About the Society of Retina New Zealand Inc

Retina New Zealand Inc is committed to finding the cause, prevention and treatment of retinal degenerative disorders.

Formerly known as the New Zealand Retinitis Pigmentosa Society, Retina New Zealand Inc was formed in 1988.

Although independent, it is part of Retina International, a world-wide movement to combat retinal degenerative disorders leading to blindness. It is estimated twenty million people are affected with retinal degenerative disorders world-wide.

Major research efforts are now undertaken into retinal degenerative disorders in many countries, largely because of the stimulus and fund raising provided by the member societies of Retina International.

The activities of these societies have given hope that scientifically validated therapies will soon be devised. Meanwhile the societies help and inform affected people and their families and create public awareness about the problem.

Mission statement

To promote public awareness of retinal degenerative disorders, to provide information and support, and to foster research leading to treatment and an eventual cure.

Specific aims

• Raising public awareness about retinal degenerative disorders.
  
• Establishing links between families and optometrists, ophthalmologists, scientists, the Royal NZ Foundation for the Blind, government organisations and social services.
  
• Providing members with information about their disorder, medical research, visual and physical aids, entitlements of the blind and partially sighted.
  
• Pressing for Government-funded research and raising money to sponsor research.

Scientific and medical advisory board

• Dr Michael Denton, molecular geneticist
• Dr Joanne Dixon, medical geneticist
• Dr Carolyn Hope, ophthalmologist
• Dr Marion Maw, molecular geneticist (Chair)
• Mr Gordon Sanderson, optometrist
• Dr Dianne Sharp, ophthalmologist
• Dr Andrea Vincent, ophthalmologist/medical geneticist
• Dr Rachel Barnes, ophthalmologist
• Dr Tony Marks, psychiatrist

For further information contact:
Retina NZ Inc
PO Box 17-242
Wellington 6033
Phone: 04 299 1801
Fax: 04 472 9490
E-mail: secretary@retina.org.nz

Information booklets and quarterly newsletters are available at
branches in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Otago/Southland.