Hope in Focus Heading to VISIONS 2022 National Conference
Foundation Fighting Blindness begins its VISIONS 2022 national conference tomorrow, and Hope in Focus will be there to hear the latest research advances for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and other rare inherited retinal diseases (IRDs).
The conference at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Florida from June 17-18 features sessions on exciting new research, gaining practical skills for coping with vision loss, learning about products and services that can improve lives, and connecting with others nationwide from the blind- and low-vision community.
The biennial event is designed specifically for people and families affected by LCA and other blinding retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease and other related conditions.
These diseases cause progressive blindness and affect more than 10 million Americans and millions more globally.
Science-focused programming will cover information on optogenetics, genetic technologies, genetic testing, and counseling through the Foundation’s My Retina Tracker Registry®, stem cells in retinal disease, and clinical trial participation. Other programming will include disease-specific clinical updates and sessions on adapting and thriving, including the latest on assistive technology, blind athletes breaking barriers, cane safety and mobility, and how to cope with anxiety, depression, and stress related to vision loss or serving in a helper role.
Connecting with the LCA community
In the conference exhibit hall, Hope in Focus will staff a booth with specifics related to LCA and IRDS, sharing information about a recent LCA community survey conducted by our organization, gathering ideas from attendees, and answering questions.
Hope in Focus also will hold an LCA Mix & Mingle reception, affording the opportunity for families to meet one another and share stories and experiences.
Along with representatives from Hope in Focus, more than 500 people from the blind- and low-vision community are expected to attend VISIONS 2022.
Benjamin Yerxa, PhD, chief executive officer, said the Foundation is excited to host VISIONS 2022 in person again and to share what he called tremendous progress being made by Foundation-funded scientists and researchers within our community.
“As the world leader in retinal research funding, this is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for those with blinding retinal diseases that they won’t want to miss.”
Keynote speakers include Chad E. Foster, a corporate executive at Red Hat/IBM, international motivational speaker, and the author of Blind Ambition™, and Marsha Link, principal of Link Consulting, who has a broad range of expertise as a clinician, executive coach, human resource professional, and educator.
VISIONS 2022 sponsors include Platinum Partner, Janssen Global Services, LLC, one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson; Gold Partners, Genentech, and Spark Therapeutics; Silver Partner, AGTC; and Bronze Partners, Apellis, Nacuity, REGENXBIO, and Two Blind Brothers.
Established in 1971, the Foundation Fighting Blindness is the world’s leading private funding source for retinal degenerative disease research. The Foundation has raised more than $856 million toward its mission of accelerating research for preventing, treating, and curing blindness caused by the entire spectrum of blinding retinal diseases, including: retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and Usher syndrome.