Grant Summary

Fight for Sight (FFS) and Birdshot Uveitis Society of North America (BUSNA) are partnering to offer a $2,500 research grant for Summer 2023. The grant will be awarded for the study of birdshot uveitis. Given how rare birdshot is, the award may also be given to study posterior uveitis. The goal of this grant is to promote research into this disease and ultimately to prevent sight loss.

Birdshot is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the eye. Its cause is unknown, but a genetic component is suspected. Without aggressive treatment, permanent blindness can result.

Birdshot is considered an “orphan disease” because it affects so few people. Currently, only about 10,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States. As such, research funds are limited.

Selection criteria will be provided by the FFS Scientific Review Committee (SRC). FFS terms, guidelines, review, and funding mechanisms of FFS’ present grant structure will apply.

About Our Funding Partner:
Birdshot Uveitis Society of North America

Birdshot Uveitis Society of North America (BUSNA) is the only organization in the United States devoted to birdshot uveitis, a rare, vision-threatening autoimmune eye disease. It was founded in June 2020 by seven birdshot patients / volunteers who comprise the board of directors. The organization’s mission is to raise awareness and research funds, as well as provide support to newly diagnosed patients. To further this mission, BUSNA offers a website with comprehensive information and resources about birdshot, a vibrant social media community on four platforms, virtual patient meetups several times per year, virtual webinars and presentations by medical experts, and multiple fundraising events. A goal is to host a day-long, in-person event for patients, medical professionals, and vendors focusing on birdshot. BUSNA is registered in Pennsylvania and is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).