Research is intensifying throughout the world in an effort to halt the progress of retinal dystrophies and find a treatment or cure. In recent years more than 100 mutant genes have been identified as responsible for inherited degenerative loss of vision. Clinical trials have been conducted recently using drugs that inhibit the death of cells in the eye. There have also been gene therapy trials. A Melbourne-based consortium is making marked progress with research into a bionic eye, while a national Inherited Retinal Diseases Register and DNA Bank has been established aimed at identifying specific rogue genes. Stem cell research has also come into the retinal dystrophies equation. Scientists believe, based on the pace of current research, that a number of treatments will be available within three to five years.

RA (ACT) therefore wants to ensure that current and potential members do not have to experience a lifetime of grief and loss but, rather, that their lives will be brightened by new treatments and perhaps a cure for their condition.

Each piece of research on a particular form of retinal dystrophy has the potential to reveal more information about allied conditions. The Retina Australia Research Grants Scheme has been developed to provide Australian researchers with seed grants. Many RA-funded scientists have, on publication of initial research, received additional major support from government funding bodies such as the National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC). All applications for grants are examined by the RA Grants Assessment Committee (GEC), appointed by the RA Scientific Medical Advisory Committee (SMAC). Two members of the SMAC are on the International Retinal Research Organisation. All these eminent scientists provide their services to RA on an honorary basis.

Scientists around the world meet regularly to discuss and reorient trends in research in their ongoing attempts to ameliorate blindness. To encourage research – and the funding of that research – is to promote a better future for all people with a retinal dystrophy.