Advancing the future of vision through global collaboration
Retina International is a global alliance of patient-led retina organisations working to preserve and improve vision for everyone living with a retinal condition, regardless of where they live.
We unite and amplify the global retinal community’s voice to advance research, influence policy, and shape decisions that affect our lives.

RI’s members include patient-led organisations working at national and regional levels. Together, we represent communities affected by a broad range of retinal conditions, including inherited retinal diseases, age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy, diabetic retinopathy and all retinal conditions affecting vision.
By connecting communities across borders, Retina International creates opportunities for our members for shared learning, collaboration, and collective action that improve lives worldwide.
Guided by our strategic pillars, Innovate, Empower, and Advocate, we put people affected by retinal conditions at the centre of everything we do, building a connected, informed, and inclusive global community that drives meaningful change.
Our Vision, Mission & Values
Our Pillars
Our Global Community
Retina International’s strength lies in its international network of member organisations. Through collaboration, we achieve far more together than any organisation could alone.
Together, we create a stronger voice for people affected by retinal conditions by:
- Sharing knowledge and best practice
- Supporting stronger patient organisations
- Building research collaborations
- Raising awareness globally
- Influencing policy and healthcare decisions


Our Commitment to Patients
People affected by retinal conditions are at the heart of everything we do. We believe:
- Patient experiences should inform healthcare and research priorities.
- Access to reliable information and support is essential.
- Research should include meaningful patient involvement.
- Collaboration is fundamental to achieving lasting change.
Our commitment is to ensure that every person living with a retinal condition has the opportunity to be informed, supported, represented, and heard.
Our Impact
For almost five decades, Retina International has helped shape the global retinal landscape through collaboration, advocacy, and research.
Together with our members and partners, we continue to:
- Strengthen patient organisations around the world.
- Influence international health and research policy.
- Support patient-centred research and innovation.
- Build global collaborations that accelerate scientific progress.
- Raise awareness of retinal conditions.
- Amplify the voices of people living with retinal conditions.


Our History
Almost five decades of connecting communities, advancing research, and amplifying patient voices.
Since its establishment in 1978, Retina International has represented the global patient-led retinal community, connecting organisations, researchers, clinicians, industry, and policymakers to improve the lives of people affected by retinal conditions.
What began as a movement led by patients and families has grown into a global alliance driving collaboration, advancing research, and ensuring patient voices remain central to progress.
Discover more about RI:
RI’s Board of Directors
RI’s Board provides strategic leadership and oversight, ensuring the organisation stays focused on its mission and long-term priorities.
Learn about RI's Board of Directors HereRI’s Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
RI’s SMAB provides scientific and medical expertise, ensuring our work reflects the latest knowledge and advances in retinal research and care.
Learn about RI's SMAB HereRI’s Secretariat
RI’s Secretariat coordinates the organisation’s daily operations, bringing together diverse expertise to support our activities and advance our global mission.
Learn about RI's Secretariat HereRI’s Governance
RI’s governance structures promote transparency, accountability and sustainability, ensuring responsible oversight and effective delivery of our mission.
Learn about RI's Governance HereRI’s Strategy
RI’s strategy sets out our priorities and direction, guiding our work to support the retinal disease community and achieve our global mission.
Learn About RI's Strategy HereTogether, we are shaping the future of retinal health.
Whether you are a person living with a retinal condition, a family member, researcher, clinician, policymaker, industry partner, or patient organisation, Retina International provides opportunities to connect, collaborate, and create lasting impact.