Presidents Report - Mid Year 2008

Although Dianne and I were absent, I have been told the March General Meeting was very successful. A number of newer members took the opportunity to listen to the presentation by Caloundra based Ophthalmologist Dr Jodie Marshall.

Jodie spoke about retinal eye disease and her experience with RP research at the John Radcliffe Hospital in England. Jodie then spent quite some time answering questions.

We thank Jodie very much for making the trip from Caloundra and giving her time to clarify many issues for those present.

Research continues to gather momentum throughout the world. Recently there have been two research papers released, one in Australia and one in England, about progress with the development of a “bionic eye”. At the moment the level of sight provided through the bionic eye is very limited. Further development will hopefully lead to a device that can produce more usable vision.

In another recently released paper from England, researchers using gene therapy have achieved very promising results that could become a treatment for certain retinal eye diseases in the near future.

We urgently need a national register to record the genetic history of all families that one day soon may benefit from a genetic therapy. Such a register would be very expensive to develop and maintain but we must find a way to get it up and running.

A membership renewal form is enclosed with your newsletter or has been posted separately for those who receive a CD. If you need help to complete the form or would like to pay by credit card over the phone, just call Anne on 300-300-65.

Planning has commenced for the next Retina Australia Congress being held in Brisbane in October 2009. While it is still a way off, there is much organising to be carried out. If you have a suggestion for a presentation or workshop we would like to hear about it. Just call or email Anne with your suggestions for consideration by the Committee.

Graeme Ferguson – President

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