The Retina Foundation launches the 100 Grand Challenge, an impact investment to support current and future vision‑changing breakthroughs
The Retina Foundation, a global medical destination to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment, shared inspiration and plans for the future at its annual Visionary Luncheon, on Thursday, May 14 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
J.R. Thomas, a healthcare leader and luncheon emcee, recognized the Retina Foundation’s 50 years of impact and honored its founders’ trailblazing work in vision research and treatment.
“With the help of Dallas community leaders, a legacy of pioneering research, life-changing discoveries, and an enduring commitment to preserving vision the foundation has flourished,” said J.R. Thomas. “Today, we honor the founders and the scientists, donors, clinicians and patients who have carried their mission forward.”
The Retina Foundation set at a record-breaking 2026 fundraising goal of $1.3 million, fueled by the ongoing 100 Grand Challenge led by Mason Brown to make impact investment a catalyst for vision‑changing breakthroughs. Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Judy and Harold Kaye, and Helen and Bob McGraw accepted the challenge and donated $100,000 each. Proceeds support the Retina Foundation’s work in age‑related macular degeneration (AMD), inherited retinal diseases (IRD), and pediatric eye conditions, accelerating research to save vision and helping ensure patients are provided care at no cost. As of May 14, the Retina Foundation has raised $923,300 and continues to build momentum toward its record 2026 goal.
Dr. Karl Csaky, Chief Strategy Officer for the Retina Foundation, chaired the event, with Retina Foundation co-founder Dr. William L. Hutton serving as honorary chair. Both are pioneering ophthalmologists whose work has advanced clinical research and treatment, including breakthroughs in AMD and vitreoretinal surgery.
“Our discoveries have changed lives across the globe, bringing groundbreaking research from the laboratory directly to patients and families,” said Dr. Csaky. “To save vision for those battling retinal degeneration, we need significant impact investments to continue. A great vision deserves a grand investment.”
Following the 50th anniversary video tribute, Libby Hunt Allred presented this year’s Hunt Family Visionary Award to Delta Gamma for its steadfast commitment to improving the lives of people with visual impairments through their fraternity-wide philanthropy, Service for Sight. Each year, the Retina Foundation presents the honor to an individual, family or organization who has helped to advance vision-saving research. The award was named to honor multiple generations of the Hunt Family for their unwavering support of the Foundation’s mission to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment. Delta Gamma has been a valued partner of the Retina Foundation for more than 26 years and has granted more than $100,000 in direct support to the Retina Foundation.
“Thank you to the Retina Foundation and its scientists for the incredible work being done to prevent and restore sight. Through our philanthropy Service for Sight, we are honored to support the foundation”, said Tricia Loe, award recipient representative from Delta Gamma Foundation.
Thomas moderated a Business Impact Panel featuring Doug Hawthorne, LFACHE, and Jay Rosser on the economic and societal return of investing in vision health and vision-saving research. Together, the panelists brought decades of leadership experience spanning healthcare, finance, and civic organizations. The conversation underscored how the Retina Foundation’s world-class scientific rigor is matched by its highly effective business model, allowing investments to be exponentially leveraged. Blindness and low vision cost the United States an estimated $139 billion annually in direct medical expenses, lost productivity and long-term care.
“The Retina Foundation is a gift to Dallas for their expertise and on-the-ground efforts to save sight. The doctors at the Foundation are sought out across the globe for their innovative and transformative research,” Hawthorne said.
In a grand finale, Dr. Karl Csaky presented an AI visual depiction of the future and how the Retina Foundation’s innovative accomplishments and plans will the set the course to find solutions to vision loss faced by patients with retinal degeneration.
“The mission remains as vital as ever to push the boundaries of discovery, accelerate new treatments and continue bringing hope backed by science to all those facing vision loss,” said Dr. Csaky. “Our goal is to expand our patient and research facility in Dallas and provide mobile vision care clinics that can access patients across the state, especially in rural communities.”
Supporters for the 2026 Visionary Luncheon include:
100 GRAND CHALLENGERS
Mason Brown
Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Judy & Harold Kaye
Helen & Robert G. McGraw
SPONSORS
Accelerator Sponsor
Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Judy & Harold Kaye
Inventor Sponsors
Jill & Grant Henderson
Innovator Sponsors
Margot Perot
Transformer Sponsor
Helen & Robert G. McGraw
Milestone Message Sponsors
Doug & Laurie Dotter
J.R. Thomas Family Foundation
Trisha Wilson Foundation
Patron Party Sponsor
Jennifer & Bill Voss
VIP Reception Sponsor
Sue & William Hutton
Susanna & James Merritt
Explorer Sponsors
Eva & Karl Csaky
Frank Fletcher
Donna & Lou Grabowsky
Martha & Doug Hawthorne
Nancy & Herbert Hunt Family Foundation
Richard Massman
Oncor
Supporters
Diane Boddy
Sandy & David Callanan
Amy Johnson
Angela & Marc Klein
Tricia Loe – Delta Gamma
Bobby Lyle
Northern Trust
Monica & Jay Rosser
Vivian & Richard Schaar
Rand Spencer
Texas Retina Associates
Sue Tomlin
Tia & Antonio Tomlin
For more information on how to donate please visit, https://retinafoundation.org/donate/.
Source: Press release
