The Pisart Award in Technological Innovation was established in 1981 to recognize an individual, group of individuals or organization that have made significant contributions to the field of vision science. The award has evolved to recognize those whose technological innovations improve the lives of people with vision loss. Their efforts will have directly contributed to the mission of Lighthouse Guild to inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals.
John-Ross (JR) Rizzo, MD, MSc, FACRM, is the recipient of the 2024 Pisart Award for his pioneering work harnessing the power of technology to break down barriers for people with visual impairments. Dr. Rizzo is the Health System Director of Disability Inclusion and Vice Chair of Innovation & Equity at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He also holds appointments in the departments of neurology, ophthalmology, mechanical and aerospace engineering, and biomedical engineering at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. He heads the Visumotor Integration Laboratory, exploring motor control with a special emphasis on visual guidance and biomechanics in blindness, and the Rehabilitation Engineering Alliance and Center Transforming Low Vision Laboratory (REACTIV), exploring bio-inspired, multi-sensory assistive technologies with a special emphasis on advanced wearables. He is an advisor to multiple startups and early ventures focused broadly on technological disruption for those with visual impairments of all kinds and holds a series of board and advisory roles at leading NPOs, inclusive of the MTA, National Academies, Lighthouse Guild, FFB, CRF, CityAccess, and more. Dr. Rizzo capitalizes on his lived experience with vision loss in all aspects of his work.
We are currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Bressler Prize and Pisart Award. The deadline for submission for the 2025 awards program is March 1, 2025.
About the Pisart Award in Technological Innovation
- The Pisart Award includes an unrestricted cash award of $25,000.
- Open to anyone whose technological contributions have substantially impacted the community of people with vision loss.
- Open to candidates from the United States and all countries.
Nomination Process
- A letter of nomination must be submitted with a nomination application for each individual candidate.
- The letter of nomination must establish the individual’s contributions.
- The letter of nomination must be submitted on the letterhead of the organization of the nominator and include his/her full name and title.
- An up-to-date resume must be Included with the application.
- Colleagues or professionals may make nominations.
- Nomination applications must be submitted online.
Timeline
- March 1, 2024: Closing date for nominations and receipt of all supporting documents for the 2024 Pisart Award.
- Spring 2024: Pisart recipient announced.
Questions? Call us. Ms. Fernanda Garcia-Piña, Director of Research Operations at 212-769-7833 .
Apply for the Pisart Award
Past Pisart Award Recipients
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Lighthouse Guild is dedicated to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals.
