Foundation Fighting Blindness
Episodes
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 97: Lindsey Rambo
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lindsey Rambo, a special education teaching assistant, mom, and wife, talks to host Ben Shaberman about her journey with Leber congenital amaurosis 5 ...
Beacon Therapeutics Launches Clinical Trial for Bilateral Administration of XLRP Gene Therapy
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The company has also fully enrolled the Phase 2/3 VISTA clinical trial for its XLRP gene therapy.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 96: Dr. Deniz Dalkara
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Deniz Dalkara, a research director at INSERM in France, talks to hose Ben Shaberman about her emerging gene-agnostic, gene therapy designed to res...
Belite Bio to Seek FDA Approval for its Stargardt Disease Drug
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tinlarebant slowed disease progression by 36 percent in the Dragon Phase 3 clinical trial.
Opus Genetics Launches Gene Therapy Clinical Trial for Best Disease
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Foundation funded preclinical studies for the approach and launched Opus.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 95: Greta Streimikyte
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Greta Streimikyte, a blind para-athletic running champion from Ireland, talks to host Ben Shaberman about growing up with substantial vision loss from...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 94: Dr. Victoria Claire
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
October 31, 2025. Dr. Victoria Claire has commissioned more than 200 sculptures, received an honorary doctorate, and is pursuing a PhD. She talks with...
SparingVision Launches Clinical Trial for Therapy to Re-Activate Dormant Cones in Advanced RP
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The approach may provide better visual acuity than current optogenetic therapies in clinical trials.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 93: Sam Seavey
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
October 17, 2025. Sam Seavey, founder and host of the acclaimed The Blind Life YouTube channel, talks with host Ben Shaberman about his journey with S...
Sepul Bio’s LCA10 RNA Therapy Moves into Phase 3 Clinical Trial
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The emerging therapy improved vision for some participants in an earlier clinical trial.
Opus Reports Vision Improvements for Three Pediatric Patients in Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial for LCA5 Gene Therapy
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Durable vision improvements were also observed out to 18 months for previously dosed adult patients in the trial.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 92: Lance Baldo, MD
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lance Baldo, MD, CEO at Beacon Therapeutics, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his company's fully enrolled Phase 3 VISTA clinical trial for laru-zova...
Agnes Gund – Renowned Philanthropist, Social Justice Champion, and Art Patron – Passes Away
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The documentary “Aggie: An Incredible Story of Art and Justice” chronicles her story.
Nacuity’s Antioxidative Therapy NACA Performs Encouragingly in Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
NACA is a gene-agnostic, oral medication designed to preserve vision in people with retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 91: Dr. George Magrath
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
September 5, 2025. Dr. George Magrath, CEO of Opus Genetics, talks with host Ben Shaberman about the company's evolution and progress in clinically de...
Opus Genetics Receives FDA Clearance to Launch Clinical Trial for Best1 Gene Therapy
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Foundation funded earlier, proof-of-concept studies for the Best1 gene therapy and later launched Opus to develop several IRD gene therapies.
jCyte Launches New Phase 2 Clinical Trial for its Cell-Based RP Therapy
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The trial is evaluating a cell dose that is 50 percent higher than the highest dose used in a previous Phase 2b trial.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 90: Dr. Christina Ohnsman
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
August 8, 2025. Dr. Christina Ohnsman talks to host Ben Shaberman about Tern Therapeutics, a start-up company she co-founded to develop gene therapies...
Wet AMD Treatment Susvimo Preserves Vision for Five Years in Phase 3 Clinical Trial
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Susvimo is an FDA-approved treatment that continuously delivers drug through a tiny, implanted capsule
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 89: Dr. Christine Curcio
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
July 25, 2025. Dr. Christine Curcio, one of the world's foremost experts in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis and the associated ris...
Ocugen Launches Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial for Stargardt Disease Gene-Modifier Therapy
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The therapy delivers copies of the RORA gene to address multiple disease pathways.
Nanoscope Begins Rolling BLA Submission to FDA for Seeking Approval for its Optogenetic Therapy
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The company plans to complete BLA submission in early 2026.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 88: Richard Small
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
July 11, 2025. Richard Small, CEO of Neurotech, talks to host Ben Shaberman about ENCELTO™, the first and only FDA-approved treatment for adults wit...
Atsena Gets FDA Nod to Expand XLRS Gene Therapy Clinical Trial to Include Pivotal Phase 3 Cohort
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The expanded Phase 1/2/3 shortens time to potential FDA approval.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 87: Dr. Philip Beales
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
June 13, 2025. Dr. Philip Beales, a co-founder of Axovia Therapeutics, talks to host Ben Shaberman about Bardet Biedl syndrome, ciliopathies, and his ...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 86: Lenore von Krusenstiern, MD, PhD
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
May 23, 2025. Lenore von Krusenstiern, MD, PhD, at BlueRock Therapeutics talks to host Ben Shaberman about the company's clinical trial for a photorec...
J&J’s XLRP Gene Therapy Didn’t Meet Primary Endpoint in Phase 3 Clinical Trial
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Despite missing the primary endpoint, the treatment improved vision for some patients.
ARVO 2025 Highlight: PYC Reports Encouraging Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial Results for its RNA Therapy Targeting RP (PRPF31 Mutations)
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The company is planning a Phase 2/3 clinical trial for therapy in late 2025.
ARVO 2025 Highlight: Atsena’s XLRS Gene Therapy Provides Vision and Structural Improvements in Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Part B of the trial will enroll nine adult patients as well as three pediatric patients.
ARVO 2025 Highlight: Beacon Reports Encouraging Results for Second Eyes Dosed in Clinical Trial for XLRP Gene Therapy
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The company is currently enrolling patients in its Phase 2/3 VISTA Clinical Trial.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 85: Cindy Elden
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy Elden, who co-founded the Usher III Initiative with her late father, talks to host Ben Shaberman about her journey with Usher syndrome type 3 (U...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 84: Contact Congress
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
April 3, 2025. In this episode of Eye on the Cure, Jen Bernstein at Horizon Government Affairs, and Sharon King of Taylor’s Tale, talk to host Ben S...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 83: Michel Michaelides
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
March 21, 2025. Professor Michel Michaelides, a world-renowned clinical researcher for inherited retinal diseases at Moorfields Eye Hospital and Unive...
Luxa Reports Vision Improvements in Clinical Trial of its RPE Stem Cell Therapy for Dry AMD
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Patients with worse vision at trial enrollment had greatest vision improvements.
Neurotech’s Encapsulated Cell Technology Receives FDA Approval for Treatment of MacTel
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The technology was previously funded by the Foundation for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa and dry age-related macular degeneration.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 82: Dr. Aaron Nagiel
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
March 7, 2025. Aaron Nagiel, MD, PhD, a retina surgeon at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, talks to host Ben Shaberman about how gene therapy is adm...
Adverum Advancing Wet AMD Gene Therapy into Phase 3 Clinical Trials
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In earlier clinical trials, the emerging gene therapy greatly reduced the treatment burden associated with injections of approved anti-VEGF therapies.
LCA4 Gene Therapy Restores Meaningful Vision for Blind Children
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
MeiraGTx hopes to apply for marketing approval in the UK for the gene therapy.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 81: Ricky Enger
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
February 21, 2025. Ricky Enger, the Director of Practical Help for Hadley, talks with host Ben Shaberman about her personal and professional journeys ...
RD Fund Invests in Perceive Pharma for Development of Neuroprotective Therapies
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Perceive Pharma is a spin out of Perceive Biotherapeutics.
Harriet Finkelstein, Foundation Angel, Passes Away
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Though unaffected by vision loss, she brought great passion to driving the Foundation’s mission.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 80: Aniz Girach, MD
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
January 24, 2025. Aniz Girach, MD, the chief medical officer at SpliceBio, talks to host Ben Shaberman all about the company’s emerging protein-spli...
Atsena to Launch Part B of Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial for XLRS Gene Therapy
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Foundation is a founding investor in Atsena.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 79: Damon Lembi
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
January 10, 2025. Damon Lembi talks to host Ben Shaberman about his journey as a college baseball star, father, and CEO of Learnit (a live learning pl...
ViGeneron Receives FDA Authorization to Launch Clinical Trial for mRNA Trans-splicing Gene Therapy for Stargardt Disease
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The company is also planning to conduct the clinical trial at sites in the EU.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 78: Dr. Sheldon Rowan
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
December 20, 2024. Dr. Sheldon Rowan, a professor and researcher at Tufts University, talks to host Ben Shaberman about the impact of the glycemic ind...
SpliceBio Receives FDA Clearance to Launch Clinical Trial for Stargardt Disease Protein Splicing Therapy
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The company has also launched a natural history study of patients to inform the planned clinical trial.
Sepul Bio Launches Phase 2b Clinical Trial for USH2A RNA Therapy
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Known as ultevursen, the USH2A RNA therapy was licensed from ProQR.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 77: Dr. Bob Bell
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
December 6, 2024. Bob Bell, PhD, chief scientific officer at Ascidian Therapeutics, talks with host Ben Shaberman about STELLAR, the company's Phase 1...
Atsena’s LCA1 Gene Therapy Licensed by Nippon Shinyaku for Markets in US and Japan
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The companies are planning a Phase 3 clinical trial for the promising gene therapy.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 76: The Lemay-Pelletier Family
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
November 15, 2024. When the Lemay-Pelletier family from Montreal learned that three of their four children were losing vision from retinitis pigmentos...
BlueRock’s Photoreceptor Cell Therapy to Move into Clinical Trial
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Foundation funded Dr. David Gamm for development of the induced pluripotent stem cell approach to be used in the trial.
Kiora Receives Authorization for Phase 2 Clinical Trial of its Photoswitch for Advanced RP
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 36-participant trial will take place at multiple sites in Australia.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 75: Sharon King
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
October 25, 2024. Sharon King, co-founder and president of Taylor’s Tale, talks to host Ben Shaberman about her family's journey when her daughter T...
Opus Genetics, Ocuphire Merger to Boost Advancement of Several IRD Gene Therapies
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Merger will provide additional capital for gene therapy development.
#ShareYourVision | White Cane Day
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
#WhiteCaneDay is here! Let's celebrate the strength and independence the white cane symbolizes! Do you use a white cane or other tools? Share your sto...
Safety Clinical Trial Launched for Usher Syndrome 3 Drug
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Researchers hope the molecule will slow the vision and hearing loss associated with USH3.
#ShareYourVision this Blindness Awareness Month | Jessie’s Story
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To help spread awareness during October’s Blindness Awareness Month, the Foundation Fighting Blindness invites you to share your unique experiences ...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 74: Dr. Kia Washington
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
October 11, 2024. Dr. Kia Washington, a professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medica...
#ShareYourVision | What do you want others to know about your unique vision?
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To help spread awareness during October’s Blindness Awareness Month, the Foundation Fighting Blindness invites you to share your unique experiences ...
Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice — A New York Times Editor’s Pick
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Tatel’s humility and tenacity shine. The result is a stirring reflection on an extraordinary life,” Publishers Weekly
4DMT Planning Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Wet AMD Gene Therapy
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Known as 4D-150, the wet AMD gene therapy performed well in a Phase 2b clinical trial.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 73: Dr. Zuhal Butuner
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
September 20, 2024. Dr. Zuhal Butuner, chief medical officer at Sepul Bio, talks with host Ben Shaberman about her company's two emerging RNA therapie...
AAVantgarde Bio’s Dual-Vector USH1B Gene Therapy Moves into Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The USH1B trial is the first ever for a dual AAV gene therapy delivered to the retina.
Nanoscope Planning Phase 3 Trial of its Optogenetic Therapy for People with Stargardt Disease
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Phase 3 trial is expected to begin in Q1 2025.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 72: Hannah Scanga
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
August 23, 2024. Hannah Scanga, the supervisor of genetic counseling and the ocular genetics service at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, t...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 71: Dr. Leonide Saad
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
August 9, 2024. Leonide Saad, PhD, founder and chief scientific officer of the biotech Alkeus, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his company’s emerg...
Beacon Story | Para triathlete Deb Chucoski
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Check out this exclusive Beacon Story podcast with WROC’s Adam Chodak and professional Para triathlete Deb Chucoski as they discuss living with Star...
AREDS Formula Reduces Risk of Visual Acuity Loss for People with Geographic Atrophy
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Previously, the formula was thought to only reduce risk of early age-related macular degeneration advancing to late-stage disease
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 70: Karen Petrou
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
July 26, 2024. Karen Petrou, the new board chair at the Foundation, talks to host Ben Shaberman about her vision for the Foundation moving forward. Ka...
VISIONS 2024 | Tribute, Awards and Closing
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Honoring John Corneille, JD, on his retirement from the Foundation Fighting Blindness and the Lulie's Light Awards.
VISIONS 2024 | Karen Petrou "Vision for the Future"
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
VISIONS 2024 | Karen Petrou "Vision for the Future" by Foundation Fighting Blindness
VISIONS 2024 | Clinical Trials: What Should You Know?
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Todd Durham, PhD; Kristin Macdonald and Thomas Mendel, MD, PhD This session will provide clinician and participant perspectives on inherited...
VISIONS 2024 | Gene Agnostic Therapeutic Approaches
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Dan Chung, DO, MA; Michael Voevodsky, MBA abd Jami Kern, MBA, PhD This session will discuss gene agnostic therapeutic approaches, which are ...
VISIONS 2024 | Eye Health and Nutrition
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Paul Bernstein, MD, PhD and Abigail Fahim, MD, PhD This session will discuss how dietary supplements and lifestyle choices can influence eye...
VISIONS 2024 | Clinical & Research Updates: Other Retinal Diseases (CHM, BCM, XLRS)
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speaker: Abigail Fahim, MD, PhD This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for other retinal diseases, including ch...
VISIONS 2024 | Clinical & Research Updates: Macular Dystrophies
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Nieraj Jain, MD and Andrew Goldberg, PhD This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for specific retinal ...
VISIONS 2024 | Clinical & Research Updates: Stargardt Disease
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stargardt Disease and Age Related Macular Degeneration. Speakers: Thomas Wubben, MD, PhD; Jason Miller, MD, PhD and Esther Biswas-Fiss, PhD This sessi...
VISIONS 2024 | Clinical & Research Updates: Leber Congenital Amaurosis
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Bikash Pattnaik, PhD and Ramiro Maldonado, MD This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for Leber Congen...
VISIONS 2024 | Clinical & Research Updates: Retinitis Pigmentosa
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Robert Hyde, MD, PhD and Miranda Scalabrino, PhD This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for Retinitis...
VISIONS 2024 | Clinical & Research Updates: Usher Syndrome
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: David Corey, PhD and Benjamin Bakall, MD, PhD This session will feature clinicans and researchers discussing recent updates for Usher Syndro...
VISIONS 2024 | Low Vision Aids and Devices
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speaker: Francisco Richardson, OD Learn about devices, technologies, and low vision adaptations for work, home and education.
VISIONS 2024 | An In-Depth Process of Applying for a Guide Dog
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Leslie Hoskins and Alyssa Otis Learn what to expect when applying for a guide dog, including review of the application materials and potenti...
VISIONS 2024 | Fireside Chat with Judge David Tatel
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Foundation Board Chair David Brint sits down with Judge David Tatel to discuss vision loss, his career and latest book.
VISIONS 2024 | My Advocacy. My Choice.
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Christy Vanek and Janni Lehrer-Stein Join us for a fireside chat conversation on advocacy across the personal, workplace, and legislative le...
VISIONS 2024 | Navigating Air Travel—A Southwest Airlines Perspective
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speaker: James Ashworth This session will discuss practical tips and strategies for traveling with vision loss on Southwest Airlines, information such...
VISIONS 2024 | Clinical Trial Readiness
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Todd Durham, PhD; Kristin Macdonald and Thomas Mendel, MD, PhD This session will focus on empowering patients to decide if participation in ...
VISIONS 2024 | Inherited Retinal Disease Genetics: Testing and Registries
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Science Plenary Session Speakers: Todd Durham, PhD; Kristi Lee, MS, CGC and Ramiro Maldonado, MD This session will discuss the importance of genetic t...
VISIONS 2024 | Optogenetics for Sight Restoration (session two)
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Paul Bresge; Eric Daniels, MD and Ethan Rossi, PhD This session discusses optogenetics, a method of endowing non-photoreceptor cells with li...
VISIONS 2024 | Optogenetics for Sight Restoration (session one)
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Paul Bresge; Eric Daniels, MD and Ethan Rossi, PhD This session discusses optogenetics, a method of endowing non-photoreceptor cells with li...
VISIONS 2024 | Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (session one)
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Katherine Uyhazi, MD, PhD and Srinivasa Sripathi, PhD Stem cell therapies are based on the premise that we could restore vision if we could ...
VISIONS 2024 | Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (session two)
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Katherine Uyhazi, MD, PhD and Srinivasa Sripathi, PhD Stem cell therapies are based on the premise that we could restore vision if we could ...
VISIONS 2024 | Genetic Therapies: Gene Therapy and Genome Editing
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Kenji Fujita, MD and Renee Ryals, PhD This session will discuss therapies that are gene and/or mutation specific, including gene therapy and...
VISIONS 2024 | Emerging Technologies
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Emerging Technologies: Retinal Organoids, RNA Editing, Retinal Prosthetics, and Artificial Intelligence. Speakers: Robert Bell, PhD; Karl Wahlin, PhD;...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 69: Dr. Francois Paquet-Durand
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
July 12, 2024. Francois Paquet-Durand, PhD, a professor from the University of Tübingen and co-founder of the company Mireca, talks to host Ben Shabe...
Genentech to Re-Introduce Susvimo for Wet AMD
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
FDA-approved in 2021, the tiny implantable capsule provides sustained delivery of treatment, but was recalled in 2022.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 68: Dr. Michael Telias
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For this episode of Eye on the Cure, Michael Telias, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Rochester in New York, talks with host Ben Shabe...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 67: Dr. Peter Campochiaro
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Peter Campochiaro, a clinician-scientist and the Eccles Professor of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medi...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 66: Peter Wallsten
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Peter Wallsten, a veteran newspaper journalist and head of investigative reporting at The Washington Post, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his evolv...
ARVO 2024 Highlight: InGel’s Cell Therapy Shows Promise for Preserving Vision
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The emerging treatment is designed to work for people with RP and other conditions regardless of the gene mutation causing disease