The story of sisters Kate and Nicole Barrett and their hopes for a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa have inspired our supporters to donate generously on our inaugural Hope in Sight Giving Day.

The campaign, held on World Sight Day 8 October, raised more than $165,000 for our gene therapy research to prevent blindness and restore sight.

Donors had the opportunity to triple their impact – with an initial target of $150,000 – and each dollar donated was matched by the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia and Centre for Eye Research Australia Foundation (CERAF).

Money raised on the day will support the research of Dr Tom Edwards who is developing gene therapies to treat inherited retinal diseases.

Dr Edwards is extremely grateful for the generosity displayed by donors – along with The National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia and CERAF – on Hope in Sight Giving Day.

“Gene therapy research offers the best prospect of finding cures for inherited eye diseases that cause blindness,’’ he says.

“It is very exciting to offer patients hope that there are treatments on the horizon.’’

Giving hope

Kate, 35, was first diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at six and now lives with a tiny amount Nicole, 33, an occupational therapist, was diagnosed at 17. Her vision is currently stable, and she lives from day to day hoping her vision will not deteriorate further.

“The new gene therapy research gives me hope that in my lifetime there will be a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa,’’ says Kate, who lives on a farm in Gippsland with her husband and 10-year-old twin daughters.

“It gives everybody hope to know that scientists are looking into all avenues for a cure. My wish is for my sight can stay where it is so I can see the milestones in my daughters’ lives.”

CERA Managing Director Professor Keith Martin thanked Nicole and Kate for sharing their stories to raise awareness of gene therapy and inherited retinal diseases.

Brink of discovery

“We are now on the brink of an exciting new era in gene therapy research with the hope of treatments, and even cures, for diseases like retinitis pigmentosa,’’ he says.

“Until very recently, these diseases were considered untreatable, but it is now a realistic possibility that these new technologies will prevent vision loss and even restore sight.’’

Professor Martin says the research has been given a welcome boost by the support of The National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia and Centre for Eye Research Australia Foundation.

“Their generous offer to match funds motivated many donors to take part in the day and was invaluable in helping us exceed our target,’’ he says.

National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia Chairman Dr Graeme Blackman AO says the foundation is pleased support Dr Edwards’ research.

“We’re particularly excited by the potential for Dr Tom Edwards’ gene therapy approach to be applied to many different inherited eye diseases, not just one,” he says.