Bringing the Cure for Glaucoma into Focus
Founded in 1978 in San Francisco, Glaucoma Research Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to curing glaucoma and restoring vision. As the leading private funder of glaucoma research in the United States, the Foundation supports innovative science around the world while empowering a global community affected by glaucoma — the second leading cause of blindness. Through its website, print publications, and digital outreach, the Foundation delivers trusted educational resources, shares research breakthroughs, and connects patients, caregivers, and medical professionals worldwide.
Setting Our Sights
Glaucoma Research Foundation faced a lack of consistency across its digital and print communications, with two disjointed websites—its primary website and its annual conference site—built on outdated infrastructure using Elementor. The organization needed a more cohesive design system, better SEO performance, and a more sustainable backend. Additionally, GRF’s print materials, including its Annual Report, lacked alignment with its digital presence, creating a fragmented brand experience across channels.
Focusing on the Future
To address Glaucoma Research Foundation’s fragmented digital and print presence, Project6 delivered a comprehensive brand and platform refresh across both web and print. Drawing on existing page traffic and competitive keyword research, we proposed key architectural updates and developed a content strategy to focus users on high-value pillar pages. The redesigned websites feature a streamlined visual system with fewer design elements for a more cohesive, modern experience—all while minimizing maintenance for the internal team.
We also implemented a new donation management platform that simplified the giving experience, enabled Apple Pay, and led to increased international donations through a more intuitive and mobile-friendly process.
Accessibility was prioritized throughout to ensure an inclusive experience for GRF’s core audiences, including individuals living with vision loss and their families.
In print, we introduced a refreshed design direction starting with the 2024 Annual Report, aligning it visually and tonally with the new digital brand.
Supporting a Bold Vision
The redesigned Glaucoma Research Foundation websites now serve as vital hubs for individuals seeking information, support, and hope around glaucoma. Visitors can easily access clear, trustworthy resources about diagnoses, symptoms, and treatment options, while also engaging with personal stories that foster a strong sense of community. The new platforms are flexible, scalable, and easy for GRF staff to manage—while also delivering measurable impact: online donations rose significantly, particularly among mobile users, thanks to a simplified donation flow and Apple Pay integration.
The updated digital experience, along with the refreshed 2024 Annual Report, received enthusiastic praise from both internal stakeholders and external audiences for its clarity, accessibility, and alignment with GRF’s mission. The website was also honored with a Gold award at the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards, recognizing excellence in design and impact in the nonprofit sector.
Advancing Your Mission Through Design
We’re proud to support mission-driven organizations like the Glaucoma Research Foundation in amplifying their message and deepening their impact. If you’re looking for a creative partner to bring clarity, consistency, and purpose to your digital or print communications, we invite you to explore our work with nonprofits, foundations, and cause-based organizations—and reach out to see how we can support your mission.
