Bressler Prize in Vision Science

The Bressler Prize in Vision Science, established in 2001 and first presented in 2003, is awarded to a person whose research has resulted in translation of medical or scientific knowledge into significant advancements in the treatment or rehabilitation 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.

Sheila Nirenberg, PhD, is the recipient of the 2022 Bressler Prize for her outstanding advances in vision science, including deciphering the retina’s neural code which is the key to restoring meaningful vision in people who are blind from retinal degeneration. Dr. Nirenberg is the Nanette Laitman Professor in Neurology and Neuroscience and a professor of Computational Neuroscience at the Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

We are currently accepting nominations for the 2023 Bressler Prize and Pisart Award. The deadline for submission for the 2023 awards program is March 1, 2023.

About the Prize

• The Bressler Prize includes an unrestricted cash award of $25,000.
• Open to established vision clinicians or scientists whose leadership and research has led to substantive advancements in the translation of understanding of vision loss to the treatment of eye disease or the rehabilitation of people with vision loss. Nominees should be clinically and/or scientifically accomplished and their accomplishments must exhibit immediate clinical relevance.
• 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 to translating knowledge about vision loss into treatment of eye disease or rehabilitation of people with vision loss.
• The letter of nomination must be submitted on the letterhead of the organization or academic institution of the nominator and include his/her full name and title.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae for the nominee must be included with the application.
• Colleagues or professionals may make nominations.
• More than one individual may be nominated from any academic institution or organization.
• Nomination applications must be submitted online.

Timeline

• March 1, 2023: Closing date for nominations and receipt of all supporting documents for the 2022 Bressler Prize.
• Spring 2023: Bressler recipient announced.

Questions? Call us. Ms. Fernanda Garcia-Piña, Director of Research Operations at 212-769-7833.

Apply for the Bressler Prize Today

Past Bressler Price Recipients