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The latest e-Newsletter from Retina UK.



Please consider donating to Retina UK through a monthly or quarterly direct debit if you can. Regular donations provide a reliable source of income to help us to plan effectively for the future. Visit www.RetinaUK.org.uk/regular-giving/ to sign up, or, if your prefer, call us on 01208 821334.

During Loneliness Awareness Week, we're hosting a special webinar to address the challenges faced by individuals with sight loss when it comes to travel and mobility. Research by RNIB has highlighted the critical need for enabling greater fulfilment and freedom through travel, with a significant impact on quality of life. According to their findings, 59% of respondents felt that exploring different parts of the country had a huge positive impact on their well-being, yet a lack of confidence often leads to loneliness and isolation.



Join us for an informative session designed to help build your confidence in traveling and overcoming barriers associated with sight loss. Our expert panel includes:


Simon Labbett: Chair of the Rehabilitation Workers Professionals Network. Simon will share invaluable hints and tips on how to navigate your surroundings and boost your confidence in travel.
Angie Baum: Development Intern living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Angie will share her inspiring story of overcoming travel fears with the help of her guide dog, Norma.
Richard Zimbler: Co-facilitator of our ‘Talking Travel’ online group. Richard will discuss various aspects of travel, from everyday errands to adventurous trips across the country and abroad.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical advice and support to help you move more freely and confidently.

Did you know May is National Walking Month? As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we're exploring the power of movement.




As the weather turns warmer and we are happier venturing out a little more, we look at the activities that some of our communities are getting involved with.  Getting out in the fresh air is good for sole, in fact 'movement' is the theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week.


5KADayInMay: hear how participants of this monthly challenge are taking on this challenge.
Benefits of movement on mental health.
Different types of movement – whether that's putting on your dancing shoes, riding or a maybe some gentle gardening.
Being active in the community.
Self-care.

Have some questions about the Big Give Kind2Mind campaign?



Listen to our Head of Fundraising Jo, as she discusses more about the Big Give. From how to donate to why this campaign is a game changer for us.

The latest e-Newsletter from Retain UK.



Please consider donating to Retina UK through a monthly or quartely direct debit if you can. Regular donations provide a reliable source of income to help us to plan effectively for the future. Visit www.RetinaUK.org.uk/regular-giving to sign up, or, if you prefer, call us on 01280 821334.

Join Research Development Manager, Kate Arkell as she speaks to our latest research grantees about their projects.


PhD studentship: Dr Matteo Rizzi, UCL Institute of OphthalmologyInvestigating photopsia and photophobia in Stargardt disease.
PhD studentship: Chloe Brotherton, Edinburgh UniversityUnderstanding why different RPGR gene mutations can lead to different diagnosis.
PhD studentship: Gabriel Velichkova, UCL Institute of OphthalmologyInvestigating Stargardt disease as a target for gene repair.
Professor Jacqueline van der Spuy, UCL Institute of OphthalmologyThe consequences of toxic accumulation of a molecule called cGMP in Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA).
Professor Jane Sowden, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthRestoring some vision at the later stages of sight loss in advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP) using a stem cell patch.