Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Vision Research Program (VRP) Clinical Trial Award (CTA) supports the rapid implementation of clinical trials with the potential to have a significant impact on the treatment or management of service-connected eye injury and visual dysfunction. Research must align with at least one of the FY26 VRP Focus Areas.  

Distinctive Features:

·       For interventions that require Investigational New Drug (IND)/Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) or equivalent regulatory authorizations for clinical testing, the IND/IDE application or equivalent must be submitted to the relevant Regulatory Agency by the CTA application submission deadline. In addition, applicants must provide documentation of communication from the Regulatory Agency indicating that the IND/IDE or equivalent is active/safe to proceed by March 1, 2027, in order for the CTA application to be considered for funding. Refer to Attachment 7: Regulatory Strategy for further details.

·       Scored peer review criteria include Clinical Impact; Research Strategy and Feasibility; Recruitment, Accrual, Retention; Regulatory Strategy and Transition Plan; Statistical Plan and Data Analysis; Ethical Considerations; Personnel and Communication.

·       Programmatic review criteria include adherence to the intent of the CTA, contribution to program portfolio, relative impact and relevance to military health.

https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/press/2026/vrppreann