Dry Eye Foundation Brings Patients to Washington DC for First Ever Advocacy Day and Patient Symposium

National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research Co-Hosts
Dry Eye Hill Day and Congressional Briefing

POULSBO, WASHINGTON, July 30, 2025 — In recognition of the 21st Dry Eye Awareness Month, the nonprofit Dry Eye Foundation launched “Dry Eye in DC”, a two-day series of events on Capitol Hill focused on advocacy, disease awareness, community connection and education activities.

“Dry eye patients face significant life impacts from Ocular Surface Diseases and Ocular Surface Pain,” said Aidan Moore, executive director of Dry Eye Foundation (DEF). “Bringing together patients in DC was a compelling way to raise awareness about dry eye and to help patients feel empowered. It was a very emotional weekend.”

Dry Eye in DC began on July 11 with 31 dry eye patients and volunteers participating in 48 congressional visits to advocate for greater awareness and highlight unmet needs, especially the demand for safe, effective and accessible FDA-approved treatments.

“We were proud to partner with the Dry Eye Foundation to support patients as they shared their stories with lawmakers and advocated for better care,” said Dan Ignaszewski, executive director of the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR). “It’s through authentic, human-centered conversations that real policy change begins—and why NAEVR will continue to stand with patients and researchers to ensure vision health remains a national priority.”

NAEVR also hosted the 9th Dry Eye Congressional Briefing, featuring Dr. Gloria Chiu of the USC Keck School of Medicine; patient advocates Dr. Cathy Bishop-Clark and Justin Mendelson; and representatives from DEF. Speakers shared insights on the personal, societal, and economic impact of dry eye disease.

On July 12, DEF hosted its first-ever patient symposium, a full-day in-person and livestreamed event featuring patient and doctor speakers. The symposium’s ambitious agenda featured a keynote address about insights gained from a 25-year eye pain journey (Dr. Cathy Bishop-Clark); story sharing followed by patient panel discussions on the disease journey, mental health impact, outcomes, and successful strategies (Natalie Harger, Dr. Ruth Machin, Ben Makansi and Justin Mendelson); and panel discussions and lectures on medical topics pertaining to diagnosis, treatment and medical evidence (Sandra Brown MD of Cabarrus Eye Center; Gloria Chiu OD FAAO FSLS of Roski Eye/USC; Anat Galor MD MSPH of Bascom Palmer; and Deborah Jacobs MD of Mass Eye and Ear).

First-time advocates were enthusiastic. “Dry Eye in DC was a powerful reminder that healing happens when we bring patients and doctors into the same room—not just to treat symptoms, but to share wisdom and hope,” said Mendelson, of Encinitas, Calif. “It meant a lot to be part of an event where lived experience was treated with the same respect as clinical expertise.”

DEF will release symposium video recordings in August on its YouTube channel. Its newly published 60-page patient guidebook, distributed at the event, is available for purchase at dryeyefoundation.org/store, with a free digital version online.

DEF expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors, including Scope Ophthalmics (gold); Abbvie, Ocusoft, Tarsus, Viatris, and Vital Tears (silver); and Bruder, Dry Eye Shop, Oasis Medical, and Sight Sciences (bronze). Companies that supported patient travel included Abbvie, Tangible Science, Tarsus, Scope, and Viatris. EyeCool Therapeutics sponsored a July 11 reception featuring education about chronic ocular surface pain. DEF also thanks nonprofit collaborators including the Sjögrens Foundation, BostonSight and the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation.

About Dry Eye Awareness Month

In 2005, the Sjögren’s Foundation, along with coalition partners, asked Congress to officially declare July “Dry Eye Awareness Month” to help increase awareness of dry eye, while also educating the public about symptoms and treatment options. 

About Dry Eye Foundation

The Dry Eye Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Poulsbo, Washington. Its mission is to improve patients' quality of life. The ocular surface diseases and ocular surface pain disorders that many patients face have profound functional, financial and emotional impact. Dry Eye Foundation is working to restore hope, redefine disease and reshape the future for people with these conditions, through its community service, education, research and advocacy programs.

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Aidan Moore
Rebecca Petris
800-484-0244
media@dryeyefoundation.org 

About NAEVR

The National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR) is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to securing robust federal funding for vision research. Through strategic lobbying and grassroots advocacy efforts, NAEVR works tirelessly to ensure that the National Eye Institute (NEI) and other vision-related research programs, including the Department of Defense’s (DoD) vision initiatives, receive critical support from Congress. NAEVR engages with legislators, federal agencies, and key stakeholders to highlight the impact of vision research on public health, innovation, and the economy. By championing the needs of scientists, patients, and the broader eye health community, NAEVR drives meaningful policy changes that advance treatments and protect sight for millions of Americans.

Judy Hill
Director, Communications and Events
National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research/Alliance for Eye and Vision Research
judy@eyeresearch.org
240.351.3413