On October 14, 2020, Health Canada announced their approval of the first targeted gene-therapy treatment voretigene neparvovec (Brand name: Luxturna) for an inherited retinal disease (IRD). This announcement is the first targeted…

Every year, the cost of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) in Canada is $1.6 billion, a cost largely borne by affected individuals and their families. IRDs, including retinitis pigmentosa, rod-cone dystrophy, and Stargardt…

INTRODUCTION My name is Marlene Cust. I am a senior citizen, and legally blind due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In my writing, I want to acknowledge both…

October is an exciting month for Fighting Blindness Canada’s Young Leaders Program. Established in 2015, the Young Leaders Program provides blind or partially sighted people aged 15-30 with tools to develop skills…

Meet the Expert: Dr. Robert Koenekoop is a Montreal-based clinician-scientist, meaning he is both a medical doctor, trained in Ophthalmology and also does research about inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). He’s also a…

Tavish Gillan is a vibrant teen who’s full of heart and positive energy. At the early age of eight, Tavish began to experience challenges with his night vision and exotropia –a condition…