Global Summit Unites to Fight Blindness, Fueling Hope for Cures

COLUMBIA, Md. – April 20, 2026 – The global fight against blinding retinal diseases is set to enter a new, unified era as two of the world's leading advocacy organizations join forces. The Foundation Fighting Blindness announced it will host United in Vision 2026, a landmark conference held in partnership with the Retina International World Congress, from June 12-13 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

For the first time, the Foundation’s biennial VISIONS conference will merge with the international congress, creating what is poised to be one of the most comprehensive forums dedicated to blinding diseases. The event is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees, convening patients, world-renowned researchers, clinicians, and industry innovators to foster collaboration and accelerate the path to treatments and cures.

A New Era of Global Collaboration

The significance of this partnership cannot be overstated. The Foundation Fighting Blindness, established in 1971, has been a powerhouse in the United States, raising nearly $1 billion for research into conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Retina International, a global alliance of 43 patient-led charities, brings a vast international network, amplifying the patient voice on a worldwide stage. This merger transforms the conference from a national gathering into a truly global nexus for progress.

"United in Vision represents a pivotal moment in advancing our mission," said Jason Menzo, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation Fighting Blindness and a Board Director of Retina International. "By joining forces with the Retina International World Congress, we are strengthening global collaboration to accelerate research into treatments and cures and ensure our community stays connected to the latest progress."

The sentiment is echoed by Retina International, which emphasizes the power of a united front.

"United in Vision 2026 represents everything we believe in," said Avril Daly, Chief Executive Officer of Retina International. "When we join forces across borders, we accelerate the path to cures and bring hope to the millions of people around the world living with retinal diseases."

The Future of Sight on the Scientific Stage

The conference agenda promises a deep dive into the most advanced frontiers of medical science. Across 27 sessions, attendees will hear about cutting-edge research that was once the domain of science fiction. Discussions will cover breakthroughs in genome editing, where techniques like CRISPR are being refined to correct the specific genetic mutations that cause inherited retinal diseases.

Another key focus will be optogenetics, a revolutionary approach that aims to bestow light-sensing capabilities to remaining retinal cells in patients with advanced vision loss. Several companies are already in clinical trials for these therapies, offering hope for individuals who have lost most of their photoreceptors. The agenda also includes updates on retinal prosthetics and the ambitious goal of whole eye transplantation. This topic has gained significant public interest following the world's first partial success by a team at NYU Langone Health in late 2023, demonstrating that while formidable challenges remain, the scientific community is making tangible progress on these moonshot goals.

Beyond theoretical science, the conference will provide critical clinical updates on specific conditions. Researchers will present the latest findings for retinitis pigmentosa, including progress in gene-agnostic therapies designed to work regardless of a patient’s specific mutation. For Stargardt disease, where the large size of the ABCA4 gene has posed challenges for traditional gene therapy, experts will discuss novel approaches like RNA exon-editing. The sessions will also cover progress in treatments for Usher syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), and both wet and dry forms of AMD.

Beyond the Lab: AI and Empowerment in Daily Life

While the scientific sessions look toward the future, the conference remains firmly grounded in the present-day needs of the blind and low-vision community. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to practical, empowering solutions that enhance independence and quality of life.

The opening session, "Innovating Access: AI That Moves and Grooves, With You," will explore the next wave of assistive technology. This goes far beyond simple screen readers. Experts will showcase conversational AI tools and context-aware wearables, like Envision Glasses or those powered by Google's experimental Project Astra, that can describe a user's surroundings, read complex documents, and recognize faces in real time. These technologies are transforming daily life, offering unprecedented levels of autonomy.

This focus on empowerment is further reinforced by the keynote address from Anastasia Pagonis, a Paralympic gold medalist and world-record-holding swimmer. Her journey of resilience is expected to be a powerful testament to living fully with vision loss and changing societal perceptions of blindness.

Practical sessions under the "Adapting & Thriving" track will address crucial, often overlooked, aspects of living with a visual impairment. Topics like "Employment for All: Building Accessible Career Pathways" and "Breaking the Barriers around Mental Health" tackle the social and emotional challenges that accompany a diagnosis. These sessions directly address the needs of a community navigating what is often a "hidden disability," providing strategies and support for overcoming barriers in the workplace and daily life.

The conference also recognizes the profound need for human connection. Dedicated "mix & mingle" events will allow individuals and families to connect with others navigating the same diagnosis, creating invaluable support networks for those affected by retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, and other conditions. This blend of high-tech innovation, cutting-edge science, and deep community support underscores the event's holistic approach to fighting blindness.