Meet our volunteers: Daniel Summers
Dan found out he had retinitis pigmentosa in February 2022, but he feels it has been “on cards for years”. He said he had “an inkling something was up but never did anything about it: a typical guy I guess!”
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Graeme Ives: 6 marathons in the Sahara Desert for Retina UK
Graeme's son is living with retinitis pigmentosa and he has decided to take on an extreme challenge - running 250km across the Sahara Desert, with 6 stages, varying in length from 21km to 82 km, over 7 days.
Podcast: What is the UKIRDC and why does it exist?
With a significant proportion of inherited retinal conditions being caused by unidentified genetic faults, and many families unable to get clear results from genetic tests in clinic, the project set out to solve previously undiagnosable cases and discover more of the genes and mutations that are associated with sight loss.
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.
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.
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.
Fundraising
Raise money to help support people affected by inherited sight loss to lead better lives today and accelerate the search for treatments for the future.
Trusts and Foundations
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are the leading cause of blindness in working-age people in the UK, and children as young as eighteen-months are regularly diagnosed.
Other Ways To Give
There are many other ways you can support Retina UK, including raising donations as you shop and sell online, and donating your foreign currency, stamps or shares.