ABOUT US
- Vision
- Mission Statement
- Our Objective
- Governance:
- Board
- Rules of Association
- Statement of Purposes
- Annual Reports - History
Vision
Hand in hand, people with vision loss are empowered to lead fulfilling lives.
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to empower members and those in the community affected by inherited retinal diseases by:
- enabling self-help networks and support
- developing skills to meet the challenges arising from the change in their lives
- increasing the awareness of inherited eye diseases in the broader community
- Lobbying and encouraging support for retinal eye
We can offer immediate support and 'pastoral care' for those newly diagnosed with a disease leading to vision loss and we can do that in a community setting that is supportive and approachable where can feel 'safe' and comfortable.
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Our Objective
To provide the best levels of support to all those affected by vision loss
Retina Australia (Vic) Inc. is a non-profit self-help organization for affected by retinal diseases, their families and their friends. Our focus is on providing services to promote the equality of and support for those in the community who have inherited retinal diseases. Our vital and helpful on to do and where to go if you, or someone you is confronted with a retinal disease, is continually updated for distribution to our members and supporters.
Retina Australia (Vic) is run by volunteers with hand experience of the restrictions caused by limited vision. Through information programs we can make a huge difference for people whoneed encouragement and peer support as they adjust to the early stages of vision loss. Our role in making a difference also includes fund raising for research into the causes and possible cures for retinal dystrophies. Further activities also include increasing public awareness of a disease that in its various forms affects approximately 10,000 people in Victoria. The great hope of Retina Australia and sufferers of retinal diseases is that through the continued funding of scientific research, way to prevent and cure these diseases will be discovered.
The Retinitis Pigmentosa Society of Victoria Inc. was originally established in 1979 as a response to the lack of information availability pertaining to retinitis pigmentosa, and the inadequacy of treatments presented at the time. The Society functioned as a support and self-help group addressing the needs of those affected by the condition.
One of the primary objectives of the Retinitis Pigmentosa Society was to generate an environment of mutual support and self-determination, whereby delivering appropriate information to those with RP, hope and encouragement could be constructed.
In 1984 the Society became registered as a charity, and subsequently in 1985 was incorporated, though still retaining its name Retinitis Pigmentosa. October of the same year saw the first National conference, which was held in Melbourne. This meeting resulted in the affiliation of many services and professionals in the medical field.
A well-sponsored international congress, also held in Melbourne in 1988, brought together a large gathering of associates, including many world-renowned scientists and researchers. The outcome from this event created interest and support for our own Australian researchers.
In 1999 a decision was made to follow the example of Retina International, formerly the International Retinitis Pigmentosa Association, and Retina Australia, formerly the Australian Retinitis Pigmentosa Association, and incorporate all organisations dealing with inherited retinal related dystrophies, including retinitis pigmentosa. Thus, Retina Australia (Vic.) Inc. was born out of the Retinitis Pigmentosa Society of Victoria.
The last 25 years of activism has seen many outstanding achievements in improving the quality of life of those afflicted with retinitis pigmentosa. Retina Australia (Vic.) Inc. still continues to uphold the mission set so many years ago, and additionally expand its reach to include all retinal related dystrophies.