The Blanche Matthias Society
The Blanche Matthias Society, named in honor of our beloved financial founder, was established to specially acknowledge bequests and donors who notify us of planned giving, which is so critical to our mission.
Born in Chicago in 1887, Blanche Matthias led a spirited, action-packed life. She was a world-wide traveler, ardently championed the new art and artists of her day, and was a published poet and essayist.
Blanche was at the forefront in the fight against glaucoma. When diagnosed with the loss of vision in her second eye, she was determined to help Drs. Robert Shaffer, H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr., and John Hetherington find hope for new treatments for their patients. A bequest in her will helped establish the Glaucoma Research Foundation — an institution that has been a beacon of hope nationally for more than 40 years.
There’s a little of the indomitable spirit of Blanche Matthias in all of us — a little of that capacity to make a big difference with a simple act of personal commitment. Over the years, bequests to the Glaucoma Research Foundation have totaled more than $14 million — a major contribution toward helping us advance a cure.
The Blanche Matthias Society was created to:
The vital work we do depends almost solely on the contributions of individuals like you. The Glaucoma Research Foundation receives no government funding and the nature of the breakthrough research we pioneer is typically not funded by risk-averse government entities.
The Glaucoma Research Foundation was established by a bequest from Blanche Matthias to make a profound difference in the lives of those affected by glaucoma. She was a champion for the cure, and a catalyst for the future. Your own personal legacy can sustain her vision, and write the next chapters of this fulfilling adventure.
Become a Member
Becoming a member of The Blanche Matthias Society is an easy two-step process:
To notify us of your planned bequest, please contact Nancy Graydon:
Phone: (415) 986-3162, ext. 231
or send her an Email.
The Gleams Newsletter includes interviews, personal stories, and current information about glaucoma, new treatments, updates on research findings, and more. You can subscribe to the printed version of Gleams or the electronic version — both are free.
The Gleams Newsletter includes interviews, personal stories, and current information about glaucoma, new treatments, updates on research findings, and more. You can subscribe to the printed version of Gleams or the electronic version — both are free.
FOR EYECARE PROFESSIONALS
FOR EYECARE PROFESSIONALS
Glaucoma Research Foundation • 251 Post Street, Suite 600 • San Francisco, CA 94108 • 415-986-3162
Send us an email
We are a 501c3 tax-exempt national nonprofit. Our tax ID number is 94-2495035. Our EIN number is 94-2495035.
Copyright 2023 all rights reserved.