Endowments
The Knights Templar Eye Foundation has established endowed professorship programs and research endowments at leading research universities and teaching hospitals.
Our Current Informational Booklet
From the President
We have learned over past decades that our efforts in funding pediatric ophthalmology research have been the primary reason that we have had fewer and fewer children with strabismus (crossed eyes) to treat. Our research dollars have helped develop new, non-surgical treatments for this problem, and additional research and endowment programs are all being funded as well by your faithful support.
Every donation will assist in making a tremendous difference in the lives of children by helping the Foundation to fulfill its mission.
Sir Knights, aside from his salvation, there is no greater gift for man on this earth than the gift of sight. Through your generous contributions, lives are being changed; research is being funded, which is allowing mankind to lead more fruitful and blessed lives.
Pediatric Ophthalmology Grants
The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. is committed to support research that can help launch the careers of clinical and basic researchers focused on the prevention and cure of potentially blinding diseases in infants and children. Grants supported by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. are awarded to impact the care of infants, children, and adults. Clinical and basic research on conditions that may be potentially preventable or correctable such as amblyopia, cataract, glaucoma, optic nerve hypoplasia, nystagmus, retinopathy of prematurity, and hereditary diseases that occur at birth or within early childhood, such as retinoblastoma, is encouraged. Proposals for support of basic research on eye and visual system development also are welcome.
Each year the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., invites eligible investigators to submit applications for pediatric ophthalmology research grants:
Career-Starter Research Grants - up to $90,000 per grant. Applicants for these grants must be at the beginning of their academic careers and must have received M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
Competitive Renewal Grants - up to $90,000 per grant to extend the original grant project for one additional year when the data collected from the original grant is compelling enough to apply.
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Watch Now
A message from the John S. Penn Ph.D. former chair of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. Scientific Advisory Committee.
Where we are today…
The original mission of the Foundation was "to provide assistance to those who face loss of sight due to the need for surgical treatment without regard to race, color, creed, age, sex or national origin provided they are unable to pay or receive adequate assistance from current government agencies or similar sources and to provide funds for research in curing diseases of the eye."
On December 31, 2010, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., by direction of the board, shifted the Foundation's focus and adopted a new mission statement "to improve vision through research, education, and supporting access to care." The Foundation now only participates in direct patient care through the Seniors Eye Care Program in partnership with EyeCare America and the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. With this change, the Foundation is benefitting untold millions in generations to come through grants that support research and education.
181+
Million Dollars Spent
Since its inception, the Foundation has expended over $181 million on research, patient care, and education.
41+
Million in Research Grants
Research grants totaling in excess of $41 million have been awarded to researchers working in the fields of pediatric ophthalmology and ophthalmic genetics.
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Endowments
All endowed professorships and research endowments are awarded $2 million, matched dollar for dollar by the institution.
Get Involved
Funds for the operation of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation are obtained from an annual assessment of each Knight Templar, contributions made by Masons from throughout the Masonic Family, fund-raising activities, memorials, wills and bequests, and donations from endowment funds or similar sources. See how you can help support us below.
Donate today
Click below to see the various ways you can donate to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation right now.
Planned Giving
There are creative ways in which the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, you and your loved ones all benefit at the same time.
Our Shop
In addition to donations, we also offer a variety of Knights Templar Eye Foundation Items that you can receive for a donation.