Building knowledge, confidence, and leadership in the global retina community
The Retina International Education Hub is a four-month international learning programme designed to equip patient advocates, community leaders, and early-career researchers with the knowledge and skills needed to actively contribute to research, healthcare, and policy discussions affecting people living with retinal conditions.
Through expert-led sessions, peer learning, and practical assignments, participants gain insight into retinal research, innovation, clinical development, regulation, and patient advocacy — strengthening the global voice of the retina community.
Empowering the Next Generation of Retina Advocates
As part of Retina International’s commitment to Empower, Advocate, and Innovate, the Education Hub provides structured learning opportunities that empowers members of the retina community to become informed and effective contributors to research and health policy.
Now entering its sixth year, the Education Hub has created a growing international network of trained patient advocates who are better equipped to represent community perspectives in discussions with researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and industry partners.
The programme brings together participants from across the world to learn from leading experts, exchange experiences, and build lasting connections within the global retina community.
What is the RI Education Hub?
Building a Stronger, More Informed Retina Community
Strengthen knowledge and skills
Build understanding of retinal conditions, research, innovation, and healthcare pathways to support informed participation in scientific and policy discussions.
Develop effective patient advocates
Support participants in becoming confident representatives of the patient perspective locally, nationally, and internationally.
Create a global network of patient leaders
Develop a community of trained advocates who can contribute to advisory boards, research initiatives, and advocacy opportunities.
Support local capacity building
Provide member organisations with tools and knowledge that can be adapted to strengthen their own communities.
Foster collaboration
Create new connections between patient organisations, researchers, clinicians, learned societies, and other stakeholders.
A Four-Month Learning Journey
Duration
Four months
Delivery
- Virtual seminars every two weeks
- Approximately 2.5 hours per session
Learning approach
- Expert presentations
- Group discussions
- Case studies
- Assignments and reflection exercises
- Peer-to-peer knowledge exchange
Join the Global Retina Advocacy Community
Patient advocates
Individuals representing people living with retinal conditions who want to strengthen their advocacy skills.
Members of Retina International organisations
Representatives from RI member organisations seeking to develop knowledge and leadership capacity.
Individuals living with retinal conditions
People affected by retinal disease who want to contribute to improving research and healthcare.
Supporters and caregivers
Those supporting individuals with retinal conditions and advocating for better outcomes.
Early-career researchers
Researchers in retinal science or clinical research interested in understanding patient involvement.
Students
Students interested in retinal health, research, and patient advocacy.
Who Makes a Strong Candidate?
Successful participants demonstrate:
- Commitment to advancing the mission of Retina International
- Interest in research, healthcare innovation, and advocacy
- Ability to collaborate internationally
- Strong communication and critical thinking skills
- Motivation to represent the patient perspective
Participants should be:
- Affiliated with a Retina International member organisation (or SMAB member where applicable)
- Comfortable participating in English-language sessions
- Able to commit to programme requirements
Continuing the Impact Beyond the Programme
Alumni are supported to:
- Participate in advocacy initiatives
- Share knowledge within their communities
- Engage in research and policy discussions
- Contribute to advisory opportunities
Future development:
- Alumni profiles
- Advocacy stories
- Community achievements
- Peer networking opportunities
RI Education Hub: Advancing Patient Involvement in Research
RI had the honour of presenting the Education Hub at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting in 2022.
Our abstract, ‘Short-Term Evaluation of a Capacity Building Training Course (Retina International Education Hub) for Patients and Patient Representatives in Patient Involvement in Degenerative Retinal Diseases Research and Development’, was published in Value in Health – International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR).
Voices from Education Hub Participants
Testimonials received from the participants of the Education Hub.
“The Education Hub content was hugely valuable and has filled gaps in my knowledge about issues that are really important for patient advocacy organisations”
“I really enjoyed learning about other countries’ genetic testing processes, and comparing and finding gaps where we may be able to help.”
“I love how we went into the history of ethics, and then discussed different scenarios. It was fascinating to hear other people’s opinions. I love the open discussion setting.”
“The wide range of benefits and options that were discussed about different registries was fascinating. I am very intrigued to find out more about the LHON repository to see how we can adopt some of the same principles.”
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