Spotlight on Sight
2024 IMPACT REPORT
In 2024, your generosity shone a spotlight on world-class research. Because of you, we awarded grants to scientists who are pushing the boundaries of understanding blinding eye diseases and moving us closer to treatments that could change lives. You also helped bring our community together through fundraising events and education programs—fueling breakthroughs, answering questions, and building connections that give hope to everyone affected by vision loss.
Fueling Breakthroughs
The 2024 numbers below are more than just numbers. They represent the impact that’s possible when donors, researchers, partners and communities work together to create a future without vision loss.
$2,093,260
invested in vision research
30
new academic discoveries supported
$1,016,451
invested in education, support and community programs
1,560
people reached through national education and support programs
A Year Unlike any Other
In 2024, FBC marked five decades of discovery, community and hope for people living with vision loss. Since our founding in 1974 as the Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation, we’ve grown into Canada’s leading voice for vision research, education, and advocacy, with progress made possible by the dedication of supporters across the country. Over the past 50 years:
$42M+
invested in research, leading to over 850 discoveries
$5M+
invested in education, advocacy and community connection programs
230+
funded research grants
Stories of Impact
There’s no better way to understand the difference FBC has made in our 50 years than through the eyes and experiences of those most affected.
Sight-Saving Research
Researchers across Canada made significant strides in 2024 thanks to funding from FBC and the generosity of our community. From launching new projects and driving discoveries to supporting future leaders in the field, we invested in the breakthroughs that will bring us closer to better treatments and even improved outcomes for people with blinding eye disease. One such researcher making headlines was Dr. David Gamm whose stem cell therapy was approved for a first-of-its-kind clinical trial.
Spotlight on Awards
In 2024, FBC awarded the Clinician Scientist Emerging Leader (CSEL) awards, as well as the Early Career Research Grant awards to researchers pursuing breakthroughs in our understanding of blinding eye disease. Learn more about some of our awardees.
Dr. Brittany Carr
Dr. Brittany Carr, University of Alberta, is diving deep into the mysteries of photoreceptors—specialized cells that allow us to see.
Learn More
Dr. Pierre Mattar
Once a retinal cell dies, it is lost forever. That is why Dr. Pierre Mattar’s lab focuses on understanding how neural cell types are produced and maintained.
Learn More
Dr. Sharon Qiu
Ultimately, Dr. Sharon Qiu hopes her research project will not only enhance patient comfort, but help prolong the health of the cornea.
Learn More
National Strategy for Eye Care Act
In 2024, Parliament passed Bill C‑284, creating the National Strategy for Eye Care Act, taking a major step forward for vision health nationwide. Championed by FBC alongside a coalition of partners and advocates, the strategy aims to improve access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, particularly for those most at risk. It also established Canada’s first Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month in February 2025.
Connection and Community
FBC’s growing line-up of programs and events brought people together across the country in 2024, both online and in person.
MOVE FOR SIGHT
On June 23, 2024, FBC launched the first-ever MOVE FOR SIGHT, a nationwide fundraising initiative encouraging Canadians to move in support of vision research.
Learn MoreView Point
Across Canada, the View Point education series brought even more people impacted by vision loss together to learn, share their experiences, and support one another.
Learn MoreYoung Leaders Program
The one-of-a-kind Young Leaders Program continued to support youth through mentorship, in-person events and online learning
Young Leaders
Download the 2024 Impact Report
Learn about other community events, view our 2024 financial update and read stories about resilience and discovery in the 2024 Impact Report.
Join the Fight!
Learn how your support is helping to bring a future without blindness into focus! Be the first to learn about the latest breakthroughs in vision research and events in your community by subscribing to our e-newsletter that lands in inboxes the beginning of each month.
