In this special episode of the Retina UK Podcast, we’re giving you an exclusive preview of our upcoming Professionals’ Conference and Annual Conference, taking place on 19–20 September 2025 in London and online.
Whether you're a clinician, researcher, professional in the field, or someone living with inherited sight loss, our conferences offer something for everyone. Tune in to hear directly from some of our expert speakers as they share insights into their sessions, what to expect, and why you won’t want to miss out.
From the latest research updates to personal stories and practical advice for everyday life, this episode is your guide to two days of learning, connection, and community as we celebrate 50 years of Retina UK.
To find our more information and register for our conferences, please follow the links below:
Professionals' Conference: Retina UK Professionals’ Conference 2025Annual Conference: Retina UK Annual Conference 2025
Join us for an insightful conversation about building a career while living with sight loss. This webinar is designed for young people navigating their future careers, offering real-life insights, practical tips, and inspiration from those who are currently there.
Hosted by Lauren Osborne-Lewis, this session features three brilliant guests – Ryan Taylor, Lauren Rawlinson, and Aysha Ahmed, who share their personal journeys into the world of work. They talk about the challenges they’ve faced, the strategies that helped them succeed, and the support that made a difference.
Whether you’re at school, thinking about college or university, or wondering about your first job, this webinar will give you the chance to hear from peers who understand the unique experiences of sight loss in the workplace.
If you would like support with your career, you can contact our Helpline on 0300 111 4000.
The latest e-Newsletter from Retina UK.
Please consider donating to Retina UK through a monthly or quarterly direct debit if you can. Regular donations provide a reliable source of income to help us to plan effectively for the future. Visit https://retinauk.org.uk/get-involved/donate/ to sign up, or, if you prefer, call us on 01280 821442
Look Forward newsletter from Retina UK - Spring 2013. Part of our 50th Anniversary archive.
In this episode of the Retina UK podcast, we're handing the mic to the team! Recorded during a recent staff meeting, this episode gives you the chance to meet the people behind the scenes at Retina UK. You'll hear from (almost) everyone on the team as they share a bit about who they are, what they do, and why they’re passionate about supporting those affected by inherited sight loss.
Hosted by Lauren, our Digital and Events Senior Coordinator, this episode offers a unique insight into the work that goes on across the charity; from events and communications to research and support services.
Whether you're already part of the Retina UK community or just getting to know us, this is a great opportunity to connect with the people working hard to make a difference every day.
This is the audio edition of the Retina UK Newsletter, Look Forward - Summer 2025 (Issue 186). You can download a copy in PDF and Word format on the Retina UK website: RetinaUK.org.uk/resources.
Contents in this edition are as follows:
Find out more about the difference we made in 2024.
This report is also available in PDF and plain text (Word) formats on the Retina UK website: RetinaUK.org.uk/resource/impact-report-2024/
In this episode, we're joined by two of our wonderful volunteers, Kim and Annemarie. They chat with our Communications Manager, Jane, about their experiences with sight loss, what inspired them to volunteer with Retina UK, whilst also discussing what volunteering means to them . They also talk about all the exciting things they get up to in their peer support group meetings.
We hope you enjoy the conversation!
We know a lot of people are concerned about the proposed changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) that were announced at the end of March. Much of the proposal forms part of a wider consultation with the Department for Work and Pensions.Hear from our Special Project Lead, Matthew Carr, in this webinar about Influencing with Retina UK to learn more about the proposals, Retina UK’s position and how you can make sure your voice is heard by your MP and in the consultation. Matt also talks about different ways that you engage with politicians on both a local and a national level.
The latest e-Newsletter from Retina UK.
Please consider donating to Retina UK through a monhtly or quartely direct debit if you can. Regular donations provide a reliable source of income to help us to plan effectively for the future. Visit https://retinauk.org.uk/get-involved/donate/ to sign up, or, if you prefer, call us on 01280 821442
In this podcast, our Research Development Manager, Kate Arkell, talks to health economics researcher Rebecca Rosi from Bangor University, who is aiming to investigate which support services are available and which are most beneficial to people living with RP.
The London Marathon 2025 is fast approaching and our #TeamRetinaUK runners are well underway with their training and fundraising!
In this inspiring session, our marathon runners share their personal stories, motivations, and experiences as they take on this iconic challenge to raise awareness and vital funds for retinal conditions.
Hear firsthand how they are preparing for the marathon, the unique connection they have to Retina UK, and why they’re going the extra mile to help us support research and improve the lives of those affected by inherited retinal diseases.
Don’t miss out on this chance to be inspired by their determination, passion, and commitment to making a difference. Whether you’re an avid runner, a supporter of Retina UK, or simply looking for motivation, this webinar is for you!
The latest e-Newsletter from Retina UK.
Please consider donating to Retina UK through a monhtly or quartely direct debit if you can. Regular donations provide a reliable source of income to help us to plan effectively for the future. Visit https://retinauk.org.uk/get-involved/donate/ to sign up, or, if you prefer, call us on 01280 821442
Join us for our next webinar which is an exploration of a community members experiences of genetic testing with input from a genetic counsellor.
If you would like more information on genetic testing, you can head to our website where you will find guidance on how genetic testing may help you and your family discover more about your inherited sight loss condition and how to unlock choices. The page can be found here: https://retinauk.org.uk/genetics/
If you would also like to watch Rob's video, that can be found here: https://retinauk.org.uk/genetics/genetic-testing/
Join Lauren as she chats with Paula McGrath, Deputy CEO of Retina UK, about the 2025 Sight Loss Survey - why it matters, how your voice can drive real change, and how you can take part.
Every three years, we carry out this survey to ensure our work continues to meet the needs of our community. Your voice matters, and we need your input to shape the future of our services, campaigns, and advocacy efforts for those living with inherited sight loss.
The survey should take approximately 40 minutes. You can either complete it online by visiting RetinaUK.org.uk/survey, or call our office on 01280 821334 to book an appointment with a member of our team to complete the survey on your behalf over the telephone. The deadline for completed surveys is Friday 25 April 2025.
If you have any questions, please email info@retinauk.org.uk.
This is the audio edition of the Retina UK Newsletter, Look Forward - Spring 2025 (Issue 185). You can download a copy in PDF and Word format on the Retina UK website: RetinaUK.org.uk/resources.
Contents in this edition are as follows:
The latest e-Newsletter from Retina UK.
Please consider donating to Retina UK through a monhtly or quartely direct debit if you can. Regular donations provide a reliable source of income to help us to plan effectively for the future. Visit https://retinauk.org.uk/get-involved/donate/ to sign up, or, if you prefer, call us on 01280 821442
At Retina UK, we believe that together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by retinal conditions. That’s why we’re inviting you listen to our webinar, "Together We Can: Ways You Can Get Involved!" – your guide to exciting fundraising opportunities in 2025.
Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or new to supporting us, this webinar is packed with ideas and inspiration to help you get involved. From taking on iconic challenges like marathons and walks to hosting your own events, we’ll explore a variety of ways you can contribute to raising awareness and vital funds for research into inherited retinal diseases.
Listen to hear from members of our fundraising team, meet passionate supporters, and learn how you can make 2025 the year you take action and make a lasting impact.
In this podcast we talk to Dr Jasleen Jolly, Associate Professor at Jolly Vision Science and Honorary fellow at Melbourne University. We are also joined by Yvette Chivers, Helpline Coordinator at Retina UK, who is living with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and experiences CBS.
Charles Bonnet Syndrome is phenomenon where some people with sight loss experience visual hallucinations. Tune in to find out more about CBS, Yvette's experience and the work that Dr Jasleen Jolly is doing.
Researchers at Cardiff University are currently looking for participants to take part in a 60 minute online survey about experiences of Charles Bonnet syndrome, which is open to anyone with sight loss, regardless of whether they experience hallucinations. The survey asks about the nature of your visual impairment, your experiences of CBS (if any), and your visual imagination. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/sight-impairment-study.
We are joined today by Tina Garvey, Chief Executive Officer at Retina UK.
In this episode we reflect on the year 2024, taking a closer look at some of the most significant milestones and achievements for Retina UK, as well as the challenges we faced. We also explore the lasting impact Retina UK has had on the community, and look ahead to the exciting projects in store for 2025.
