e-Newsletter January 2026

We wanted to start this year’s e‑newsletter by thanking you for the incredible support you’ve shown us throughout 2025, especially during the BBC Lifeline Appeal and the Christmas Big Give Campaign.

The final fundraising figures from both of these campaigns will be revealed in our next edition of Look Forward, which will be landing next month.

We can’t wait to update you!

Would you be interested in volunteering to occasional test accessibility features on our digital channels?

You don’t have to have any particular expertise, just a willingness to provide your feedback (full instructions will be given in each instance). We are particularly keen to hear from people who use a screen reader or voice over technology. This may be on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device.

If you would like to take part, please get in touch. Email [email protected] or call our office on 01280 821334.

Membership in 2026, for £24 a year (or £2 a month), and shape the charity and have your views heard. Sign up via our website or please call 01280 815900 to find out more. The more members we have, the better we will be able to understand the feelings, challenges and needs of people affected by inherited sight loss. We value your support and we look forward to welcoming you to our membership during our special 50^th anniversary year.

The clinical trial team at The Retina Clinic London have asked us to share an opportunity to participate in a Phase 1 clinical trial for AAVB-039 for Stargardt Disease. At this clinic, the trial is open to those aged 18-55 years old with a genetically confirmed mutation in the ABCA4 gene. The trial, known as CELESTE, is aimed at testing the safety, tolerability and efficacy of a single administration of AAVB-039 via subretinal injection in participants with Stargardt disease. CELESTE will involve 75 patients across sites in the UK and USA, with all patients receiving the gene therapy through a 1-time injection. There is no sham control group. Please note that there is no cost to participate in this trial and that the sponsor will be reimbursing travel, hotel and meal expenses for each visit. For more information on the participation opportunity and the contact details to get involved, please visit: Clinical Trial Opportunity for Adults with Stargardt Disease – Retina UK.

If you’re interested in catching up on the latest progress in research remember to visit the Research News area of our website, where you’ll find articles on clinical trials and other exciting developments from around the world: News – Retina UK

If you are thinking about setting yourself a new goal in 2026, during our special 50th anniversary year, January could be the perfect moment to take on something exciting – whilst also helping drive our work forward for people who are living with inherited sight loss. Whether you want to run, walk, swim, cycle or skydive, we have got something for everyone. Browse our ever-growing list of challenge events today.

The next edition of Look Forward will be landing next month on 27th February.

Look Forward is available in a range of accessible formats, including hard copy, email, audio (CD or USB), and Braille, so you can choose the option that works best for you. If you would like to receive a copy in one or more of these formats, please get in touch by emailing us at [email protected].

This upcoming edition will also include our events calendar, making it a great way to stay up to date with everything happening at Retina UK. From upcoming webinars and conferences to community events and opportunities to get involved, the calendar will help you plan ahead and make sure you don’t miss out.

Want to start 2026 off with a big win? For just £1 a line, you could be in with the chance of winning up to £25,000 every Friday through our Retina UK Lottery! We’ve created 44 winners so far and you could be next! What would you spend your life-changing winnings on? Sign up today and support our vital work in 2026.

Berkshire Local Peer Support Group
Monday 19 January – 7pm to 8pm – Online
Come and join James and the group for their first online social catch up of 2026.

Men’s Peer Support Group
Tuesday 20 January – 7pm to 8.30pm – Online
Come and join us for our first Men’s Peer Support Group online social catch up of the year.

*Save The Dates*
Registrations will be opening on our website soon.

Young Adults Peer Support Group
Monday 26 January – 7pm to 8.30pm – Online

‘Talking’ Tech Peer Support Group
Wednesday 28 January – 7pm to 8pm – Online

Scotland Regional Peer Support Group
Thursday 5 February – 7pm to 8pm – Online

Berkshire Local Peer Support Group
Monday 16 February – 7pm to 8pm – Online

Dorset & South West Local Peer Support Group
Tuesday 17 February – 7pm to 8pm – Online

South Yorkshire (Sheffield) Local Peer Support Group
Saturday 21 February – 12pm to 2pm – In-person

West Midlands Local Peer Support Group
Tuesday 24 February – 7pm to 8pm – Online

Buckinghamshire Local Peer Support Group
Thursday 26 February – 12pm to 2pm – In-person

Berkshire Local Peer Support Group
Monday 16 March – 7pm to 8pm – Online

Tyne & Wear/Northern Alliance Peer Support Group
Saturday 28 March – 1pm to 7pm – In-person

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/

By donating £3 (or another amount of your choosing) through a monthly donation to Retina UK, you will be providing us with the stability of knowing where best to invest your generous gift in 2026. Because of your continued kindness, we can also accelerate the search for treatments and continue making a difference. Set up a regular donation today via our website or please call 01280 815900. Thank you in advance.