Foundation Leadership

Dr. Amy Laster is the chief scientific officer at the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the driving force in the global development of treatments and cures for retinal degenerative diseases. With over $954 million raised to date, the Foundation supports more than 100 research projects worldwide under Dr. Laster’s leadership.

A neuroscientist by training, Dr. Laster directs the Foundation’s scientific strategy, collaborating with the Scientific Advisory Board, Board of Directors, academic institutions, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, venture funding entities, government agencies, and key research donors. She is responsible for the overarching scientific strategy for the Foundation, including the preclinical and early translational research programs, ensuring the Foundation remains at the forefront of innovation.

Dr. Laster has conducted significant research on neuroregeneration following acute injury and the causes of neurological monogenic diseases. She serves on the executive committee of the Health Research Alliance Board of Directors and the ClinGen Retina Ocular Clinical Domain Working Group. Her dedication to advancing science reflects the Foundation’s commitment to finding cures for blinding retinal diseases.