Join the global voice of the retinal disease community
Retina International is a global network of patient-led organisations working together to advance research, strengthen advocacy, and improve the lives of people affected by retinal conditions. Our membership connects you to this network.
Who Can Join
Membership is for patient-led or patient-representative organisations and aligned non-profits working in retinal diseases, across the world, committed to RI’s mission, values and standards. Whether you are an established national patient organisation, a newly forming group, or a scientific or funding body supporting retinal research, there is a route to membership that fits your organisation.
A Global Community
Our members span dozens of countries and work across the full range of retinal conditions, including inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), age-related macular degeneration, diabetes-related eye disease and other clinically relevant eye conditions. Together, we form a united, credible voice for the retinal disease community at the highest international levels.
Three Categories, One Community
Retina International offers different categories of membership to reflect the different types and stages of organisations in our network, from established patient-led organisations to emerging groups and research-focused institutions. Each category comes with its own eligibility criteria, benefits, and fees.
Why Organisations Join
RI Membership Application Process
Step 1: Intake & Review
Contact the RI Secretariat (membership@retina-international.org or navya.dhir@retina-international.org) to express your interest in membership and submit your application. We will
check it against the published criteria.
Step 2: Structured Review
The Secretariat will assess documentation using a standard template and then formally recommend approval, deferral, or decline to the Board.
Step 3: Board Decision
All membership applications, for Full, Candidate and Associate categories, are approved by the Board of RI at its regular quarterly meetings.
Step 4: Communication and Onboarding
On approval, the Secretariat sends an onboarding pack with all relevant information and issues the invoice for your first year’s membership. Your organisation is also added to all relevant RI communication channels.
Step 5: Annual Renewal
Membership is renewed annually. You will be invoiced each year and are expected to provide financial account information for fee calculation and confirm that your organisation continues to meet the relevant membership criteria.
Application Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we join if we are a small organisation?
Yes. RI welcomes organisations of all sizes. The Candidate Member category provides entry points for small, fledgling, or emerging groups that are not yet ready for Full Membership. Full Member fees are also calculated based on your organisation’s income.
Can we join if we are not from Europe?
Absolutely. RI is a global organisation actively prioritising growth in underrepresented regions, particularly Africa, Asia and South America. We welcome applications from organisations in any country.
We cover age-related macular degeneration, not inherited retinal dystrophies. Can we join?
Yes. RI’s Constitution covers societies for people with retinal dystrophies, including inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD), other age-related retinal dystrophies, and/or Diabetes-related Eye Disease (DED). If you are unsure where your organisation fits, please contact the Secretariat at (membership@retina-international.org or navya.dhir@retina-international.org) to discuss the most appropriate category.
Do we need a Scientific and Medical Advisory Board to join?
For Full Membership, yes, you must have access to scientific and medical advice, and your scientific advisory body must be approved by the RI SMAB. This requirement does not apply to Candidate or Associate Members.
What if we cannot afford the membership fee?
RI has a formal, temporary fee relief process. If your organisation faces genuine financial hardship, you can apply in writing to the Secretariat (membership@retina-international.org or navya.dhir@retina-international.org). Any concession must be time-limited and approved by the Board. There are no informal or permanent exemptions.
How long does the application process take?
The Secretariat reviews applications and makes recommendations to the Board, which meets quarterly. You should expect a decision within one Board meeting cycle of submitting a complete application, and the Secretariat will keep you informed throughout.
What happens if our organisation changes significantly after joining?
Members are expected to inform the Secretariat of significant changes to their organisation’s status, governance, or financial situation. The Board may review membership status if circumstances change materially.
Can more than one organisation from the same country be a member?
Yes, of course. Where more than one Full Member exists in a country, organisations are encouraged to liaise regularly with each other.
Is there a membership application form?
There is no application form. Instead, a formal written request is submitted to the Secretariat along with the checklist of supporting documents set out on the How to Apply page.
Who do we contact with questions?
For any membership queries, contact Navya Dhir, our Membership & Engagement Coordinator, at membership@retina-international.org or directly at navya.dhir@retina-international.org.
