AGS Foundation

Our Mission

The AGSF's mission is to support glaucoma research and education, and to promote excellence in the care of patients with glaucoma.

What We Do 

The AGSF’s goal is to revolutionize glaucoma care and prevent needless loss of vision for individuals worldwide. We understand that all of the stakeholders in our field (physicians, patients, government and industry) play vital roles and that collaboration among us is critical for success. The foundation is focused on creating and supporting programs that will accelerate the advancement of glaucoma science and its translation into clinically important applications for our patients with glaucoma.

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You Can Make a Difference

Sadly, there are many people worldwide living with the threat of impending blindness from glaucoma. As the population ages and growing numbers are afflicted with serious eye diseases, the AGSF's mission becomes increasingly vital.

You can help us make a difference. Through the reach of the American Glaucoma Society's powerful resources and innovative programs, we provide tangible support to the country's glaucoma specialists and glaucoma researchers who work tirelessly to save their patients' most treasured sense. Together, we can help change lives.

Patient Care

AGS Cares is a public service program dedicated to providing surgical glaucoma care to uninsured or underserved patients through a national network of volunteer glaucoma specialists at no cost to those who qualify. The Foundation has supported over 200 surgeries (and counting!) for patients in need.

AGS Cares

Education

George Spaeth International Fellowship Program

The George L. Spaeth, MD, Endowed International Glaucoma Fellowship Fund was established both to celebrate the leadership of Dr. Spaeth and to advance glaucoma care to the benefit of humankind in perpetuity.

Research

Foundation funding has helped the American Glaucoma Society make a significant impact in the fight to prevent blindness and visual impairment:

Grants and Programs

Young Clinician Scientists — This award is targeted toward clinician scientists in glaucoma in the early stages of their careers. The goal is to encourage the development of young clinician scientists in glaucoma by providing funding for research projects within the first five years after graduation. This time period is critical for developing the skills necessary for a research career and establishing a track record of productivity. This is particularly important for individuals with no other significant source of research funding.

Mid-Career Physician Scientists — Provides research funding for investigators between five and 20 years after fellowship, to allow mid-career investigators to initiate new research or continue ongoing research.

Mentoring for the Advancement of Physician Scientists (MAPS) — The MAPS Program is a multi-faceted mentoring program predominant in fulfilling the mission of the AGS by supporting glaucoma specialists and scientists to further their careers in science and glaucoma research. The funding of this award provides AGS a vehicle to expand its reach to young physician-scientists and focus on providing tools and resources to further their careers as potential leaders in the specialty of glaucoma care.

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INSPIRE 
Initiative for Networking and Support of Prospective Individuals Underrepresented in Resident Education (INSPIRE) Awards were launched in 2023 to enhance opportunities for ophthalmology residents underrepresented in medicine to attend the AGS annual scientific meeting, with the goal of inspiring and encouraging diverse talent in the field of glaucoma.

Alan Crandall International Humanitarian Travel Award 
The Alan Crandall International Humanitarian Travel Award supports early-career international glaucoma specialists by providing mentorship and professional development opportunities within AGS. The award covers travel and registration for the AGS Annual Meeting, where recipients present on the challenges and impact of their work in treating glaucoma in their communities.