e-Newsletter April 2026

Get fit for the summer and take on a fun challenge with our annual 5K a Day in May. Whether you prefer running, cycling, walking, or mixing it up, you can get moving your way while raising funds throughout the month,

Visit our website to find out more and sign up!

SparingVision have announced that they have dosed all participants in their phase 1/2 PRODYGY clinical trial for SPVN06, a gene agnostic therapy aimed at slowing disease progression in retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Healthy rod photoreceptors in the peripheral retina produce a substance, known as a neurotrophic factor, that nourishes the cone photoreceptors found mostly in the central retina. When rods start to die in RP, the neurotrophic support is lost, cones deteriorate, and central vision eventually starts to decline.

SPVN06 aims to replace the rod-derived neurotrophic factor, enabling cones to survive longer and preserve central vision. In the last edition of Look Forward, we reported that Sparing Vision is also testing a treatment called SPVN20 that aims to kick start dormant cone cells. The company is hopeful that the two treatments may eventually be given side by side to boost and retain central vision, even as RP progresses.

Read the full news piece here.

Understanding what happens during an optician appointment can make a real difference for people living with inherited sight loss. In this webinar, taking place on Wednesday 22 April at 7pm on Zoom, we’ll explore the vital role opticians play – from early detection and regular monitoring to low‑vision support and onward referrals.

We’re delighted to be joined by Ashish Chokshi, Principal Optometrist, Optometry Lead for Medical Retina, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and a community optician practice owner. Ashish will share his clinical and community‑based insights into how opticians support people with inherited retinal conditions and what you can expect during appointments. We will also be joined by two of our volunteers with lived experience, who will also share what has helped them feel more confident in clinic settings, as well as why some people may feel hesitant about attending.

This webinar is designed to give you practical insights, reassurance and a clearer understanding of why routine eye care matters. Register using the button below!

Don’t miss out on the most up-to-date research news and breakthroughs in inherited sight loss. Head over to the Research News section on our website to explore the latest articles and updates from the research world.

Whether it’s clinical trials, scientific studies or discoveries from researchers we fund, you’ll find essential insights all in one place.

Wishing our incredible #TeamRetinaUK runners the very best as they take on this month’s TCS London Marathon on 26 April. You are all an inspiration, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything you’ve achieved. If you’d like to support one of our runners with a donation, you can do so here.

To follow their progress on the day, we’ll be sharing updates across our social media channels – link for our Instagram and Facebook can be found below.

Do you want to be the first to hear about exciting research participation opportunities? Sign up to our Lived Experience Panel today using the button below!

Retina UK’s Lived Experience Panel connects members of our inherited sight loss community with opportunities to take part in research activities, sharing their insights with researchers, clinicians and industry partners. Signing up means you’ll be contacted about relevant participation opportunities as they arise. Opportunities may include contributing to research projects, sharing feedback on new ideas and helping to ensure studies reflect what truly matters to people living with inherited retinal conditions. Your experiences can make a real difference, helping to guide research priorities, improve trial designs and shape the development of future treatments. Please note that not all opportunities will involve clinical trials and some opportunities may not be directly relevant to yourself.

Sign up to our lived experience panel

We will be rounding off our 50th anniversary year with a spectacular gala dinner, and you’re invited to be part of the celebration. Join us on Saturday, 24 October 2026 at the Hilton on Park Lane in London for an unforgettable evening and the culmination of our special year.

You won’t want to miss out! Explore the event details and secure your tickets before they sell out!

Men’s Peer Support Group
Thursday 16 April – 7pm to 8.30pm – Online
Come and join Mark Baxter and the group for our latest Men’s Peer Support Group online social catch up.

West Midlands Local Peer Support Group
Tuesday 21 April – 7pm to 8pm – Online
Please come and join Perm and the group for their latest meeting where we are delighted to welcome our guest speaker Barrie Lane, IT & Assistive Technology Trainer at the Beacon Centre for the Blind.

*Save the Date* Dorset & Southwest Local Peer Support Group
Tuesday 28 April – 7pm to 8pm – Online

*Save the Date* ‘Talking’ Books Peer Support Group
Wednesday 29 April – 7pm to 8pm – Online

*Save the Date* ‘Talking’ Tech Peer Support Group
Wednesday 6 May – 7pm to 8pm – Online

Manchester Local Peer Support Group
Saturday 9 May – 12.30pm to 6pm – In-person
You are invited to join Rachael and the group for their latest in-person get together at The Freemount bar in Manchester followed by the Barrel of Laughs matinee show at the Frog & Bucket Comedy Club.

*Save the Date* South Wales Peer Support Group
Tuesday 12 May – 7pm to 8pm – Online

*Save the Date* Women’s Peer Support Group
Tuesday 26 May – 7pm to 8pm – Online

For more information and to be kept up to date with peer support group activity please visit the Events page on our website – https://retinauk.org.uk/information-and-support/services/local-peer-support-groups/

Stay connected… Join a WhatsApp Group!
If you are unable to make one of our many Peer Support Groups either online or in-person, then why not join one of our WhatsApp group chats? For more information, please contact [email protected] or call our Helpline on 0300 111 400.

Registration for the Retina UK Annual Conference is open! Join us on 19 September 2026 at the Edgbaston Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham or online for a day of expert insights, lived experience stories and community connection.

Full details including information of how to secure you place can be found here.