PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
To support eye and vision research projects that address the leading causes of blindness and impaired vision in the U.S. These include retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration; corneal diseases; cataract; glaucoma; strabismus; amblyopia; and low vision and its rehabilitation. To increase understanding of the normal development and function of the visual system; to understand the causes of, and to better prevent, diagnose, and treat sight-threatening conditions; and, to enhance the rehabilitation, training, and quality of life of individuals who are partially-sighted or blind. To support a broad program of basic vision research through grants and cooperative agreements; to encourage high quality clinical research, including clinical trials, other epidemiologic studies, and health services research; to encourage research training and career development in the sciences related to vision; and to sponsor scientific workshops in high priority research areas to encourage exchange of information among scientists. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program: To increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; to encourage small business participation in Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program: To stimulate and foster scientific and technological innovation through cooperative research development carried out between small business concerns and research institutions; to foster technology transfer between small business concerns and research institutions; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation.

 ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. HEALTH;
- Health Research - General;
- Prevention and Control;
- Specialized Health Research and Training;

 WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- Federal;
- State;
- Local;
- Public nonprofit institution/organization;
- Individual/Family;
- Profit organization;
- Private non-profit institution/organization;
- Student/Trainee;
- Scientist/Researcher;
- U.S. Citizen;

 WHO CAN APPLY:
- State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Local (includes State-designated Indian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Public non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Individual/Family;
- Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);