The Vit-Buckle Society invites applications for its inaugural Retina Surgery Research Grant Program. This program is designed to support innovative research that advances the science and practice of vitreoretinal surgery and improves outcomes for patients with retinal disease.

The grant program seeks to foster the development of new surgical techniques, technologies, imaging modalities, and translational discoveries that enhance the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of retinal surgical care. Preference will be given to projects with the potential to influence clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

Mission

The Vit-Buckle Society Retina Surgery Research Grant Program is dedicated to advancing vitreoretinal surgery through the support of innovative research, fostering the next generation of surgical investigators, and promoting discoveries that improve vision and quality of life for patients with retinal diseases.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• Practicing retina specialists within 10 years of completion of their surgical retina fellowship
• Be affiliated with an accredited academic institution, hospital, or practice
• Be eligible to conduct research under the policies of their institution/practice

Funding

• Award Amount: Up to $25,000
• Project Duration: Up to 12 months with an additional no cost extension up to 12 months
• Number of Awards: One
• Indirect Costs: Not permitted
• Funds may be used for personnel, research supplies, imaging, statistical support, laboratory costs, and other direct project expenses

Application Requirements

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF and include:

1. Applicant Curriculum Vitae
2. Research Proposal (maximum 2 pages), including:
   • Background and significance
   • Specific aims
   • Research design and methods
   • Anticipated challenges and alternative approaches
   • Potential impact on vitreoretinal surgical care
3. Project Timeline
4. Detailed Budget and Justification
5. Letter of Institutional/Practice Support
6. Conflicts of Interest
7. Current and Pending Grants/Funding
8. IRB/IACUC approval status, if applicable

Review Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by a Scientific Review Committee with expertise in vitreoretinal surgery and retinal research.

Review criteria include:

• Innovation and originality
• Scientific rigor and methodological quality
• Feasibility of project completion within the proposed timeline
• Qualifications of the investigator and research team
• Relevance to vitreoretinal surgical practice
• Potential for meaningful impact on patient outcomes

Awardee Responsibilities

Recipients will be expected to:

• Submit a 6 month progress reports and a final project report.
• Acknowledge support from the Vit-Buckle Society Early Career Retina Surgery Research Grant in all resulting publications and presentations.
• Present study findings at the Vit-Buckle Society Annual Meeting within 2 years of receiving the award.

Key Dates

•  Application Deadline: 12/1/26 at 11:59PM EST
• Award Notification: 2/1/27
• Funding Start Date: 4/1/27

For questions regarding eligibility, submission requirements, or the review process, please contact:

Susan Gallagher-Pecha
Executive Director
Vit-Buckle Society
susan@vitbucklesociety.org