Retina UK Annual Conference 2026
We will be heading to Birmingham (and online) in 2026 for our Annual Conference.
Join our community of individuals and families living with inherited sight loss at the Retina UK Annual Conference on 19 September, held at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham, and is free to attend, both in person and online. This welcoming, community-focused event brings together lived experience, research updates, practical support, and opportunities to connect with others who truly understand.
We’re excited to announce our programme for the Annual Conference. Explore the full schedule for the day below.
In‑person places are limited and offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
| 9.00am | Registration opens |
| 10.00am | Welcome and housekeeping |
| 10.05am | Welcome from our CEO
Tina Garvey, Chief Executive, Retina UK |
| 10.10am | Understanding clinical trials and potential new therapies – what’s in the pipeline?
A panel with representatives from biotechnology companies Sepul Bio, Alkeus and AAVantgarde. |
| 10.55am | The participant perspective – reflections on taking part in clinical studies
Tina Garvey, Chief Executive, Retina UK. Professor Martin McKibbin, Consultant Ophthalmologist, University of Leeds. James Moore, who is living with inherited sight loss. Bhavna Tailor, Chief Executive, Stargardts Connected and Ethan Tailor, who is living with inherited sight loss. |
| 11.40am | Refreshment break |
| 12.10pm | From innovation to independence: assistive technology for inherited sight loss
Our panel of experts share their professional and personal experience to bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation, including AI, and everyday reality. Barrie Lane, Tech Advisor at Beacon Centre. Keith Dear, Tech Advisor at Sight for Surrey. Mark Baxter, Information and Support Coordinator, Retina UK. Anna Holloway and Ellie Dowdy, Retina UK Tech Peer Support Group volunteers. |
| 1.00pm | Lunch |
| 1.50pm | Income to impact: the difference you can make
Stories from some of our fantastic fundraisers. James Clarke, Head of Income Generation, Retina UK. |
| 2.20pm | Research session – TBC |
| 3.05pm | Quick break |
| 3.20pm | Meet todays speakers: your questions, answered (in person attendees only)
Your chance to ask your questions to the speakers from throughout the day. |
| 3.20pm | Retina UK staff panel: your questions answered (online attendees only)
Kate Arkell, Research Director. Denise Rawden, Head of Information and Support. James Clarke, Head of Income Generation. Mark Baxter, Information and Support Coordinator. |
| 4.20pm | Close |
Delegates attending the Retina UK Annual Conference can book accommodation at the venue at a discounted rate using the code RET26.
You can register for the conference by completing the form below. If you would prefer to do this over the phone, please call our office at 01280 821334.