessibility Tools (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Optional)

Key Dates

None

National Eye Institute (NEI)

The National Eye Institute intends to promote a new initiative by publishing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications on translational efforts in developing and implementing accessibility devices or interventions for individuals with visual impairment.

This NOFO will require multidisciplinary and collaborative teams that include individuals with lived experience. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.

The NOFO is expected to be published in early Summer 2024 with an expected application due date in mid-Summer 2024.

This NOFO will utilize the R61/R33 Phased Innovation Award activity code. Details of the planned NOFO are provided below.

The overall goal is to push the boundaries of innovation in technology development to address accessibility needs of individuals with visual impairment and create resources that will be made available to the community. The projects will be "translation science" driven, with quantifiable milestones and timelines identified, potentially refined, and evaluated on an ongoing basis.

The proposed research will be divided into two phases as appropriate, with the milestone driven R61 phase demonstrating initial feasibility of the technology or tool followed by further validation, feasibility, and/or effectiveness studies in the R33 phase. Transition to the R33 phase is not guaranteed for all grants awarded under this NOFO. Continuation from the R61 phase to the R33 phase will be determined by NEI staff based on completion of the milestones in the R61 phase, program priorities, and availability of funds.

The research plans are expected to address and translate to real-world challenges, to include user-centered and universal-design milestones, and to provide a clearly articulated dissemination plan for the resultant tool that addresses timeframe, expanded access (for individuals, communities, business providers, public facilities), affordability, and process for evaluating success of the dissemination effort. Individuals with lived experience will be engaged in all stages of the project.

This Notice encourages investigators with expertise and insights in technology, universal design, and lived experience to consider applying for this new NOFO.  Collaborative investigations combining needed expertise (e.g., computer science, robotics, engineering, behavioral and social science, cognitive science, ergonomics, rehabilitation science) will be encouraged and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application.

Funding Information

Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education
Private Institution of Higher Education
Nonprofit with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education)
Small Business
For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business)
State Government
Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized)
County governments
Independent school districts
Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization (Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
U.S. Territory or Possession
Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized)
Regional Organization
Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government

Applications are not being solicited at this time. 

Inquiries

Cheri Wiggs, PhD
National Eye Institute (NEI) / Division of Extramural Science Programs
Telephone: 301-402-0276 
Email: [email protected]