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Our Vision
Our vision is the preservation and improvement of vision for everyone with a retinal condition, regardless of where they live.
Our Mission
We unite and amplify the voice of the global retina patient community to advance research and shape decisions that affect our lives.
Through tailored education programmes as well as information and experience exchange, we empower our members to overcome the challenges they face, and we coordinate joint action to achieve our common goals.
Our Values
As a community of retinal patient organisations, we:
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Focus on what’s important for people affected by retinal conditions
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Put the needs and interests of our members first
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Have a culture where our members feel they belong, their views are respected, and no one is left behind
As a global alliance, we:
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Are evidence-based and highly proficient in what we do
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Work collaboratively with our stakeholders to advance our mission
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Ensure our activities and communications are accessible for all
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Are accountable for our actions
History
For over four decades, Retina International (RI) has been the voice of patient-led voluntary groups, charities and foundations worldwide who fund and support retinal research that is seeking a cure for inherited and acquired retinal diseases.
The patient-led retinal community started in earnest with the formation of the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) in 1971 by Gordon and Lulie Gund, Bernard and Beverly Berman, and other dedicated patient leaders. The purpose of the organisation was to find cures for retinal diseases at a time when very little was known about what we now understand to be complex genetic conditions. Throughout the 1970s, other countries around the world began to establish organisations based on this model. These groups, also formed by individuals and families affected by these conditions, learned that by funding research into Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) through charitable donations and grants, much could be discovered about these rare conditions.
In the days before every home had a PC, or even a phone, international communication was difficult. Finding ways to reach out globally was essential in what was then a small niche community of patients and researchers. Retina International (RI) was formed in 1978 to act as a tool to deliver the most up to date information on retinal research and development globally. RI holds scientific conferences for a lay audience in a different country every two years; the Retina International World Congress (RIWC). The RIWC brings the community together to share experiences, learn from each other and to find ways in which they can work together to promote the needs of the patient community internationally.
Millions of people all over the world are living with severe vision loss, a significant proportion of which is due to retinal degenerations. For individuals and families who have been diagnosed with a retinal dystrophy, be it rare, genetic and inherited, or age-related, access to relevant, detailed and clearly understandable information is essential.
Retina International strives to improve the lives of these people living with retinal conditions by making this information timely, accurate and accessible. Additionally, we lead and support national and global evidence-based advocacy campaigns to improve healthcare and treatment access for people living with retinal conditions.