About Retina Network Ireland

Retina Network Ireland is an all-island network for early to mid-career researchers, clinicians and allied healthcare professionals in the area of vision and retinal disease who are based in, or affiliated with, Irish Institutions.

1. About Retina Network Ireland (RNI)

2. Why join RNI?

3. Register for RNI

4. Resources

About Retina Network Ireland

Retina Network Ireland logo

Retina Network Ireland (RNI) was launched at Retina 2020 with a mission to support and empower early-career researchers and clinicians in vision research. The network offers a collaborative space for networking, career-building opportunities, training, and mentorship programmes, all in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Designed for research and clinical groups based in Ireland, RNI welcomes ophthalmologists in training, post-doctoral fellows, PhD students, and undergraduates with an interest in academic and clinical vision research. It serves as a platform for peers to connect, share knowledge and discuss all aspects of retina-focused science and healthcare.

    RNI members networking with members of the Fighting Blindness V.I.P Network at an in-person V.I.P Network Coffee Morning event
    RNI members networking with members of the Fighting Blindness V.I.P Network at an in-person V.I.P Network Coffee Morning event

    Why Join RNI?

    Vision research and healthcare is one of the most innovative of all disciplines, however it is often viewed as a niche area for scientists and clinicians. In Ireland alone, sight loss affects over a quarter of a million people, many of whom face incurable conditions or invasive treatments. These challenges have a profound impact on quality of life, making it essential to build research and clinical capacity in vision science to address the needs of the patient community.

    By joining RNI, you will become part of a collaborative and supportive community committed to driving real change for people affected by sight loss. The network fosters connections among researchers and clinicians, paving the way for impactful discoveries and innovations.

    RNI aims to:

        • Facilitate Collaboration: Create a platform for researchers to share their work, connect with peers across Ireland, and establish cross-disciplinary relationships at a national level.
        • Advance Professional Development: Offer career-building opportunities, including training and mentorship programmes, to inspire interconnectivity and growth within the community.
        • Deliver Targeted Workshops: Host annual workshops on key topics such as effective science communication and embedding Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) into research.

        Public and Patient Involvement in Research Training November 2023
        Public and Patient Involvement in Research Training, November 2023

        Register for RNI

        Are you an early- to mid-career researcher, clinician, ophthalmologist in training, or student interested in vision research? If you’re affiliated with an Irish institution and want to join Retina Network Ireland, click the button below to register today!

        Join RNI here

        After registering with RNI, you can also join our LinkedIn group here to connect, share, and stay updated on the latest news and events!

        If you want to hear more information or have any questions on Retina Network Ireland, please contact the Research Department team at Fighting Blindness on  research@fightingblindness.ie.

        Resources

        • You can find further information on Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) for researchers here, including our PPI toolkit.
        • You can check our latest PPI Case Study ‘Posters with Perspective’ here.
        • For further guidance and resources related to Public and Patient Involvement (PPI), check the PPI Ignite Network website here.
        • You can find the Summary Report from the PPI in Research Workshop, which took place during the Retina World Congress 2024 in Dublin, here.