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This review highlights the artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning initiatives supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Eye Institute (NEI) and calls attention to activities and goals defined in the NEI Strategic Plan as well as opportunities for future activities and breakthroughs in ophthalmology.Ophthalmology is at the forefront of artificial intelligence-based innovations in biomedical research that may lead to improvement in early detection and surveillance of ocular disease, prediction of progression, and improved quality of life. Technological advances have ushered in an era where unprecedented amounts of information can be linked that enable scientific discovery. However, there remains an unmet need to collect, harmonize, and share data in a machine actionable manner. Similarly, there is a need to ensure that efforts promote health and research equity by expanding diversity in the data and workforce.The NIH/NEI has supported the development artificial intelligence-based innovations to advance biomedical research. The NIH/NEI has defined activities to achieve these goals in the NIH Strategic Plan for Data Science and the NEI Strategic Plan and have spearheaded initiatives to facilitate research in these areas.

PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to evaluate glaucoma patients' quality of life (QoL) as measured by National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-39) and to examine the influence of patient characteristics and disease stage measured by visual field loss on QoL. METHODS A prospective survey of patients with an established diagnosis of glaucoma without concomitant eye disease was conducted. Patients completed a validated German translation of the NEI VFQ-39 questionnaire. Visual field defects were graded using simplified Hodapp's classification. VFQ-39 scores were compared between groups. RESULTS We included 60 patients, 28 of whom were classified as early, 16 as moderate, and 16 as advanced stage glaucoma. No differences were found in sex, visual acuity of the better eye, near visual acuity, treatment type, and VFQ rating for "General health" between groups. In the advanced group, VFQ-39 (p = 0.01) and VFQ-25 (p = 0.01) composite scores were significantly lower than in the early group. In addition, distance visual acuity (worse eye) was significantly worse in the advanced than in early stage patients (p = 0.04, Table 4). Patients with advanced glaucoma had significantly lower VFQ-39 subscale scores for "General vision" (p = 0.023), "Near activities" (p = 0.02), "Distance activities" (p = 0.003), "Mental health" (p = 0.008), "Driving" (p = 0.011), and "Peripheral vision" (p = 0.017) than early glaucoma patients. Patients with moderate glaucoma had significantly lower scores for "Distance activities" (p = 0.028) than early stage glaucoma patients. VFI (better eye: r = 0.65, worse eye: r = 0.5) and MD (better eye: r = 0.6, worse eye: r = 0.49) were significantly (p

Diabetes affects most of the organs causing macrovascular and microvascular complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) results from the prolonged uncontrolled hyperglycemia which causes impairment of vision. Quality of life (QoL) of patients with DR is affected due to vision loss. National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) is the questionnaire used to study the effect of DR on QoL.To assess the QoL of the patients with DR.The study enrolled 149 (male-104 and female 45) patients with DR. The previous translated and validated version of NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire was used in the study.Cronbach alpha for internal consistency was between 0.6 and 0.8. The male patient showed significantly higher (p0.05) QoL scores (60.73±1.63) as compared to the female patients (53.15±2.84). Hypertensive patients showed poor QoL as compared to non-hypertensive patients. The patients with a history of diabetes for 16-30 yrs. showed better QoL as compared to other patients.DR affects the QoL of life of patients. Routine assessment of QoL using NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire would be useful for physicians and health care team.

AimTo estimate the minimally important difference (MID) in change in National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) composite score using methods aligned with patient perception.MethodsRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from adults with primary angle closure or primary angle closure glaucoma enrolled in the Effectiveness, in Angle-closure Glaucoma, of Lens Extraction study. We included data from 335 participants with patient reported visual function (VFQ-25) and health status measured by the EQ-5D-3L over 36 months. We used the recommended anchor-based methods (receiver operating characteristic (ROC), predictive modelling and mean change) to determine the MID of the VFQ-25. EQ-5D-3L anchor change was defined as none (0.075 points).ResultsMean baseline VFQ-25 score was 87.6 (SD 11.8). Estimated MIDs in the change in VFQ-25 scores (95% CI) were 10.5 (1.9 to 19.2); 3.9 (−2.3 to 10.1); 5.8 (1.9 to 7.2) and 8.1 (1.7 to 14.8) for the ‘within-patient’, ‘between-patient’ change, ROC and predictive modelling anchor methods respectively. Excluding estimates from the methodologically weaker ‘within-patient’ method, the MID of a change in VFQ-25 composite score is 5.8 (median value).ConclusionsEstimates of the MID using multiple methods assist in the interpretation of the VFQ scores. In the context of early glaucoma related visual disability, a change score of around six points on the VFQ-25 is likely to be important to patients. Further confirmatory research is required. Studies comparing changes in patient-reported outcome measure scores with a global measure of patients’ perceived change are required.

Purpose To investigate the impact of the OrCam MyEye 2.0 (OrCam) on the quality of life and rehabilitation needs in patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or cone-rod dystrophies (CRD). The OrCam is a wearable low-vision aid that converts visual information to auditive feedback (e.g. text-to-speech, barcode and facial recognition). Methods Patients with a clinical diagnosis of RP (n = 9, 45%) or CRD (n = 11; 55%), and a best-corrected visual acuity of

SIGNIFICANCE This research is significant because, although vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) is improved after vision rehabilitation (VR), patients with certain characteristics respond less positively on VRQoL measures, and this should inform future care. PURPOSE The purposes of this study were to evaluate how two VRQoL questionnaires compare in measuring change in patient-reported outcomes after VR and to determine if patient characteristics or occupational therapy (OT) predict higher scores after rehabilitation. METHODS In a prospective clinical cohort study, 109 patients with low vision completed the Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) and the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) before and after VR. Comprehensive VR included consultation with an ophthalmologist and OT if required. The relationships of six baseline characteristics (age, sex, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, field loss, diagnosis) and OT were assessed with VRQoL scores using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS The mean (SD) age was 68.5 (19.2) years, and 61 (56%) were female. After rehabilitation, increases in scores were observed in all IVI subscales (reading [P < .001], mobility [P = .002], well-being [P = .0003]) and all NEI VFQ-25 subscales (functional [P = .01], socioemotional [P = .003]). Those who were referred to OT but did not attend and those who had hemianopia/field loss were less likely to have higher VRQoL in IVI mobility and well-being. Those attending OT for more than 3 hours were less likely to have better scores in emotional NEI VFQ. Men were less likely to have increased scores in functional and emotional NEI VFQ, whereas those with diagnoses of nonmacular diseases had higher odds of having increased scores on the emotional NEI VFQ (all, P < .05). CONCLUSION Both the IVI and the NEI VFQ-25 detected change in patients' VRQoL after rehabilitation. Most of the patient characteristics we considered predicted a lower likelihood of increased scores in VRQoL.

Purpose: To compare a general vision-specific patient-reported outcomes (PRO) instrument, National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEIVFQ-25) with two disease-specific PRO instruments, Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GQL-15), and Viswanathan 10 in patients with varying severity of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: This hospital-based, prospective study enrolled 140 glaucoma patients. The patients were classified into mild, moderate, and severe glaucoma based on visual field defects. All these patients were administered the three PRO instruments and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: All the three instruments showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha for GQL-15, NEIVFQ-25, and Viswanathan 10 were 0.918, 0.937, and 0.929, respectively) There was a statistically significant difference between patients with mild, moderate, and severe POAG with all instruments (P ≤ 0.001). The instruments correlated well across several parameters especially the peripheral vision and glare/dark adaptation. The disease-specific scales however are simpler and faster to administer. Conclusion: All three instruments were reliable in assessment of mild, moderate, and severe glaucoma. They correlated strongly with each other in most of the related subscales, domains, and questions. NEIVFQ-25 additionally gave information regarding the general, psychological, and social effects of the disease.

To improve the usefulness of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) by enabling estimation of measures on an invariant scale and comparisons between patients and across studies.Datasets of baseline NEI VFQ-25 responses from nine studies (seven retina randomized trials, n = 2770; two low vision studies, n = 572) were combined. The method of successive dichotomizations was applied to patient ratings of the main NEI VFQ-25 and six supplemental items to estimate Rasch model parameters using the R package 'msd.' Calibrated item measures and rating category thresholds were estimated for the NEI VFQ-25, as well as for two domain-specific versions: the NEI VFQ-VF that includes only visual function items and the NEI VFQ-SE that includes only socioemotional items.Calibrated item measures were estimated from study participants (n = 3342) ranging in age from 19 to 103 years, with mean (SD) age of 69.3 (11) years and a mean logMAR visual acuity of 0.30 (Snellen 20/40). Item measure estimates had high precision (standard error range, 0.026-0.085 logit), but person measure estimates had lower precision (standard error range, 0.108-0.499 logit). Items were well targeted to most persons, but not to those with higher levels of function.Calibrated item measures and rating category thresholds enable researchers and clinicians to estimate visual, socioemotional, and combined measures on an invariant scale using the NEI VFQ-25.Applying NEI VFQ 25C calibrated item measures (software provided) to the NEI VFQ-25, users can estimate overall, visual, and socioemotional function measures for individual patients.

Background and Objectives: Subjective visual function is currently becoming an increasing appreciation in assessing the health-related quality of life. This study aimed to assess the vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) among patients with refractive errors, keratoconus, senile cataract, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using the Chinese version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ-25). Materials and Methods: The questionnaire of NEI-VFQ-25 was filled out in a clinical setting or by telephone/mail. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine which factors are associated with the NEI-VFQ-25. Results: From June 2018 to January 2019, 28 patients with refractive error, 20 patients with keratoconus, 61 with senile cataracts, and 17 with AMD completed the questionnaire NEI-VFQ-25. There were significant differences in the NEI-VFQ-25 subscale of general vision (p = 0.0017), ocular pain (p = 0.0156), near activities (p = 0.0002), vision-specific social functioning (p = 0.007), vision-specific mental health (p = 0.0083), vision-specific dependency (p = 0.0049), color vision (p < 0.0001), peripheral vision (p = 0.0065), and total score (p < 0.0001) among four disease groups, respectively. The multiple linear regression revealed that the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and disease group were important factors of the total NEI-VFQ-25. After adjusting for BCVA, patients with AMD had a worse total NEI-VFQ-25 score than patients with refractive error, keratoconus, or senile cataracts. Conclusions: Among the patients with four ocular disorders and a broad vision spectrum from normal, partial sight, low vision to legal blindness, the BCVA of their better eye was the most important factor in the VRQOL.

Summary Introduction The goal of our study was to create a cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaire « National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire » (NEI-VFQ-25) for the Tunisian population (Tu-VFQ-25) and to test its psychometric properties in a group of patients with chronic uveitis. Patients and methods The study consisted of two steps. The first was translation of the NEI-VFQ-25 and its cross-cultural adaptation to the Tunisian dialect (Tu-VFQ-25) according to the guidelines of Beaton et al. The second step consisted of studying the psychometric properties of the Tu-VFQ-25. Enrolled patients, diagnosed with chronic uveitis, were interviewed face-to-face by two different investigators, followed by a telephone interview by the first investigator 48 hours later. Feasibility, internal consistency and reproducibility of the Tu-VFQ-25 were then tested using statistical methods. Results The mean time taken to administrate the questionnaire to each of the 45 patients was 11 min 40 s (± 2 min 24 s). Internal consistency was acceptable, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients above 0.7 except the “Ocular Pain” and “Driving” subscales (0.645 and 0.559 respectively). Inter-observer reliability was excellent, with intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) ranging from 0.857 to 0.985 for all subscales. Test-retest reliability, assessed for 43 patients, was good to excellent, with ICC above 0.80 for all subscales except “General Vision,” which had a value of 0.786. Conclusion As with previous versions, the Tu-VFQ-25 is an easy and reliable tool for assessing vision-related quality of life of Tunisian patients with chronic uveitis.

Purpose The present study aimed to investigate and compare the psychometric properties of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire‐25 (NEI VFQ‐25) and the Visual Function Index‐14 (VF‐14) in a large sample of patients with cataracts. Methods A total of 1052 patients with bilateral age‐related cataracts were recruited in the study. Patients with other comorbidities that severely impacted vision were excluded. Participants completed the two questionnaires in random order. Classical test theory and Rasch analyses were used to assess the psychometric properties of the questionnaires. Results Complete data were obtained from 899 patients. The mean overall index score on the NEI VFQ‐25 was 76.1 ± 19.0, while that on the VF‐14 was 46.5 ± 15.0. Cronbach's α‐values for the NEI VFQ‐25 and VF‐14 were 0.89 and 0.95, respectively. Ceiling effects were observed on nine of the 12 subscales in the NEI VFQ‐25. The correlation between total scores on the NEI VFQ‐25 and VF‐14 was moderate (r = 0.600; p

Purpose There have been few systematic reports of vision-related activity limitations of people with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We report a merging of data from the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) obtained in five previous studies. We asked whether the Vision Function Scale (VFS; Pesudovs et al., 2010) which was developed for cataract patients would apply in this new population (condition). Methods Five hundred ninety-four individuals completed a total of 1753 questionnaires, with 209 participants providing responses over at least 4 years. Rasch analysis showed that the 15-item VFS was poorly targeted. A new instrument created by adding four driving-related items to the VFS had better targeting. As an indirect validation, VFS-plus person scores were compared to visual field area measured using a Goldmann perimeter, to the summed score for the combined 30–2 and 30/60–1 Humphrey Field Analyzer programs (HFA), to 30-Hz full-field cone electroretinogram (ERG) amplitude, and to ETDRS visual acuity. Changes in VFS-plus person scores with age and between four common heredity groups were also examined. Results The Rasch model of responses to the 19 VFS-plus items had person and item separation of 2.66 and 24.43 respectively. The VFS-plus person scores were related to each vision measure (p p p p Conclusions The VFS-plus instrument quantified a highly-significant annual reduction in perceived vision-related ability over a five-year period. The outcome was consistent with clinical measures of vision, and detected lower perceived vision-related ability in participants with X-linked disease. It may be of use in future studies, but this needs to be tested in a representative population sample.

Author(s): Wright, Charles; Mazzucco, Anna E; Becker, Steven M; Sieving, Paul A; Tumminia, Santa J | Abstract: PurposeTo review past and current National Eye Institute (NEI)-supported age-related macular degeneration (AMD) activities and initiatives and preview upcoming coordinated efforts for studying AMD.MethodsWe conducted and summarized a portfolio analysis and literature review of NEI intramural and extramural AMD activities.ResultsThe NEI supports a broad range of AMD research, both by individual independent investigators as well as through networks and consortia. The International AMD Genomics Consortium, Age-Related Eye Disease Study, Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), and Comparison of AMD Treatments Trial legacy work probed the complex genetics, clinical presentation, and standards of patient care, respectively. The NEI AMD Pathobiology Working Group identified gaps and opportunities for future research efforts. The AMD Ryan Initiative Study and clinical trials testing the efficacies of minocycline to modulate retinal microglia activity and induced pluripotent stem cells-derived retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) patch implants to rescue photoreceptor cell death are among the future directions for NEI-supported AMD research. Finally, NEI commissioned the creation of AREDS2 participant-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines linked to their associated genomic and phenotypic datasets. These datasets will also be linked to the data obtained using their associated iPSC-derived cells (RPE, retina, choroid) and made publicly available.ConclusionsInvestments by NEI for AMD research will continue to provide invaluable resources to investigators committed to addressing this complex blinding disease and other retinal degenerative diseases.Translational relevanceNEI now stands poised to expand the resources available to clinical investigators to uncover disease mechanisms and move experimental therapies into clinical trials.

Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration characterized by progressive, irreversible visual function loss. This analysis evaluates the psychometric properties of the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) composite, near activity, and distance activity scores in patients with GA.Reliability and validity study.Reliability and validity were tested with NEI VFQ-25 data collected from 100 subjects with GA from United States' sites of the phase 2 Mahalo study of lampalizumab (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01229215).Strong internal consistency and reproducibility were demonstrated for the NEI VFQ-25 composite (Cronbach's α, 0.95; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.86), near activity (Cronbach's α, 0.84; ICC, 0.80), and distance activity (Cronbach's α, 0.84; ICC, 0.84) scores. Convergent validity with the binocular measures, Minnesota Low-Vision Reading Test (MNRead) reading speed and Functional Reading Independence (FRI) index score, was demonstrated for baseline NEI VFQ-25 composite (Pearson correlation [r] = 0.61 and 0.69, respectively), near activities (r = 0.69 and 0.73), and distance activities (r = 0.57 and 0.64) scores. Known-group validity testing for baseline mean NEI VFQ-25 scores (composite, near activities, and distance activities) showed differences between patients with mean maximum MNRead reading speed ≥ 80 vs80 words per minute, and between mean FRI index score ≥ 2.5 vs2.5 (all P.0001).Psychometric evidence supports the NEI VFQ-25 as a reliable and valid cross-sectional measure of the impact of GA on patient visual function and vision-related quality of life.

Eight years since the launch of the National Eye Institute Audacious Goals Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, real progress has been made in the effort to restore vision by replacing retinal neurons. Although challenges remain, the infrastructure, tools, and preclinical models to support clinical studies in humans are being prepared. Building on the pioneering trials that are replacing the retinal pigment epithelium, it is expected that by the end of this decade first-in-human trials for the replacement of retinal neurons will be initiated.

Background The NEI VFQ-25 has undergone psychometric evaluation in patients with varying ocular conditions and the general population. However, important limitations which may affect the interpretation of clinical trial results have been previously identified, such as concerns with reliability and validity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ­25) and make recommendations for a revised scoring structure, with a view to improving its psychometric performance and interpretability. Methods Rasch Measurement Theory analyses were conducted in two stages using pooled baseline NEI VFQ­25 data for 2487 participants with retinal diseases enrolled in six clinical trials. In stage 1, we examined: scale-to-sample targeting; thresholds for item response options; item fit statistics; stability; local dependence; and reliability. In stage 2, a post-hoc revision of the scoring structure (VFQ-28R) was created and psychometrically re-evaluated. Results In stage 1, we found that the NEI VFQ­25 was mis-targeted to the sample, and had disordered response thresholds (15/25 items) and mis-fitting items (8/25 items). However, items appeared to be stable (differential item functioning for three items), have minimal item dependency (one pair of items) and good reliability (person-separation index, 0.93). In stage 2, the modified Rasch-scored NEI VFQ­28­R was assessed. It comprised two broad domains: Activity Limitation (19 items) and Socio-Emotional Functioning (nine items). The NEI VFQ­28­R demonstrated improved performance with fewer disordered response thresholds (no items), less item misfit (three items) and improved population targeting (reduced ceiling effect) compared with the NEI VFQ­25. Conclusions Compared with the original version, the proposed NEI VFQ­28­R, with Rasch-based scoring and a two-domain structure, appears to offer improved psychometric performance and interpretability of the vision-related quality of life scale for the population analysed.

Purpose To evaluate the relationship between cataract types and subjective visual function among patients with age-related cataract. Methods This was a prospective, multicenter, 831 Chinese patient-based, cross-sectional study. Patients were administered the Visual Function Index-14 (VF-14) and the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) to evaluate their subjective visual function. Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) was used to evaluate the type of cataract. Relationships among these parameters were analyzed. Results LOCS III cortical (C) and posterior subcapsular scores are negatively associated with VF-14 (r = − 0.188, P r = − 0.146, P r = − 0.223, P r = − 0.160, P r = 0.087, P r = 0.097, P β = − 1.286, P β = 3.826, P β = 4.618, P P P 2. Conclusion Cortical cataract has adverse effects on subjective visual function, while mild-to-moderate nuclear cataract has positive effects. Furthermore, “LOCS III C score > 2” can be a potential cutoff as a reference for cataract surgery without self-assessing questionnaires.

PURPOSE To determine the association of vision-related quality of life (QoL) to demographic factors and visual function in glaucoma suspect or early glaucoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We administered the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) on the same day as a comprehensive ocular examination to participants either with glaucoma or at high risk for developing glaucoma. Regression models were used to determine the association between VFQ-25 composite and subscale scores, visual field status, logMAR equivalent visual acuity (VA), age, and sex. In all analyses we used data from the eye with the best mean deviation (MD), best pattern SD, and best VA. RESULTS Data from 198 participants were analyzed. The mean best MD (±SD) was 0.02±1.52 dB (range, -5.11 to 2.63 dB) and the mean best pattern SD was 1.75±1.03 dB (range, 0.91 to 8.36 dB). The mean VFQ-25 composite score was 91.6±6.7 (range, 54.5 to 100.0). Composite score and the Distance Activities, Color Vision subscale scores were associated with best MD (P≤0.05). The General Vision and Driving subscale scores were associated with best VA (P≤0.03). The composite score and the Distance Activities, Driving, and Color Vision subscale scores were associated with age (P≤0.05). Finally, the Distance Activities, Driving, and Peripheral Vision subscale scores were associated with sex (P≤0.04). CONCLUSIONS Vision-related QoL is associated with visual field status even in early and suspected glaucoma. It is also associated with VA, age, and sex. Particular decreases in QoL are related to distance activities, driving, and color vision.

Purpose: To assess the impact of primary glaucoma of varying severity and duration on psychosocial functioning and quality of life of patients. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried on 200 patients attending the glaucoma clinic of a tertiary care hospital in western India. After obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee, written informed consent was taken. All patients underwent a thorough ophthalmic examination. Those with primary glaucoma were classified as per Hodapp–Parrish–Anderson criteria and asked to respond to the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEIVFQ)-25 questionnaire. Responses were analyzed statistically. Results: Overall mean NEIVFQ 25 composite score was 74.4 ± 18.6. Mean scores were 87.0 (SD 7.2) for mild, 75.9 (SD 8.1) for moderate, and 47.0 (SD 13.7) for severe glaucoma groups. Lower scores were associated with males. Driving (62.2, SD 34.6) and ocular pain (63.5, SD 18.7) were maximally affected while color vision (90.1, SD 18.7) and social health (86.7, SD 20.1) were least affected. The duration of treatment had no effect on mean composite scores with impaired scores seen even in newly diagnosed cases. Age of the patient negatively correlated with NEIVFQ 25 composite score. Conclusion: With disease progression, the psychosocial functioning of the patients is negatively affected. This effect is irrespective of treatment duration and newly diagnosed cases can have impaired Quality of life scores. Quantification of psychosocial status along with education and counseling for all patients may play a definitive role in customizing treatment and providing patients with a better quality of Life.

IMPORTANCE: Understanding factors associated with attaining independent research funding by ophthalmology clinician-scientists receiving National Eye Institute career development awards (K08 or K23) in ophthalmology can be important to maintaining the pipeline of clinician-scientists. OBJECTIVE: To provide continued follow-up of a cohort of ophthalmology clinician-scientists who received National Institutes of Health (NIH) K career development grants. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cohort study from an electronic database review of ophthalmologists who have received either a K08 or K23 career development grant from the NIH. Data were analyzed between December 30, 2015, and December 30, 2017. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Receipt of an NIH R01 grant. RESULTS: We previously characterized a group of more than 100 ophthalmologists who received K awards from 1996 to 2010, of whom 29 were awarded R01 grants. In follow-up of this cohort in 2017, 27 additional K awardees of this initial cohort were awarded an R01 from 2011 to 2017, leading to a total of 62 of 128 ophthalmologists receiving an R01. The mean time to receiving an R01 grant after the K award ended was 2.8 years. The data did not identify a definitive association with sex, having a PhD degree, or research tier of university in obtaining an R01 grant in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In comparison with our previous report of the same cohort, there was a 93% increase in the number of K awardees who have received an R01 award, with the mean time to award being nearly 3 years after completing their K grant. This suggests that most K awardees in ophthalmology are successful in obtaining R01 grants, but one should recognize this may be several years after their K grant has ended.

The cellular environment of the CNS is non-permissive for growth and regeneration. In the retina, transplantation of stem cells has been limited by inefficient survival and integration into existing circuits. In November 2016, as part of the National Eye Institute’s Audacious Goals Initiative (AGI), a diverse collection of investigators gathered for a workshop devoted to articulating the gaps in knowledge, barriers to progress, and ideas for new approaches to understanding cellular environments within the retina and how these environments may be manipulated. In doing so, the group identified the areas of (1) retinal and optic nerve glia, (2) microglia and inflammation, and the (3) extracellular matrix (ECM) and retinal vasculature as key to advancing our understanding and manipulation of the retinal microenvironments. We summarize here the findings of the workshop for the broader scientific community.

Advances in medicine have contributed to a higher average life expectancy, as well as an increasing number of chronic diseases patients. This longevity means that the assessment of the quality of life, particularly that related to vision, has become very relevant.The validation of the translation and cross-cultural adaptation into Spanish of one of the most widely used vision-related quality of life questionnaires. It has sought to ensure that the Spanish version of the questionnaire was equivalent in semantic, conceptual, and technical content and criteria level, compared to its already validated English version.An analytical observational study was conducted using a cohort of patients, in whom their quality of life related to vision was analysed. The study was developed in two steps; the first was the translation and cross-cultural adaptation to Spanish of the NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire. The second one was the psychometric study of the reliability and validity of the scale of the Spanish version.The analysis of the terms of reliability and validity showed that the translation and cross-cultural adaptation met the expected requirements and was well accepted by users.There is now a possibility of having a Spanish validated questionnaire available to assess the quality of life related to vision in patients with chronic diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration.