About Retina International

Decades ago, patients suffering from inherited retinal degenerative diseases in western countries have commenced to set up their own organizations aiming at encouraging sufferers to overcome problems arising from retinal degenerations and to plunge into an active life. These organizations also raise funds for supporting researches on identifying causes, treatment, and prevention of retinal degenerations. There are quite a number of research break-throughs in the area during these years. Those successful laboratory experiments are expected to be gradually introduced to clinical trials.

Retina International is a voluntary charitable umbrella association of national societies each of which is formed by people with inherited retinal degenerative diseases, their families and friends. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, it has more than 50 members recently.

Objectives and Functions of Retina International:

1. To promote and stimulate research into retinal degenerations, especially by keeping in touch with scientific developments around the world and doing all in its power to foster cooperation and coordination among scientists with a view to expediting the development of treatments for retinal degenerations.
2. To promote on an international and inter-Foundation basis, what the National Foundations provide on a national and inter-member basis; i e: mutual support and encouragement in the struggle against retinal degenerations.
3. To promote public awareness and provide information on retinal degenerations through maintenance of a high degree of international contact and exchange of literature and other useful material.
4. To promote the establishment of retinal degenerations societies in which retinal degenerations societies do not exist.

The incumbent President of Retina Interantional is Ms. Christina Fasser.