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A New Era in Vision Science: Dr. Eric Pierce Receives Llura Liggett Gund Award

On May 1, 2026, the Foundation Fighting Blindness announced the selection of Dr. Eric A. Pierce, MD, PhD, for its prestigious Llura Liggett Gund Award. This honor, the highest bestowed by the Foundation, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of inherited retinal disease research, a domain that has historically offered little hope to those suffering from blindness. Dr. Pierce's pioneering work has reshaped the future of treatments and therapeutic options for a community that once faced a grim prognosis.

For many years, a diagnosis of inherited retinal disease was linked to a slow journey toward blindness, with limited avenues for intervention. Dr. Pierce's life work has fundamentally changed that narrative. Patients who once faced inevitable vision loss now find themselves participating in clinical trials for gene therapies, and many have seen remarkable improvements thanks to FDA-approved treatments. Some patients can even recognize their loved ones—an unthinkable milestone just a few decades ago.

As the William F. Chatlos Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and the Director of the Ocular Genomics Institute at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Dr. Pierce has played a crucial role in identifying genes that cause various inherited retinal diseases. His efforts in developing diagnostic tools are now instrumental around the globe in helping match patients with the most suitable therapies.

Dr. Pierce's exceptional career highlights include his significant involvement in the early trials of AAV-RPE65 gene therapy. His tireless dedication ultimately contributed to the FDA's approval of LUXTURNA® in 2017, marking a historic breakthrough as the first in vivo gene therapy indicated for an inherited condition.

One of his most groundbreaking achievements, however, is his leadership of the BRILLIANCE trial— the first study in the world to apply CRISPR-Cas9 technology to human subjects targeting mutations in the CEP290 gene, which are responsible for specific inherited retinal diseases. The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2024, revealed that 11 participants out of 14 experienced measurable improvements in their vision, including several individuals who had lived with severe visual impairment their entire lives. The findings are a testament to the promise of gene editing as a viable solution for previously untreatable conditions.

Reflecting on his journey in this field, Dr. Pierce stated, "When I started, I had to tell families that we were working toward therapies, but there were no treatment options yet. Today, conversations are different; we are discussing genetic diagnoses and exploring potential therapies and clinical trials that may benefit them. That shift from uncertainty to optimism is the core of our mission, and I share this recognition with the patients, families, and colleagues who made it possible."

Dr. Pierce’s longstanding commitment to the Foundation spans over 25 years, during which he has served as Chair of its Scientific Advisory Board. His work has not only shaped research funding strategies but has also initiated career development programs that empower emerging scientists in the field. Dr. Pierce remains deeply engaged with the community, frequently presenting at Foundation events and offering insights into the frontiers of scientific research.

"Eric has a unique ability to connect with everyone involved in our mission—whether it's a postdoctoral fellow whose work he’s mentoring or a family getting news about their child’s diagnosis," commented Dr. Amy Laster, chief scientific officer at the Foundation Fighting Blindness. "His selection as awardee was unanimous, and anyone who has collaborated with him understands why he stands out."

The Llura Liggett Gund Award was officially presented at the Retinal Therapeutics Innovation Summit in Denver. Famed past recipients include vision science luminaries such as Jean Bennett and José Sahel, who have similarly advanced the fight against vision loss.

About the Foundation Fighting Blindness

Founded in 1971, the Foundation Fighting Blindness is a pivotal organization dedicated to the discovery of treatments and cures for all retinal degenerative diseases. With nearly $1 billion raised to date, its focused mission is to accelerate research efforts targeting conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, and age-related macular degeneration. To learn more, visit FightingBlindness.org.