Concurrent Science Sessions
- Optogenetics for Sight Restoration.
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.
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.
This session will discuss therapies that are gene and/or mutation specific, including gene therapy, genome editing, and antisense oligonucleotides. - Genetic Testing and Counseling.
This session will explain the basics of genetic testing and genetic counseling, and how to understand a genetic test report. - Eye Health and Nutrition.
This session will discuss how dietary supplements and lifestyle choices can influence eye health (e.g. smoking, exercise). - Clinical Trial Readiness
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. - Gene Agnostic Therapeutic Approaches.
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. - Optogenetics for Sight Restoration.
This session will discuss optogenetics, a method of endowing non-photoreceptor cells with light-sensing capabilities. This is the most applicable to late-stage patients.
Science Plenary Session
- From Bench to Bedside: It Takes a Global Village.
This plenary session will discuss the different phases of research development, from bench science to regulatory approval, and challenges and milestones along the way.
Clinical and Research Updates
- Usher Syndrome.
This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for Usher syndrome. - Retinitis Pigmentosa.
This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for retinitis pigmentosa. - Leber Congenital Amaurosis.
This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for Leber congenital amaurosis. - Stargardt Disease and Macular Dystrophies.
This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for Stargardt disease and macular dystrophies. - Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
This session will feature clinicians and researchers discussing recent updates for dry age-related macular degeneration - Other Retinal Diseases (CHM, BCM, XLRS).
This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for other retinal diseases, including choroideremia and X-linked retinoschisis.
