The RI SMAB brings together internationally recognised scientists, clinicians, and researchers who provide guidance and expertise to support Retina International’s mission of accelerating progress in the understanding, treatment, and prevention of retinal conditions.

Through global collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and patient organisations, the SMAB helps ensure that scientific developments are connected to the real-world needs and experiences of people living with retinal conditions.

The Scientific & Medical Advisory Board plays a vital role in supporting Retina International’s commitment to evidence-based, patient-centred research.

The SMAB works to:

Support Global Research Collaboration

The SMAB encourages cooperation and knowledge-sharing between researchers, clinicians, and patient organisations worldwide.

By strengthening connections across the scientific community, the SMAB helps identify opportunities for collaboration and supports progress in retinal research.

Provide Scientific Expertise and Guidance

The SMAB provides advice on scientific and medical matters, helping ensure Retina International’s programmes, resources, and initiatives are informed by the latest developments in retinal science.

Connect Research and Patient Priorities

The SMAB supports Retina International’s commitment to meaningful patient involvement by helping bridge the gap between scientific innovation and the needs of people living with retinal conditions.

The Scientific & Medical Advisory Board is composed of experts nominated by Retina International member organisations’ scientific and medical advisory groups.

Together, members represent a global network of expertise across retinal science, ophthalmology, genetics, clinical research, and patient-centred innovation.

Their collective knowledge helps Retina International and its members remain connected to emerging discoveries and opportunities that can improve outcomes for people affected by retinal conditions.

Co-Chair

Professor José-Alain Sahel is an internationally recognised leader in ophthalmology and retinal research.

He has held academic and clinical leadership positions, including at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the University Eye Hospital Tübingen.

His research has contributed significantly to advances in retinal disease understanding, regenerative medicine, and innovative approaches to restoring vision.

Co-Chair

Dr Jacque Duncan is a leading ophthalmologist and researcher based at the University of California San Francisco.

Her work focuses on retinal diseases, clinical care, and advancing understanding of conditions affecting vision.

Dr Duncan brings extensive clinical and research expertise to support Retina International’s scientific mission.

Co-Secretary

Dr Rob Koenekoop is based at the McGill University Health Centre in Canada.

He is internationally recognised for his work in inherited retinal diseases and has contributed extensively to research into diagnosis, genetic causes, and improved understanding of retinal conditions.

Co-Secretary

Dr Rachel M. Huckfeldt is based at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School in the United States.

Her clinical and research work focuses on inherited retinal diseases, with particular interest in improving diagnosis, understanding disease progression, and advancing care for people affected by retinal conditions.

The Scientific & Medical Advisory Board represents the expertise, collaboration, and shared commitment needed to advance retinal research globally.

By bringing together scientific leaders from around the world, the SMAB helps Retina International and its members understand emerging developments, support meaningful research collaboration, and ensure patient priorities remain connected to scientific progress.

Together, we are working towards a future where retinal conditions are better understood, better treated, and where everyone affected has access to the support and advances they need.