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Mission & History

Three people smiling and laughing together in front of a light blue background.

The Choroideremia Research Foundation (CRF) is the largest organization in the world solely dedicated to finding a cure for choroideremia (CHM).

Our mission: to raise funds for scientific research leading to a treatment or cure for choroideremia—a hereditary retinal degenerative disease that causes blindness; to educate and support those affected; and to increase public awareness.

Founded in 2000 by a small group of individuals living with CHM, CRF was built to make a difference for themselves, their families, and the thousands of others impacted by this rare disease. Today, an estimated 6,600 men in the United States are affected.

Saving sight is our vision. Building hope is how we’ll get there.

Achievements & History

Choroideremia is rare—and so is our drive for a cure. CRF’s commitment to research, collaboration, and discovery has fueled breakthroughs that bring us closer every year. Since receiving nonprofit status in 2000, we have invested over $6 million in research on the causes and potential treatments for CHM.

Highlights include:
  • Funding early studies that created CHM mouse models, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models, and a human CHM cell biobank.
  • Supporting pre-clinical gene therapy projects that led directly to three clinical trials.
  • Hosting regular conferences, symposia, regional meetings, and webinars that connect patients, families, and researchers worldwide.

In 2021, CRF spearheaded the launch of the International Choroideremia Research Network (ICRN)—a global alliance of nearly 140 vision researchers and clinicians from 25 countries working together to accelerate progress.

Looking ahead, CRF is exploring advancements in gene therapy, optogenetics, neuroprotection, RNA/DNA editing, stem cell therapy, sight replacement, assistive technologies, and understanding how genetic variations may affect disease progression and outcomes. To learn more about CRF’s accomplishments, watch our State of the CRF webinar and review our 2024–2027 Strategic Plan to see our priorities for the years ahead.

 State of the CRF Webinar
2024-2027 Strategic Plan

Looking ahead, CRF is exploring advancements in gene therapy, optogenetics, neuroprotection, RNA/DNA editing, stem cell therapy, sight replacement, assistive technologies, and understanding how genetic variations may affect disease progression and outcomes. To learn more about CRF’s accomplishments, watch our State of the CRF webinar and review our 2024–2027 Strategic Plan to see our priorities for the years ahead.