Foundation Fighting Blindness
Episodes
ARVO 2024 Highlight: PYC Reports Initial Clinical Trial Results for its RNA Therapy Targeting RP
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No serious adverse events were reported. One patient had encouraging improvement in retinal sensitivity.
ARVO 2024 Highlight: New Gene Linked to RP in People with African Ancestry
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The discovery will help geneticists diagnose more RP patients with African descent.
ARVO 2024 Highlight: Positive Two-Year Results from PDE6B Gene Therapy Clinical Trial
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mutations in PDE6B are a leading cause of retinitis pigmentosa.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 65: Matthew Whitaker
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Whitaker talks to host Ben Shaberman about his remarkable achievements and success as a young jazz pianist and composer. Matthew was born thre...
Atsena’s XLRS Gene Therapy Shows Efficacy in Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The XLRS gene therapy was well tolerated and resolved damaging schisis cavities in patients receiving the lowest dose.
SalioGen Developing Novel Gene Insertion Therapy for Stargardt Disease
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The company’s innovative Gene Coding™ platform enables seamless insertion of DNA into selective genomic locations.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 64: Dr. Kapil Bharti
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kapil Bharti, PhD, a senior investigator and director of the Intramural Research Program at the National Eye Institute (NEI), talks with host Ben Shab...
Phase 3 Clinical Trial of NAC Launched for RP Patients
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The drug is thought to work independent of the mutated gene causing RP.
ViGeneron Launches Clinical Trial of Gene Therapy for RP Caused by CNGA1 Mutations
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The gene therapy is administered using a less-invasive intravitreal injection.
Ocugen to Launch Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Modifier Gene Therapy for RP
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The emerging treatment is designed to work independent of the patient’s mutated gene.
Nanoscope Plans to Apply for FDA Approval for its Optogenetic Therapy
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The company reported positive two-year results for its Phase 2 clinical trial of MCO-010.
Opus Reports Vision Improvements for Patients in LCA5 Gene Therapy Clinical Trial
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opus Reports Vision Improvements for Patients in LCA5 Gene Therapy Clinical Trial by Foundation Fighting Blindness
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 63: Dr. Hema Ramkumar
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hema Ramkumar, MD, a retinal specialist, surgeon, and founder of the company Oculogenex, talks with host Ben Shaberman about her emerging therapy that...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 62: Dr. Peter Quinn
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Peter Quinn, PhD, a principal investigator and associate research scientist at Columbia University, talks to host Ben Shaberman about the promise of e...
jCyte Announces Plans to Launch Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Cell Therapy for RP
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Known as retinal progenitors, the company’s jCells® are designed to preserve photoreceptors in people with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and other reti...
Beacon Therapeutics Reports Encouraging Interim Results from Phase 2 Clinical Trial for XLRP
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beacon Therapeutics has reported vision improvements for five of eight patients receiving the high dose of its X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) ge...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 61: Dr. Jose Sahel
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jose Sahel, one of the most honored and accomplished leaders in the retinal disease research space, talks with host Ben Shaberman about his establ...
Ascidian to Launch Clinical Trial for Stargardt Disease RNA Editing Therapy
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
ACDN-01 is the only genetic medicine entering clinical development for Stargardt disease.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 60: Justin Kauflin
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Kauflin, a renowned jazz pianist who lost his vision as a boy, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his extensive touring, numerous collaborations...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 59: Dr. Robert MacLaren
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Robert MacLaren, a world-renowned retinal surgeon, clinical trial investigator, and research lab leader at the University of Oxford, talks to host...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 58: Jason Comander, MD, PhD
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jason Comander, MD, PhD, clinical researcher, surgeon, and director of the Inherited Retinal Disease Disorders Service at Mass Eye and Ear, talks to h...
Théa Completes Acquisition of ProQR’s LCA10 and USH2A Treatment Programs
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Known as antisense oligonucleotides, the treatments performed encouragingly in ProQR’s clinical trials
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 57: James Rath
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
James Rath, a renowned filmmaker and accessibility consultant, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his vision loss journey and travel documentary, Blind...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 56: Michael Voevodsky, MBA, CEO
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Voevodsky, MBA, CEO at MitoChem Therapeutics, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his company's emerging, gene-agnostic treatment designed to b...
Kiora Reports Vision Restoration in Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial for Photoswitch Therapy
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The company’s molecule is designed to restore some vision to people with ultra-low or no vision caused by advanced retinitis pigmentosa and other re...
New Report: Vitamin A Supplementation Provides No Vision Benefit to RP Patients
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The report also concludes that vitamin E supplementation accelerates vision loss for RP patients.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 55: Omar Mahroo, MB, PhD
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Omar Mahroo, MB, PhD, talks with host Ben Shaberman about electrophysiological testing for the retina, namely the electroretinogram (ERG), and its imp...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 54: Rachelle Lin, OD, MS, FAAO
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rachelle Lin, OD, MS, FAAO, an optometrist and assistant professor at the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University, ...
Ocugen Reports Updated Results for Clinical Trial of Modifier Gene Therapy
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ocugen Reports Updated Results for Clinical Trial of Modifier Gene Therapy by Foundation Fighting Blindness
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 53: David Birch, PhD
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
David Birch, PhD, at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest in Dallas, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his productive and impactful 40-plus-year car...
First Patient Dosed in LCA5 Gene Therapy Clinical Trial Launched by Opus Genetics
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opus was established by the RD Fund, the Foundation’s venture philanthropy arm
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 52: Brendan Creemer
01 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
September 1, 2023. Brendan Creemer talks to host Ben Shaberman about how he is taking on the diagnosis of Usher syndrome 1F by dedicating his educatio...
SparingVision Recruiting for Clinical Trial of Cone-Preserving Gene Therapy for RP
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
First cohort of patients has been dosed in Phase 1/2 clinical trial taking place in Pittsburgh and Paris
Atsena Doses First Patient in XLRS Gene Therapy Clinical Trial
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The AAV.SPR gene delivery system used in the trial is designed to more safely reach targeted retinal cells
Théa Acquires ProQR’s LCA10 and USH2A Treatment Programs, Plans to Continue Clinical Development
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Known as antisense oligonucleotides, the treatments performed encouragingly in ProQR’s clinical trials
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 51: Artur Cideciyan, PhD
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Artur Cideciyan, PhD, one of the world’s foremost authorities in measuring vision and structural changes in people with retinal diseases, talks with...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 50: Rachel Huckfeldt, MD, PhD
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Huckfeldt, MD, PhD, a clinical researcher and assistant professor of ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear, talks with host Ben Shaberman about car...
PYC Doses First Patient in Clinical Trial of RNA Therapy for RP11 (PRPF31 Mutations)
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The emerging RNA therapy is designed to boost expression of the PRPF31 protein
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 49: Alex Cohen, PhD
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Cohen, PhD, a marketing professor with retinitis pigmentosa, talks with host Ben Shaberman about his career in the hospitality industry and launc...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 48: Jami Kern, PhD
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jami Kern, PhD, chief clinical officer at Nacuity Pharmaceuticals, talks with host Ben Shaberman about NACA, the company's emerging gene-agnostic ther...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 47: Kari Branham
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kari Branham, a genetic counselor with Kellog Eye Center at the University of Michigan, talks to host Ben Shaberman about a variety of topics related ...
Coave Reports Encouraging Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial Results for PDE6B Gene Therapy
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The company is expanding the trial to enroll younger patients with less advanced disease
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 46: Aaron Osborne, MD
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Aaron Osborne, MD, chief medical officer and chief development officer at Nanoscope Therapeutics, talks about vision restoration in clinical trials of...
Atsena Receives FDA Authorization to Launch a Gene Therapy Clinical Trial for XLRS
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Known as The Lighthouse Study, the Phase 1/2 trial is expected to begin in mid-2023
Eric Pierce Receives Proctor Medal for Outstanding Achievements in Retinal Research
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
During his Proctor Award Lecture, Dr. Pierce reviewed encouraging clinical trial results for Editas’ CRISPR/Cas9 treatment for people with LCA10
News | Budd Tucker Honored with Award for Advancements in Retinal Therapy Development
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
News | Budd Tucker Honored with Award for Advancements in Retinal Therapy Development by Foundation Fighting Blindness
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 45: Henry Klassen, MD, PhD
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
April 28, 2023. Henry Klassen, MD, PhD, co-founder of jCyte and clinical researcher at UC Irvine, talks to host Ben Shaberman about jCyte's clinical t...
News | Bionic Sight Reports Vision Improvements for RP Patients in its Emerging Optogenetic Therapy
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Clinical trial participants with advanced vision loss from RP were able to identify fruits and vegetables
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 44: Jason Taylor
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
April 14, 2023. Electronica musician and composer Jason Taylor, aka Aether, talks with podcast host Ben Shaberman about his craft, inspirations, and h...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 43: Marinna Madrid, PhD
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
March 31, 2023. Marinna Madrid, PhD, co-founder and chief product officer at Cellino, talks about her groundbreaking work in developing lasers as a do...
News | Vision Improvements Reported for RP Patients in Phase 2B Nanoscope Clinical Trial
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Most participants with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in the trial had improved navigation and/or object discrimination in reduced lighting condit...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 42: Paul Bresge
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
March 10, 2023. Paul Bresge, chief executive officer at Ray Therapeutics, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his company’s emerging optogenetic thera...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 41: Dean Bok, PhD
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
February 24, 2023. Dean Bok, PhD, a distinguished professor and renowned researcher at UCLA, talks with host Ben Shaberman about his pivotal discovery...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 40: Rebecca Alexander
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
February 10, 2023. Rebecca Alexander — a psychotherapist, keynote speaker, author, fitness instructor, and disability rights advocate — talks cand...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 39: Paul Bernstein, MD, PhD
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
January 20, 2023. Paul Bernstein, MD, PhD, from the Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, and a member of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 38: Ben Shaberman
06 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
January 6, 2023. For the first Eye on the Cure episode for 2023, host Ben Shaberman highlights some of the promising clinical advancement made in ther...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 37: Rando Allikmets, PhD
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
December 16, 2022. Rando Allikmets, PhD, from Columbia University, talks to host Ben Shaberman about his remarkable and serendipitous discovery more t...
SparingVision Receives Authorization to Launch US Clinical Trial for its Cone-Preserving Treatment
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The emerging therapy is designed to work independent of the mutated gene causing retinitis pigmentosa
News | Opus Genetics to Launch Gene Therapy Clinical Trial for LCA5 Patients
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The LCA5 gene therapy will be the first emerging Opus treatment to move into a human study
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 36: Sue Bramhall
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
December 2, 2022. Host Ben Shaberman interviews Sue Bramhall who launched Mind's Eye Travel to host journeys around the world for people with vision l...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 35: Kenji Fujita, MD
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
November 18, 2022. Kenji Fujita, MD, chief medical officer at Atsena Therapeutics, talks to host Ben Shaberman about retinal disease gene therapies in...
Editas Reports Results for 14 Participants in its Phase 1/2 CRISPR/Cas9 Clinical Trial for LCA10
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The company is seeking a partner to move the LCA10 program forward
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 34: LambdaVision
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
November 4, 2022. In this episode of Eye on the Cure, host Ben Shaberman talks with LambdaVision's Nicole Wagner, PhD, and Jordan Greco, PhD, about th...
#ShareYourVision | Advice for the Newly Diagnosed
30 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A blinding disease diagnosis can be overwhelming. Some good advice can go a long way. Do you have any advice for someone newly diagnosed? #ShareYourVi...
#ShareYourVision | How to Assist a Visually Impaired Person
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ask. Questions. #ShareYourVision to tell others how to best support you. Learn more about how you can #ShareYourVision at: www.FightingBlindness.org/...
#ShareYourVision Story: Monica Pruitt
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Monica Pruitt shares her #ShareYourVision story about being diagnosed with Usher syndrome.
#ShareYourVision Story: Dan Day
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Day shares his #ShareYourVision story about being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa.
#ShareYourVision | Strange Interactions
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Raise your hand if you have a strange experience to talk about. #ShareYourVision
#ShareYourVision | Blindness Is a Spectrum
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Blindness is not a complete blackout for everyone; it's a spectrum. What does blindness mean to you? #ShareYourVision this October. Learn more at: www...
#ShareYourVision | The Role Foundation Fighting Blindness Has In Their Lives
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Individuals sit in front of a black background and share about how others can best help them as part of our #ShareYourVision campaign. Learn more abou...
#ShareYourVision Story: Jake Ellis
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jake shares his #ShareYourVision story about being diagnosed with Usher syndrome.
#ShareYourVision Story: Chad Bouton
16 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chad shares his #ShareYourVision story about being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa.
#ShareYourVision | Questions We're Tired of Being Asked
15 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What's one question you're tired of being asked?
#ShareYourVision Story: Raquel
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Raquel shares her #ShareYourVision story about being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa.
#ShareYourVision | Creative Hacks for Living with Vision Loss
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ya gotta do what ya gotta do! Now it’s your turn – what do YOU do?
#ShareYourVision Story: JJ Martinez
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
JJ Martinez shares her #ShareYourVision story about being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa.
#ShareYourVision | The Positives & Negatives of Going Blind
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"If you never had to do anything hard, you would never learn how creative, strong, assertive, resilient you are." What have you learned about yourself...
#ShareYourVision Story: Brett Knight
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brett Knight shares his #ShareYourVision story about being diagnosed with retinoschisis.
#ShareYourVision Story: Martha Steel
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Martha Steel shares her #ShareYourVision story about being diagnosed with Usher syndrome.
#ShareYourVision | First Time Meeting Another Blind Person
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To help spread awareness during October Blindness Awareness Month, we’re inviting you to share your vision-loss journey through written word, audio ...
#ShareYourVision | Why It's Important to Share Your Vision Story
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To help spread awareness during October Blindness Awareness Month, we’re inviting you to share your vision-loss journey through written word, audio ...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 33: Jacque Duncan, MD
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
October 7, 2022. Podcast host Ben Shaberman talks with Jacque Duncan, MD, a retinal specialist and clinical researcher at UCSF and chair of the Founda...
News | Atsena’s LCA-GUCY2D Gene Therapy Improves Vision in Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The company is planning to move the emerging treatment into a pivotal trial
#ShareYourVision | Blindness Is...
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To help spread awareness during October Blindness Awareness Month, we’re inviting you to share your vision-loss journey through written word, audio ...
#ShareYourVision Story: Michelle Glaze
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michelle Glaze shares her #ShareYourVision story about being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 32: Dr. Sandy Greenberg
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
September 23, 2022. Dr. Sandy Greenberg talks to host Ben Shaberman about his incredible life's journey of going blind suddenly at the age of 19 to ea...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 31: Jean Bousquet
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
September 9, 2022. Jean Bousquet, a certified orientation and mobility specialist with the Office of Rehabilitation Services in Rhode Island, talks to...
News | Belite Bio Launching Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Stargardt Disease Drug
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The company’s drug is designed to reduce accumulation of toxins that cause vision loss.
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 30: Steven McCoy
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Host Ben Shaberman talks with Steven McCoy, who overcame early challenges as a kid with Usher syndrome, to become the first black, deaf-blind journali...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 29: David Gamm, MD, PhD
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
August 5, 2022. Stem cell expert David Gamm, MD, PhD, talks with host Ben Shaberman about his innovative work in stem cell therapy development for ret...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 28: Brian Strem, PhD
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
July 22, 2022. Brian Strem, PhD, CEO of Kiora Pharmaceuticals, talks to Ben Shaberman about his company's emerging gene-agnostic small molecule for re...
Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 27: Jeff Stern and Sally Temple
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
July 8, 2022. Jeff Stern, MD, PhD, and Sally Temple, PhD, co-founders of the Neural Stem Cell Institute, talk with host Ben Shaberman about their disc...
VISIONS 2022 | Your Journey Toward Independent Mobility
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Bill and Colleen Carty
VISIONS 2022 | Clinical & Research Updates: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Speaker: Cathy Bowes Rickman, PhD and James Handa, MD
VISIONS 2022 | Clinical & Research Updates: Rare IRDs
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Achromatopsia, Choroideremia, Blue Cone Monochromacy, Cone-rod Dystrophy and X-linked Retinoschisis. Speakers: Christine Kay, MD and Robert Hufnagel, ...
VISIONS 2022 | Clinical & Research Updates: Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Rachel Huckfeldt, MD, PhD and Jami Kern
VISIONS 2022 | Clinical & Research Updates: Usher Syndrome
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Astra Dinculescu, PhD and Jacque Duncan, MD
VISIONS 2022 | Living Life To the Fullest: How Low Vision Occupational Therapy Can Help
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Speaker: Dana Aravich MS, OTR/L
VISIONS 2022 | Blind Athletes Breaking Barriers
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Speakers: Justin Bishop and Becca Meyers
VISIONS 2022 | RD Fund Biotech Overview
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Speaker: Rusty Kelley, PhD, MBA