Opening Session
- Technology: The Greatest Equalizer.
Friday, June 21 at 9:00 a.m.
Join three trailblazing tech leaders as they discuss what they have learned to be the keys to greater digital accessibility, from their professional accomplishments, and their lived experiences with visual impairments. Discover firsthand how innovations are empowering individuals irrespective of visual ability. From groundbreaking AI advancements to the transformative impact of inclusive design, explore the tools revolutionizing daily life and professional success. Gain insights into the vital collaboration between tech giants and the blind community and be inspired to champion inclusion in the digital landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to shape a future where technology tears down barriers and fosters equity for all.
Concurrent Science Sessions
- Optogenetics for Sight Restoration.
Friday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m. and 3:10 p.m.
This session discusses optogenetics, a method of endowing non-photoreceptor cells with light-sensing capabilities. This is the most applicable to late-stage patients. - Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine.
Friday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m.
Stem cell therapies are based on the premise that we could restore vision if we could replace missing or nonfunctional functional cells, either through transplantation or by inducing existing eye cells to create more photoreceptors. These therapies are likely to be most beneficial for mid- to late-stage patients. - Genetic Therapies: Gene Therapy and Genome Editing.
Friday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m.
This session will discuss therapies that are gene and/or mutation specific, including gene therapy and genome editing. - Emerging Technologies: Retinal Organoids, RNA Editing, Retinal Prosthetics, and Artificial Intelligence.
Friday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m.
This session will discuss hot topics om retinal biology, including retinal organoids, RNA editing, retinal prosthetics, and the use of AI in ophthalmology. - Clinical Trials: What Should You Know?
Friday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m.
This session will provide clinician and participant perspectives on inherited retinal disease clinical trials and discuss the importance of natural history studies for interventional clinical trials. - Gene Agnostic Therapeutic Approaches.
Friday, June 21 at 3:10 p.m.
This session will discuss gene agnostic therapeutic approaches, which are applicable to multiple retinal diseases and patients at early to mid-stage of disease progression. - Eye Health and Nutrition.
Friday, June 21 at 3:10 p.m.
This session will discuss how dietary supplements and lifestyle choices can influence eye health (e.g. smoking, exercise). - Clinical Trial Readiness
Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m.
This session will focus on empowering patients to decide if participation in a clinical trial is right for them and discuss how natural history studies pave the way for interventional clinical trials.
Science Plenary Session
- Inherited Retinal Disease Genetics: Testing and Registries.
June 21 at 4:20 p.m.
This session will discuss the importance of genetic testing and give an overview of the Foundation's My Retina Tracker® Registry.
Clinical and Research Updates
- Usher Syndrome.
June 22 at 9:00 a.m.
This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for Usher Syndrome. - Retinitis Pigmentosa.
June 22 at 9:00 a.m.
This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for Retinitis Pigmentosa. - Leber Congenital Amaurosis.
June 22 at 9:00 a.m.
This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for Leber Congenital Amaurosis. - Stargardt Disease and Age Related Macular Degeneration.
June 22 at 9:00 a.m.
This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for Stargardt Disease and Age Related Macular Degeneration. - Macular Dystrophies.
June 22 at 9:00 a.m.
This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for specific retinal diseases. - Other Retinal Diseases (CHM, BCM, XLRS).
June 22 at 9:00 a.m.
This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for other retinal diseases, including choroideremia and X-linked Retinoschisis.
Adapting & Thriving Sessions
- Navigating Air Travel—A Southwest Airlines Perspective.
Friday, June 21 at 3:10 p.m.
This session will discuss practical tips and strategies for traveling with vision loss on Southwest Airlines, information such as accessible transportation options, navigating airports, finding accessible accommodations, and using assistive technology. The session aims to empower participants with the knowledge and confidence to explore air travel regardless of their level of vision loss. - My Advocacy. My Choice.
Friday, June 21 at 3:10 p.m.
Join us for a fireside chat conversation on advocacy across the personal, workplace, and legislative levels. We will explore how advocacy relates to personal identity, what it means to act as an advocate, and personal strategies for making sustainable advocacy choices. - An In-Depth Process of Applying for a Guide Dog.
Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m.
Learn what to expect when applying for a guide dog, including review of the application materials and potential outcomes. Additionally, an in-depth discussion on the skills required to be approved for a guide dog from the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) standards. - Low Vision Aids and Devices.
Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m.
Learn about devices, technologies, and low vision adaptations for work, home and education. - Losing Sight, Gaining Insight: Addressing Mental Health Concerns for Those Losing Vision and Those That Care About Them.
Saturday, June 22 at 1:15 p.m.
This session will focus on developing positive coping skills around complex grief, anxiety, and/or depression for people experiencing vision loss and their partners, parents, and other caregivers.
