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Your donations make progress possible

Your generous support allows Retina UK to fund the work of leading scientists who are increasing understanding of inherited sight loss and moving us closer to treatments.

Genetic testing: an essential topic for discussion with the IRD community

As Luxturna reaches the clinic and other gene-specific therapies for inherited retinal disease get closer to the end of the development pipeline, it is becoming ever more important that affected families can access a genetic diagnosis, potentially opening up choices around treatment and clinical trial participation.

A DNA spiral with a piece removed being held by tweezers

Genetics and gene therapy

When we talk about gene therapy we are usually referring to use of a harmless virus, called a vector, to deliver a normal copy of a defective gene into the cells of the eye.

A magnifier illustration highlighting test tubes in a rack

Genetic testing

Genetic testing, usually via a blood sample, is used to try and identify which gene contains the fault that is causing an individual’s sight loss.

Retina UK awards new research funding

Retina UK is delighted to have awarded a new three-year research grant to Prof Majlinda Lako at Newcastle University for a project entitled: To establish AAV.PRPF31 gene augmentation in PRPF31-deficient RPE and photoreceptor cells and assess its efficacy in restoring RPE and photoreceptor function.