Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we welcome 2026, I want to reflect on what we accomplished together in 2025. The Eye & Ear Foundation exists to support the groundbreaking work of the Departments of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh—and this year, your generosity helped make extraordinary progress possible.
In vision care, research advanced in areas such as gene therapy, optogenetics, and whole eye transplantation, with promising steps toward personalized treatments through digital twin technology. Hearing health saw major strides as well, including expanded cochlear implant candidacy. Innovative community outreach programs expanded, like the Communication Van and Eyes on Wheels, which are bringing care directly to those who need it most.
Head and neck cancer and reconstructive surgery remained a critical focus. Surgeons introduced new techniques using advanced implant technology to restore function and improve quality of life for patients facing complex conditions. These efforts underscore the breadth of impact your support enables—from restoring sight and sound to tackling life-threatening diseases.
Our community initiatives broke records, with Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh serving thousands and providing essential hearing aids and glasses to underserved populations. These achievements were fueled by the collective generosity of many donors who share our vision for accessible, world-class care.
Looking ahead to 2026, we remain committed to supporting innovation, education, and outreach. Together, we will continue to transform lives through sight, sound, and comprehensive care.
Thank you for being an essential part of this mission.
Warm regards,
Lawton Snyder
Chief Executive Officer
Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh