Patient-Led Leadership with Global Accountability
Trust, transparency, and accountability are central to everything Retina International does.
As a global patient-led organisation, our governance framework ensures that our leadership, decision-making, and activities remain aligned with the needs and priorities of people affected by retinal conditions and the member organisations that represent them.
Our Governance Structure
Retina International’s governance structure is designed to ensure that leadership remains accountable to, and representative of, its global membership. Through strong governance structures and responsible oversight, Retina International works to maintain transparency, sustainability, and effective delivery of our mission.
The organisation is governed through a collaborative model that brings together:
- Member organisations, who provide the foundation of Retina International’s global network and contribute to organisational priorities
- The Board of Directors, who provide strategic leadership and oversight
- The Chief Executive Officer and Secretariat, who deliver programmes, initiatives, and operational activities
- The Scientific & Medical Advisory Board, who provide expert guidance on research and medical matters
Together, these groups ensure that Retina International’s work is guided by patient priorities, scientific evidence, and effective governance.
A Patient-Led Organisation
Retina International is led by people living with retinal conditions, for people living with retinal conditions, their families, carers, and everyone affected by vision loss.
Our governance model reflects our belief that lived experience must be central to decisions about:
- Research priorities
- Healthcare access
- Policy development
- Innovation
- Patient participation
We are committed to ensuring that people affected by retinal conditions have access to:
- Reliable information about research and scientific developments
- Guidance on diagnosis and care pathways
- Information about clinical trials and emerging therapies
- Opportunities to participate in advocacy and decision-making
Board of Directors
Strategic Leadership and Oversight
The Board of Directors provides strategic direction and ensures Retina International remains focused on its mission and long-term goals.
The Board is responsible for:
- Setting strategic priorities
- Ensuring good governance and accountability
- Providing financial oversight
- Supporting the Chief Executive Officer
- Representing member organisations
- Supporting the long-term sustainability of the organisation
The Board’s work is supported by dedicated committees:
Executive Committee
Supports responsible governance, accountability, and organisational risk management.
Finance Committee
Provides oversight of financial sustainability, resources, and organisational operations.
Role of the Chief Executive Officer
Turning our mission into action
The Chief Executive Officer works closely with Retina International’s governing bodies to translate the organisation’s mission and strategy into meaningful action.
The CEO is responsible for:
- Supporting implementation of Retina International’s strategic plan
- Ensuring activities align with member and community needs
- Developing partnerships and opportunities for collaboration
- Supporting effective delivery of programmes and initiatives
- Working with stakeholders across research, healthcare, policy, and patient communities
Role of the SMAB
Scientific & Medical Advisory Board (SMAB)
The Scientific & Medical Advisory Board provides expert guidance on scientific and medical matters.
The SMAB connects Retina International with leading experts in retinal science and medicine, ensuring our work remains evidence-based and informed by developments in research and clinical practice.
Role of the Secretariat
Supporting the operations
The Retina International Secretariat supports the organisation’s daily operations and works closely with member organisations around the world.
The Secretariat provides:
- Communications and updates for members
- Advocacy resources and strategic support
- Research and policy information
- Education and capacity-building resources
- Opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange
Through collaboration with members and partners, the Secretariat helps ensure patient perspectives are represented in discussions about retinal research, healthcare access, and policy development.
Members Have a Voice
Membership – Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Annual General Meeting provides Retina International members with the opportunity to participate in organisational decision-making, review progress, and contribute to future priorities.
The AGM ensures that member organisations have a voice in shaping the direction of Retina International.
Transparency and Accountability
Retina International is committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and responsible governance.
We make key governance information available to support openness and accountability across our organisation.
Working Together for the Future
Strong governance enables Retina International to continue building a connected global retinal community.
By bringing together patient organisations, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and partners, we work towards a future where retinal conditions are better understood, better supported, and where everyone affected has access to the information, care, research opportunities, and innovations they need.
More to Explore
Together, 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.
