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 $42,000.

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

• Open to established mid-career scientists and clinicians whose contributions have advanced vision care and vision science and whose further work is expected to continue to contribute significantly.
• Scientifically and/or clinically accomplished yet under-recognized in his/her respective field(s).
• Open to candidates from the United States and all countries

Nomination Process

• Colleagues or professionals may nominate. A single letter of nomination will be accepted for a given candidate.
• More than one individual may be nominated from any academic institution or organization.
• The letter of nomination must establish that the individual’s contributions to vision care and vision science are substantial and should illustrate his/her distinguished service, leadership and research.
• The letter of nomination must be submitted on the letterhead of the organization or academic institution of the nominator and include his/her full name and title.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae for the nominee must be included.
• Nomination shall be submitted on-line ONLY.

Review

• A panel of scientists and clinicians in the fields of vision care and vision science will review each submission in the first quarter of 2011.
• The winner will be announced immediately following the review process.
• The winner will be presented with a prize at the Bressler Vision Science Award Symposium held in New York City.
• The prize includes a Bressler Award Crystal and, for the Year 2011, an unrestricted cash award of $42,000. The recipient will be invited to join the selection committee for subsequent year’s deliberations.

• 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: $42,000 prize will be presented.

Recipients

• 2010: Martin Friedlander, MD, PhD, of the Scripps Research Institute, for his work in cell biological research and clinical issues of retinal diseases.

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

• 2008: Jonathan C. Horton, MD, PhD, of the Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology and Physiology at the University of California, San Francisco.

• 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