Registration is now open online here https://conta.cc/2uh058i or by calling us on 01 6789 004.

The Public Engagement Day is a unique opportunity to speak to leading experts and learn about specific conditions and the research that is aiming to find therapies to treat it.  The event takes place on Saturday, October 6, in the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8. Attendance at the Public Engagement Day is free for Fighting Blindness members.  For non-members, a nominal fee of €10 will apply. Advance registration is essential. Please note that you will need a functioning email address to register online. If you do not have an email address please register over the phone by calling 01 6789004.

Public Engagement Day Agenda 2018

8.45am Registration, tea/coffee and exhibition stands

 

Welcome and Introduction

9.30am       Welcome address

Fighting Blindness CEO Kevin Whelan

 

9.45am       Shane Byrne, Fighting Blindness Ambassador

 

Session 1: The Research Journey

Chairs: Prof Breandán Kennedy, University College Dublin and Dr Laura Brady, Fighting Blindness Research Manager

 

10am         Understanding mechanisms behind retinal degenerations

Dr Sarah Doyle, Trinity College Dublin

 

 

10.15am     Understanding genetics in inherited retinal degenerations

Mr Adrian Dockery, Trinity College Dublin

 

10.30am     Using zebrafish models to understand inherited sight loss

Ms Rebecca Ward, University College Dublin

 

11.00am     Geraldine Duggan Young Investigator Award

 

11.05am     Overview of the clinical trial landscape

Mr Ben Shaberman, Foundation Fighting Blindness, USA

 

11.45am     Coffee break

 

 

 

Session 2: Condition Specific Breakout Sessions

(Please note rooms are subject to change)

12pm         Condition specific breakout sessions

 

Group 1 (Blue): Goldsmith Hall

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Usher syndrome, Choroideremia, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), Retinal dystrophy

 

Group 2 (Green): Field 2, Floor 1

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Diabetic retinopathy

 

Group 3 (Orange):  Swift 1 and 2, Floor 1

Stargardt disease, Cone rod dystrophy, Achromaptosia, Best disease

 

 

 

 

Group 4 (Yellow): Field 1, Floor 1

Retinal detachment, Glaucoma, Retinal injury, Uveitis, Aniridia

 

Group 5 (Pink): Pearse Boardroom, Floor 1

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), Mitochondrial, condition, Atrophic maculopathy, Albinism, Cataracts

 

1.10pm      Lunch, socialising and exhibition stands

 

Session 3: Addressing the here and now

Chairs: Mr David Keegan, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin and Dr Laura Brady, Fighting Blindness Research Manager

 

2.10pm       Visionaries School of the Arts Choir recital

 

2.30pm      Genetic counselling in retinal disease

Jacqueline Turner, Target 5000 Genetic Counsellor

 

2.50pm       Positive Mindset, Limitless Life

Victoria Claire, Retina UK Ambassador

 

3.20pm      Imagine television with impaired vision… We do

David Nason, Fighting Blindness member

 

Session 4: Identifying the Impact of Sight Loss

Chair: John Delany, Fighting Blindness Senior Counselling Manager and Amanda Kenny Fighting Blindness Communications Manager

 

3.40pm       Access to medicines

Caitríona Dunne, Fighting Blindness Advocacy Manager

3.50pm      Importance of identifying impact of sight loss

Dr Mhairi Thurston, Abertay University, Scotland

 

4.10pm      Emotional Support Vision Champions

Ms Amanda Hawkins, Need to Talk

 

4.20pm       Paddy Byrne Empowerment Award

 

Closing Session

 

4.30pm      Summary and closing remarks

Kevin Whelan, Fighting Blindness CEO and Dr Laura Brady, Fighting Blindness Research Manager