National Eye Institute 40th Anniversary

In 2009, we mark the 40th anniversary of the National Eye Institute with a year-long celebration that includes scientific symposia and other commemorative events. NEI was established on August 16, 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Public Law 90-489. The new NIH institute was the first government organization solely dedicated to research on human visual diseases and disorders. NEI officially began operations on December 26, 1968, and the National Advisory Eye Council met for the first time on April 3, 1969. Read more about NEI's history in the NIH Almanac.

Anniversary Events

Upcoming Symposia

Advances in Optical Imaging and Biomedical Science
June 1 - 2, 2009

The Fourth Sayer Vision Research Lecture
November 6, 2009

Neuroscience and Vision
November 20, 2009

Focus on Glaucoma
February 19, 2010

Novel Therapeutic Paradigms and Blindness
May 21, 2010