Advocacy Resources

Why should you advocate?

It is important for researchers to speak out in support of robust eye and vision research funding. As credible spokespeople, you are uniquely positioned to explain to the public and key stakeholders why and how eye and vision research is a worthy federal investment. At ARVO, we regularly sign on to letters and craft testimony on behalf of the membership to advocate for adequate research funding. However, as a scientist and citizen, your individual voice is also needed!  

View Advocacy Handbook

Take action

Contact U.S. Congress

Advocacy information for maintaining NEI

Save the NEI (one-pager)

U.S. Appropriations Process

Find your Members of Congress

Track NIH and NSF grants

Learn about the Joint Associations Group on Indirect Costs and the FAIR Model

Contact U.S. Congress

Advocacy information for maintaining NEI

Save the NEI (one-pager)

U.S. Appropriations Process

Find your Members of Congress

Track NIH and NSF grants

Learn about the Joint Associations Group on Indirect Costs and the FAIR Model

Toolkits and Guides

Whether garnering support for the sciences or making the case for a specific policy, ARVO provides various resources that can help you advocate on behalf of eye and vision science.

ARVO Advocacy Handbook

Learn how to educate key stakeholders about the importance of funding eye and vision research

International Advocacy Toolkits

Advocate for funding in your home country for the advancement and preservation of vision research

Capitol Hill Guide

How to advocate for vision research on Capitol Hill

Science Outreach Event Guide

How to prepare an event for scientists about science policy issues

Patient Engagement Day Guide

How to organize a small patient engagement day for scientists and patients to come together and share perspectives

More educational materials

Global Perspectives on Science Advocacy Survey

Animals in Eye and Vision Research [one-pager]

ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research

ARVO Toolkit for Conducting Secure Biomedical Research Involving Laboratory Animals

2025 NIH's Gold Standard Science Plan

United for Medical Research Toolkit

Global Perspectives on Science Advocacy Survey

Animals in Eye and Vision Research [one-pager]

ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research

ARVO Toolkit for Conducting Secure Biomedical Research Involving Laboratory Animals

2025 NIH's Gold Standard Science Plan

United for Medical Research Toolkit

ARVO Advocacy Awards

Opens Nov. 1: View the criteria and guidelines for nominations

Learn more