Retina International was proud to join colleagues, members, partners, researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and patient advocates from around the world at United in Vision 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. Co-hosted by the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Retina International, the conference provided an outstanding platform to share knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and explore the latest developments in retinal research, innovation, and patient advocacy.
The week began with Rl’s Continuous Education Programme (CEP), an interactive workshop centred on Incorporating Patient Experience Data (PED) Across the Retinal Research and Development Lifecycle. Bringing together experts from patient organisations, academia, industry, and regulation, the session explored how meaningful patient partnership can help shape better research, more relevant clinical trials, and improved regulatory and health technology assessment processes.
Throughout the morning, speakers examined the evolving legislative landscape for patient engagement, the growing importance of patient experience data, the role of patient-led registries, partnership in therapy development, and the co-design of meaningful clinical trial endpoints. The programme concluded with a lively discussion moderated by Foundation Fighting Blindness CEO Jason Menzo, where participants shared valuable perspectives, challenged assumptions, and explored practical ways to place patients at the centre of research and innovation.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our speakers: François Houÿez (EURORDIS), Dr Todd Durham (Foundation Fighting Blindness), Prof. Lauren Ayton (The University of Melbourne), and Dr Daniel Chung (Beacon Therapeutics), for contributing to such an engaging and thought-provoking programme.
Over the following two days, the United in Vision conference showcased the remarkable progress being made across the retinal field. Sessions covered topics including gene therapies, stem cell research, optogenetics, artificial intelligence, genetic counselling, low vision technologies, mental health, patient engagement, and emerging therapeutic approaches, highlighting both the scientific advances and the lived experiences that continue to drive innovation.
Retina International was proud to contribute to several key discussions throughout the conference. Our CEO, Avril Daly, participated in the panel discussion “Access to Innovation and Therapies”, alongside Dr Daniel Chung, Dr Todd Durham, Prof. Michel Michaelides, and Prof. Juliana Sallum, where the speakers explored the opportunities and challenges surrounding equitable access to emerging retinal therapies. Avril also joined Jason Menzo and Prof. Michel Michaelides for the conference’s closing plenary session, “Hopes and Challenges for the Coming Years,” reflecting on the progress made across the field and the priorities that will shape the future of retinal research, innovation, and patient care.
We were also pleased to present preliminary results from our ongoing body of work exploring “Emotional and Psychological Wellbeing in People Living with Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRDs): Results of a Multinational Survey.” Presented by our Director of Research, Patient Evidence and Programmes, Dr Nabin Paudel, the research examines the wider impact of progressive vision loss on emotional wellbeing and quality of life. The presentation generated thoughtful discussion and reinforced the importance of integrating patient experience into research, clinical development, and care.
The conference also provided an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with our global membership and partners. Throughout the week, we met with organisations from across Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, sharing experiences, strengthening existing relationships, and building new collaborations. These conversations remain one of the most valuable aspects of United in Vision, reminding us that progress is achieved not only through scientific discovery, but through a strong and connected global community.
We were especially pleased to see strong representation from the Retina International Board, including Chair Franz Badura, Vice Chair Manny Moodley, Treasurer Jeremy D’Souza, David Sanchez, and Jason Menzo, whose leadership and engagement throughout the conference reflected the collaborative spirit of our organisation.
As the conference concluded, one message resonated throughout every presentation, discussion, and conversation: the future of retinal research must continue to be shaped by the people it serves. Whether discussing clinical trials, regulation, data, or access to emerging therapies, the patient voice remains essential to ensuring innovation translates into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.
Retina International would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Foundation Fighting Blindness for hosting such an exceptional conference and for their continued partnership in delivering United in Vision 2026.
We leave Fort Worth inspired by the science, encouraged by the collaboration, and motivated by the shared commitment of our global community. We look forward to building on the momentum generated throughout the week and continuing to work together to improve outcomes for people living with retinal conditions around the world.
