We have a vision. We want people to see.

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are the most common cause of blindness in wealthy countries such as Australia, and the leading cause of youth blindness globally. IRDs affect 1 in 1500 people. That’s over 16,000 Australians and more than 20 million people worldwide.

Whilst IRDs are inherited genetic anomalies, the IRD has not previously been seen in the families of about 50% of newly diagnosed patients.

Right now, when someone is diagnosed with an IRD there is little that doctors can do. The newly diagnosed can only expect a progressive loss of sight.

There is currently no cure or effective treatment.

We want to change that.

Retina
Australia is a volunteer led membership organisation that raises funds to
support medical research into early detection, treatment and a cure for inherited
retinal diseases.

The funded research areas have included gene therapy, stem cell therapy, artificial prostheses, and the psychological or sociological aspects of living with an inherited retinal disease. Individual members have also personally contributed to Australian research through personal interviews and non-invasive testing. 

In 2019 Retina Australia became a single national body with associated groups in the states and territories and a national office in Melbourne.