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
