Retina International joined colleagues from across the global retinal community in Vienna for EURETINA 2026, with a packed programme of presentations, discussions and meetings focused on the future of retinal research, care and innovation.
The 26th EURETINA Congress, held from 1-4 October in Vienna, brought together clinicians, researchers, patient organisations, industry and other stakeholders from across the retinal community.
For Retina International, the congress provided an important opportunity to share our work, contribute the patient perspective to scientific and policy discussions, and strengthen relationships with colleagues and partners working across the field.
Sharing the patient perspective
RI was represented throughout the congress by Franz Badura, Board Chair, Avril Daly, CEO, Dr Nabin Paudel, Director of Research, Patient Evidence and Programmes, and Dr Ellen Moran, Head of Scientific Affairs.
Our team contributed to several sessions covering areas central to RI’s work, including patient-centred research, meaningful outcomes, emerging retinal therapies, European policy and the role of patient organisations in shaping the future of retinal innovation.
At the RI Partner Update, our team shared updates on RI’s strategy and membership, research portfolio, European legislation, and the evolving therapeutic landscape for IRDs.
RI also participated in the joint session “Fostering Retinal Innovation in Europe through Structured Collaboration”, exploring how collaboration across the retinal community can help advance innovation while keeping patient needs and value-based care at the centre.
Bringing patient experience into research and innovation
The congress also provided an opportunity to continue conversations around the importance of patient experience data and meaningful outcomes in retinal research and development.
These themes are central to RI’s work to ensure that the experiences, priorities and needs of people living with retinal diseases are reflected throughout the research and development lifecycle, from identifying meaningful outcomes to evaluating new treatments and informing policy.
Dr Nabin Paudel also presented our work on anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation among people living with IRDs, sharing preliminary findings from our multinational survey on emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Building connections across the retinal community
Beyond the formal programme, the congress was also an important opportunity to meet with members, researchers, clinicians, industry partners, patient organisations and other partners from across Europe and beyond.
These conversations are an important part of RI’s work. By bringing different perspectives together, we can strengthen collaboration, share knowledge and continue working towards research, therapies and healthcare systems that better reflect the priorities of people living with retinal diseases.
We are grateful to everyone who took the time to meet with us, attend our sessions, share their expertise and contribute to the conversations throughout the congress.
Thank you to team EURETINA for bringing the retinal community together. We leave the congress with new connections, new ideas, and plenty to build on as we continue working towards a future where patient experience and patient voice are integral to retinal research, innovation, and care.
