NEI Vision Function Challenge: Expanding Beyond Acuity
The NEI Vision Function Challenge from NIH Challenges seeks innovative scientific methods to assess visual function beyond traditional acuity tests using modern technology and research.
Funder: NIH Challenges
Due Dates: June 11, 2027 (Mandatory Registration) | September 10, 2027 (Phase 1 Submission)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 in total cash prizes; $20,000 per finalist (5 finalists); Grand Prizes: $500,000 (1st), $300,000 (2nd), $100,000 (3rd).
Summary: Prize competition to develop innovative, scalable, and clinically meaningful methods for assessing visual function beyond traditional acuity.
Key Information: Mandatory registration by June 11, 2027 is required to participate.
Description
The NEI Vision Function Challenge, hosted by NIH Challenges, seeks to inspire the development of innovative and scalable solutions for assessing visual function beyond traditional visual acuity tests. Recognizing that acuity alone does not capture the full spectrum of daily visual experience, the challenge encourages integration of dimensions such as contrast sensitivity, dynamic vision, depth perception, glare sensitivity, low-light performance, and patient-reported outcomes. Solutions should leverage advances in digital health, AI, wearable devices, imaging, and patient-centered measurement to create comprehensive, standardized, and interpretable assessments. The ultimate goal is to transform vision research and patient care by redefining how visual function is measured and understood in clinical, research, and public health contexts.
