Dr. David L. Epstein Award

About this program

The ARVO Foundation offers the $100,000 Dr. David L. Epstein Award to support promising clinician-scientists conducting glaucoma research in exceptional academic environments. The award funds a mentee in the applicant’s laboratory for either two years at a minimum of 30% effort annually or one year at a minimum of 75% effort, with research focused on glaucoma causes and treatments.

Applicants must be ARVO members, senior-level glaucoma investigators, and active principal investigators with at least two U or R-series NIH grants or international equivalents, including at least one current grant. They must demonstrate successful mentorship of clinician-scientists, sponsor an MD-, OD-, or equivalent-trained mentee within five years of completing formal training, and be employed by a tax-exempt academic institution able to administer the award without indirect costs; applications are due October 1, 2026.