What a lovely day at #SomersetHouse in #London with Ambustum.co.uk and @retinauk.bsky.social Peer Support Group. Lots of #Blind peeps making #Candles. What could possibly go wrong. Nothing as it happens😊 #RetinaUK50

In "Seeing Into the Future", comedian Chris McCausland reflects on how innovations like AI and assistive tech could change everyday life for people with vision loss. You can watch now on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002ms0q/chris-mccausland-seeing-into-the-future.

This month, we’re shining a light on husband-and-wife duo Colin and Linda, who run the Isle of Wight Peer Support Group. Colin is also a trustee at Retina UK, and together they’ve organised multiple fundraising events in support of our work. We’re so grateful for volunteers like Colin and Linda! 💙

Retina UK joins the #BigGive #ChristmasChallenge! From 2–9 Dec, all donations via Big Give will be doubled. Help fund vital, ground-breaking medical research. Please donate during the campaign here: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000005AYLiYAO.

SparingVision have announced that they have dosed the first human patients in their phase 1 clinical trial for SPVN20, a gene-agnostic treatment for RP. Read more: https://retinauk.org.uk/news/flipping-the-switch-on-rp-sparingvision-doses-patients-in-their-first-in-human-clinical-trial-for-spvn20/

Double your donation to Retina UK in the Big Give Christmas Challenge starting 2 Dec 2025 at midday! 🎁❄️ Learn more: retinauk.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/biggive/. If you plan to support us, contact 01280 815900 or [email protected] for a reminder. 💙

Moorfields Eye Hospital hosts a Coffee Hour with Dr Paul Nderitu on Thu 20 Nov 2025, 3–4pm at Coffee Junction, London N1. Hear about his AI research for early detection of diabetic eye disease, ask questions, and share views.  You can find more info here: https://moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/events/

Today's #TopTechTuesday spotlights Chamelo smart sunglasses with electrochromic lenses that instantly tint at the press of a button, or automatically. Practical, customisable features include light control and integrated audio. Listen to a summary: https://retinauk.org.uk/resource/toptechtuesday/

Thank you all so much for tuning in to watch the #RetinaUK #BBC #Lifeline appeal 🙏. If you missed it, don’t worry  as it will be on BBC Two soon! Your support helps us keep assisting those living with inherited sight loss. Please keep spreading the word about Retina UK 💙

Tune in to BBC One at 12:45pm to enjoy our BBC Lifeline Appeal! 📺 This afternoon, Retina UK and some of our wonderful supporters will be featured on the BBC.  This is a very proud moment for us, during our special 50th anniversary year and we hope that you can tune in and kindly spread the word. 💙

Today is the day! The #RetinaUK #BBC #Lifeline appeal will be going live at 12.45pm🥳. This is a great opportunity for our charity to gain the exposure we need to continue our vital work. Please tune in today to make this appeal as much of a success it can be. We are grateful for your support.

The #RetinaUK #BBC #Lifeline Appeal will be going live tomorrow at 12.45pm! 😀 Every single person who tunes in will be making a massive difference in spreading the word about the great work we do that Retina UK 🧑‍💻. Please tell your friends, family and loved ones to make the appeal a great success.

Join us for an “Ask the Expert” webinar with Prof Marcela Votruba, Professor of Ophthalmology at Cardiff University and Consultant at University Hospital Wales, where she leads the genetic eye clinic. Register now: https://retinauk.org.uk/event/webinar-ask-the-expert-with-professor-marcela-votruba/

Breaking news from the Sahara - they have done it! 🏜️ Over the past week, 16 incredible Retina UK supporters conquered the desert, raising an amazing £40,000 (including offline gifts)! We are so grateful to them for their inspiring efforts, which will make such a huge difference for our community 💙

We'll be exhibiting at #SightVillage London on the 18 and 19 November! You'll be able to meet us in person and find out more about what we offer. Pre-registration is available and recommended by calling 0121 803 5313 or by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you on the day!

RNIB is running a 20-min anonymous survey on how people listen, enjoy, and what could improve. Closes 24 Nov 2025. Your feedback shapes RNIB Connect Radio. Take part: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LT3GTJC or call Nicola 07736 462071. Questions? [email protected] / 0303 123 9999

On Sunday, 16th November exactly one week today, #RetinaUK will be live on #BBC with our #Lifeline appeal 📺. We are so excited to have this opoprtunity to showcase the work we do and spread awareness of our cause. If you have 10 minutes to spare, please tune in to make the appeal a great success 🧑‍💻.

🎃 This Halloween… it’s time to face your fears! 🪂 Think you’re brave enough to jump from 13,000 feet? Our Spring Skydive takes place in March, but now’s the perfect time to book your place and start fundraising for Retina UK. Sign up now: https://retinauk.org.uk/event/spring-skydive-2026/

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight 2025 🌟 This month, we shine a spotlight on Simon Lakin, who is part of our email helpline team. Simon’s support helps our community feel heard and supported every day. We're so grateful for volunteers like Simon! 🙌💙

Join us on 19 Nov at 7pm for Steps Through the Sand: Stories from the Retina UK Sahara Trek. Hear from trekkers who braved the desert to raise funds for sight loss support.  Register now: https://retinauk.org.uk/event/webinar-steps-through-the-sand-stories-from-the-retina-uk-sahara-trek/

wo weeks ago, we held a bake sale at Whiteleaf Business Centre for Retina UK Day 🍰 Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised £125 to support people with inherited sight loss. A big thank you to all the companies who stopped by, bought a treat, or donated a cake, your kindness means so much. 💙

For only £1 per entry, you’ll be in with a chance to win prizes up to £25,000 every week, all while helping Retina UK support people living with inherited sight loss. Every ticket helps fund life-changing support and vital research.  Join today 👉 https://retinauk.affinitylottery.org.uk/lottery.

In exactly 1 month, Retina UK will be the focus of a BBC Lifeline Appeal on BBC One. 📺 Save the date of Sunday 16 November 2025 and spread the word with your family and friends about our exciting appeal. 👪 Sign up for a reminder: https://retinauk.org.uk/get-involved/donate/bbc-lifeline-appeal. ⭐

Happy #RetinaUKDay & #WorldSightDay! 💙 As we celebrate 50 years, our community across the UK is raising awareness & funds for inherited sight loss. Text RETINAUKDAY to 70450 to donate £5 ⭐  #Accessible A photo of our 50th anniversary cake, with the caption: “Today is Retina UK Day 2025!”.

🚨 Don’t miss out! Our next free webinar is happening next Thursday and we’re teaming up with British Blind Sport!  👉 Head to the link to register: https://retinauk.org.uk/event/webinar-getting-active-sport-and-sight-loss-with-british-blind-sport/

We wish to thank Stavros Niarchos Foundation for their recent grant to Retina UK, supporting Professor Rachael Pearson’s research project on retinal organoids. Please see our recent edition of Look Forward to find out more: https://retinauk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/LF-ISSUE-187-LR.pdf.

We’re here to tell you about the #RetinaUK Membership, open to the inherited sight loss community. 🚨 Join our club for just £24 a year and have your voice heard. 💙 Find out more: https://retinauk.org.uk/membership   #Accessible Video of a staff member talking about membership.

We’d love you to browse this year’s Christmas cards and spread festive joy by stocking up today! 🎄 Two designs are by Adrian Paternoster & Tina Wray, who both live with retinitis pigmentosa. Please visit our shop: https://retinauk.org.uk/shop/ 💙

Phew… what a conference! 🎉 A massive thank you to everyone who joined us – our exhibitors, speakers, and attendees made it truly unforgettable. Now it’s time to put our feet up (literally) and reflect on two days full of learning, inspiration, and connection. See you all next year! 💙

💙 Play the #RetinaUK #Lottery for just £1 a go & you could win £25,000 weekly! 💥 28 supporters have already won – you could be next: https://retinauk.org.uk/lottery #Accessible: Photo of lottery balls with text “Win £25,000 in time for Christmas with the Retina UK Lottery!”.

Exciting news! Retina UK will be the focus of a BBC Lifeline Appeal on BBC One! Save the date and tune in on Sunday 16 November 2025. 🚨 Find out more and sign up for a reminder: https://retinauk.org.uk/get-involved/donate/bbc-lifeline-appeal. ⭐

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

✨ 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

👏 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

This afternoon, our in-person delegates joined role-specific sessions: 👁 ECLOs: Stevie Johnson (RNIB) 🧩 Rehabilitation & Habilitation Specialists: Simon Labbett and Bhavini Makwana 🔍 Eye Care Professionals: Louise Gow (RNIB) Thank you for sharing your expertise! #ReitnaUKConf25

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

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

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

☕ 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

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