At the Visual Research Foundation (VRF), we believe that everyone deserves the gift of sight. As members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) and Rebekahs, we are dedicated to preventing blindness and improving eye health through research, education, and access to care. By partnering with the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, we fund groundbreaking vision research, provide essential eye care, and support professorships in ophthalmology to advance treatments for eye diseases.

Why We Support Vision Research

For us, this work is personal. We know how devastating vision loss can be and how crucial it is to invest in research that leads to better treatments, early detection, and prevention of conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Through our partnership with the Wilmer Eye Institute, we help ensure that top researchers and doctors have the resources they need to make life-changing breakthroughs.

How We Make a Difference

As an organization, we take pride in the impact we create. Here’s how we are working to improve eye health:

Funding Professorships and Research

By supporting professorships in ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute, we invest in the future of vision science, allowing world-class doctors and researchers to continue pioneering new treatments.

Providing Access to Eye Care

We help fund vision screenings, eye exams, and treatment programs for those who might not otherwise have access to essential care. Through our local Odd Fellows and Rebekah lodges, we actively work to bring vision services to underserved communities.

Supporting the Visually Impaired

We fund programs that provide assistive technologies, braille materials, and vocational training for individuals with vision loss, helping them maintain independence and improve their quality of life.

Raising Awareness About Eye Health

We are committed to educating others about preventable blindness, early detection, and the importance of eye health, ensuring that more people take proactive steps to protect their vision.

Join Us in Advancing Eye Health

Your commitment to Friendship, Love, and Truth drives everything we do at the Visual Research Foundation. By supporting vision research, funding professorships, and expanding access to care, we are making a lasting difference.

We invite you to join us in this mission. Here’s how you can help:

• Donate to fund research, professorships, and eye care programs.
• Volunteer with us to support vision care initiatives in your community.
• Spread Awareness by sharing information about eye health and preventable blindness.

Together, we can create a future where sight-saving treatments and research help people see a brighter tomorrow. Let’s make a difference—because vision matters to all of us.