The Discovery Eye Foundation (DEF) was founded in 1970 by Rita and Morris Pynoos as The Discovery Fund after their son Jon was diagnosed with keratoconus.  (pictured: right to left, Morris & Rita Pynoos with donors, 1986)

As a vital catalyst for discovery and research, DEF has enjoyed the spotlight among medical, academic and philanthropic organizations for many years. The DEF research laboratories are located on the University of California at Irvine in the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, and were named the "Morris S. Pynoos Eye Research Laboratories" in honor of Mr. Pynoos' support and commitment.

Through the establishment of two educational programs, the National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF) and the Macular Degeneration Partnership (MDP), DEF has worked to provide the public with current, unbiased information on keratoconus and age-related macular degeneration. These outreach programs provide information in a variety of formats including websites, free publications, regular newsletters, support groups and direct telephone access to healthcare professionals.