The Alfred W. Bressler Prize in Vision Science was established in 2001 through a generous bequest of Alfred W. Bressler. It recognizes a professional in the field of vision science whose leadership, research and service have resulted in important advancements in the treatment of eye disease or rehabilitation of persons with vision loss. A panel of distinguished vision science professionals will select the winner who receives a prize of $40,000.

The Bressler Fund and The Jewish Guild for the Blind

The Jewish Guild for the Blind, one of the nation's foremost not-for-profit vision and health care organizations, is dedicated to addressing the needs of persons who are blind and visually impaired. Its long-standing commitment is demonstrated not only through its connection with the Alfred W. Bressler Fund, but through its wide range of programs and services.

Alfred W. Bressler

The late Alfred W. Bressler was a noted New York attorney who enjoyed a distinguished legal career for more than 70 years. Mr. Bressler spent much of his legal career with Moses & Singer and as president of the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund, one of the nation's best-known philanthropies. A graduate of the Columbia University School of Law in 1927, Mr. Bressler was recognized in 1998 with a professorship named in his honor.

During his lifetime, Mr. Bressler demonstrated a great interest in vision impairment. In recognition of his many contributions and interests, the Bressler Fund was established at The Jewish Guild for the Blind through a substantial endowment from his estate.

Eligibility

The Alfred W. Bressler Prize in Vision Science is open to established professionals in the field of vision science whose contributions have advanced vision care, the treatment of eye disease, or the rehabilitation of persons with visual disabilities or blindness and whose further work is expected to contribute significantly. Candidates from the United States and countries around the world are eligible for the award.

Nomination Process

Nominations for the 2011 Bressler Prize can come from colleagues or professionals in related fields. The nomination package should include a nomination statement that offers a compelling reason for the individual's candidacy. Since the statement will provide an introduction to the candidate, it must recount the contributions to vision science made by the individual over a substantial period of time. An up-to-date curriculum vitae including a bibliography listing the individual's published work should be included. The nominee's distinguished service, leadership and research should be clearly established by the nomination statement and CV. Nominees will be contacted directly for additional information, if necessary.

Submissions are accepted online only. Hard copy and faxes are not accepted. A select panel of judges will review each submission. Nominees will receive an acknowledgement confirming receipt of documents.

Calendar

• December 31, 2010 - Nominations and all supporting documents will have been submitted.
• Winter 2011 - Panel of judges will meet and review each nomination.
• Spring 2011 - Winner will be announced.
• Autumn 2011 - The Alfred W. Bressler Vision Science Symposium: $40,000 prize will be presented.

Recipients

• 2009: Roy W. Beck, MD, PHD, of the Jaeb Center for Health Research and the University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla., for his work in the field of Epidimiology.

• 2008: Jonathan C. Horton, MD, PhD, of the Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology and Physiology at the University of California, San Francisco for his work in the field of Neuro - Ophthalmology.

• 2007: David R. Williams, PhD, of the Center for Visual Science at the University of Rochester.

• 2006: Lois E. H. Smith, MD, PhD, of Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School.

• 2005: Burton J. Kushner, MD, of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

• 2004: Robert W. Massof, PhD, of the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute at Johns Hopkins University, and Eliezer Peli, OD, of the Schepens Eye Research Institute at Harvard Medical School.
  
  
• 2003: Richard A. Lewis, MD, of the Cullen Eye Institute at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.

Bressler Symposium

Each year a symposium is held and organized around the special interests of the current year's Prizewinner. In addition to the award recipient, speakers are invited to present on related research topics.

Representative Papers by Bressler Symposium Speakers

Application Process

Apply for the Bressler Prize

To request information, please contact:

The Alfred W. Bressler Award Program
The Jewish Guild for the Blind
15 West 65th Street
New York, NY 10023
Phone: 212-769-7801
E-mail: bressler@jgb.org