Photo of golden lab Mabel in harness laying on her first trip on a London bus on her way back to our hotel after the conference
@guidedogsuk.bsky.social Mabel and I had a fab time at the #RetinaUKConf25. Thank you @retinauk.bsky.social for another fantastic conference and congratulations on 50 years of great work.
And that’s a wrap on an incredible weekend at the Retina UK Annual Conference – what a great 2 days! 🎉
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We are so grateful for your continued support and commitment to our community.
#RetinaUKConf25
#AnnualConference
#Volunteers
#ThankYou
Prof Julie Silvestri, wearing a purple top against a gray background.
Our ‘Ask the Expert’ session with Prof Julie Silvestri was a fantastic opportunity for delegates to explore the latest in care and research.
🩺 She answered questions from our community, sharing insights and practical guidance
#RetinaUKConf25
#AskTheExpert
#SightLossSupport
#Ophthalmology
Panel discussion with four speakers on stage, including a sign language interpreter at the bottom right. Audience attentively watching.
That was such a powerful session! Community choices sharing their lived experience across various topics.
A powerful reminder that research and innovation must remain anchored in lived experience.
#RetinaUKConf25
#LivedExperience
James Clarke stands at a podium speaking, with a presentation slide behind him displaying the text "Creating Change Together" and a logo celebrating 50 years.
Thank you to the Income Generation team for that session! The session emphasized that real change arises when researchers, clinicians, funders, and community members come together with shared purpose.
#RetinaUKConf25
#CreatingChange
A man speaks at a podium in a conference room, presenting slides. Attendees are seated facing him, attentively listening.
Christopher Patnoe (Google) led a reflective session on the power of inclusive design and iterative innovation.
Delegates left with a renewed appreciation for how technology can reshape daily life and expand possibilities.
#RetinaUKConf25
#AccessibleTech
#InclusiveDesign
Speakers from AAVantgarde, Octant, Alkeus, Sepul Bio, and Beacon Therapeutics shared how discoveries at the bench are moving closer to real-world impact.
#RetinaUKConf25 #BiotechForSight
Rectangular cake with "RETINA UK 50" logos, adorned with bubbles displaying words like "Volunteers," "Ambitious," "Research," and "Impact."
It is time for you to grab your cuppas! A moment to pause, reflect, and connect. The morning reminded us that innovation in sight loss is not just about technology, but about human stories, collaboration, and resilience.
#RetinaUKConf25
#MorningReflections
#SightLossResearch
Prof Jane Sowden stands at a lectern, gesturing with her hands. Behind her, a slide on retinal anatomy is visible.
Professor Jane Sowden shared inspiring insights from her research.
What stood out was the careful balance between scientific ambition and patient-centered focus — the session reminded us that each approach has the potential to transform lives.
#RetinaUKConf25
#InnovationInSight
#RestoringVision
Professor Michel Michaelides speaks at a Retina UK event, presenting on eye research advancements. Audience listens attentively.
To kick off our research morning we were joined by Prof Michel Michaelides. From the complexities of genetics to the tools and machines that enable diagnosis, he acknowledged both the misses or experiments and the marvels that bring hope.
#RetinaUKConf25
#RetinalResearch
#ScientificJourney
Prof John Marshall speaks at a podium with a Retina UK 50th anniversary backdrop, discussing vision and progress.
✨ Kathy Evans (Chair of Trustees) and Professor John Marshall MBE opened the day with a profound reflection on 50 years of progress in research, treatment, and community support for people with sight loss.
#RetinaUKConf25
#50YearsOfImpact
#VisionToReality
The Retina UK Annual Conference is officially underway! Registration is now open for the Retina UK Annual Conference 2025.
It's fantastic to see so many faces coming together to share knowledge and experiences.
Let’s make today memorable!
#RetinaUKConf25
#Networking
#Community
A pile of blue and white lanyards with "Retina UK" printed on them, attached to clear plastic name badge holders.
👏 That’s a wrap on the Retina UK Professionals Conference 2025!
A heartfelt thank you to all our speakers, delegates, and community members who made today such a success.
Safe travels, everyone!
#RetinaUKConf25
#ProfessionalsConference
A diverse group of people seated in a conference room, engaged in a panel discussion with three speakers at the front.
A woman stands at the front of a conference room speaking to a seated audience. She gestures towards a flip chart beside her.
For our other in person and online delegates, Davinder Kullar shared how technology is transforming independence and opportunity for people with inherited sight loss.
From assistive devices to digital innovations, tech is changing lives.
#RetinaUKConf25
#AssistiveTech
A table filled with brown paper bags under a screen displaying "RETINA UK 50 Years," supporting inherited sight loss.
It’s lunchtime here at the #RetinaUK Professionals’ Conference! An excellent opportunity to network with fellow professionals and exchange ideas about the future of eye care support. Let’s keep the conversation going!
#RetinaUKConf25
#Networking
#EyeCareSupport
Next up was Michael Crossland and Rachael Canavan explored strategies to support the mental wellbeing of young people living with progressive vision loss.
A vital session highlighting the connection between vision impairment and emotional health.
#RetinaUKConf25
#MentalWellbeing
Rob Henderson standing on a stage in a conference room, showing a slide presentation to an attentive audience.
Our afternoon has opened up with Robert Henderson who shared the latest research developments in IRDs, giving delegates an update on emerging treatments and scientific progress.
Exciting advances are shaping the future of care and therapy.
#RetinaUKConf25
#RetinalResearch
A white mug filled with tea sits on a wooden coaster, accompanied by two chocolate chip cookies on a white background.
☕ Time to grab a cuppa! The morning has been packed with insights from research, surveys, and community voices. What’s been your highlight so far?
#RetinaUKConf25
A panel of seven people sits on a stage in a conference room, addressing an audience. Attendees are seated at tables, engaged in the presentation.
Such an powerful session! Paula McGrath led a panel discussion with community members, sharing personal stories and experiences.
A reminder that lived experience drives meaningful change in research, policy, and support.
#RetinaUKConf25
#TogetherWeThrive
Retina UK Chief Executive, Tina Garvey, stands at a podium with a presentation slide behind them displaying logos of sponsors,
📊 Tina Garvey shared key findings from Retina UK’s Sight Loss Survey, highlighting experiences, challenges, and priorities of people living with inherited sight loss.
Valuable insights that will shape research and services going forward.
#RetinaUKConf25 #ProfessionalsConference
Chair of Trustees, Kathy Evans, speaks at a podium with a Retina UK 50th anniversary backdrop; a sign language interpreter is visible in the corner.
What an insightful start to the day ✨ Kathy Evans opened the day reflecting on 50 years of progress in research, services, and community support for those living with sight loss.
A powerful reminder of what we can do together.
#RetinaUKConf25 #EyeCareSupportPathway #ProfessionalsConference
A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors for making today’s Retina UK Professionals’ Conference possible! 🙌
#ThankYou
#RetinaUKConf25
#ProfessionalsConference
#Accessible forefront of the image is a BSL interpreter at last years conference. On the top right is a green speech bubble with text "BSL interpreters at the Retina UK Professionals' and Annual Conference 2025".
Are you deaf or hearing impaired and interested in joining our Annual Conference, but worried about accessibility?
Whether you attend in person or online, BSL interpreters will be available throughout the event to ensure you can take part fully.
#RetinaUKConf25 #Accessibility #BSL
