Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) will co-host an Inherited Retinal Disease Patient & Family Engagement Day on Friday, October 25, bringing together patients, families, caregivers and researchers to share the latest scientific advances in genetic eye disease.

The free event will feature a keynote presentation by CMRI’s Head of the Stem Cell Group, Associate Professor Anai Gonzalez-Cordero, who’s world-leading research focuses on using stem cells and gene therapy to treat inherited retinal diseases.

“As a researcher, I feel it is my responsibility to engage and educate patients, carers, and clinical professionals about upcoming research,” said A/Prof Gonzalez-Cordero. “Engagement fosters new ideas and provides everyone with the opportunity to participate in the research process.”

A recent survey showed that 60% of people impacted by IRD had little-to-no knowledge around cell therapy for retinal conditions.

“We hope that attendees will gain a better understanding of what cell therapy is, what’s happening in this area of research, and how it might benefit them in the future,” said co-convenor, Dr Eden Robertson. “We also hope this understanding will help attendees feel more confident and empowered to ask questions, seek further information, and take part in conversations about emerging therapies.” 

Registration is open now and closes on October 22.

The day is co-hosted by UNSW Sydney (Behavioural Sciences Unit, School of Clinical Medicine) with funding through a Medical Research Futures Fund Stem Cell Therapies Mission grant. The venue has been kindly provided by Vision Australia. 

This year, one of the faces of CMRI’s Jeans for Genes campaign was Jett – a five-year-old living with Usher Syndrome and a future prediction of developing retinitis pigmentosa. It’s his future sight that this research is hoping to save.

“Jett’s story reminds us who we’re doing this for,” said A/Prof Gonzalez-Cordero. “It’s about helping children see the world more clearly, and giving families answers and options they’ve never had before.”

CMRI invites patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers and advocates to register for the event and join the conversation about the future of vision research.

Event Details
Event: Inherited Retinal Disease Patient & Engagement Day
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Location: Vision Australia offices, 454 Glenferrie Rd, Kooyong, VIC 3144 
Keynote: A/Prof Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
Register by: Wednesday, October 22
Registration Link: https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/2025-inherited-retinal-disease-patient-and-family-day