Conference Summary

The 2027 BCV conference program will focus on the basic biology of the outer retina, retinal diseases, and strategies for therapeutic development. Diseases of the retina affect approximately three million Americans, one-third of whom are blind. This has a profound impact on the individual, their families, and society, ranging from personal hardship to significant financial and economic burdens. In many of these conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa, blindness results from the loss of rod and cone photoreceptor cells and dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.  Development of treatments for these conditions depends on scientific advances and our deepening understanding of basic photoreceptor and RPE biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics.

The goals of this conference include fostering the open exchange of new research findings within the community of vision scientists, nurturing early-career researchers, and attracting the next generation of vision scientists from trainees. We especially aim to support those from historically underrepresented groups to continue the study of photoreceptor and RPE biology and pathobiology. Special consideration will be given to researchers from these groups for presentation slots and “Data Blitz” sessions.

Goals and Takeaways:

Attendees of the conference will learn about the latest findings regarding:

• The mechanisms of photoreceptor and RPE function and maintenance     

• The mechanisms of retinal degeneration     

• Emerging strategies for photoreceptor disease therapies

• Emerging approaches to studying photoreceptor and retinal function in health and disease     

Program Topics:

• Retinal cell biology

• Structure, function, and genetics of retinal proteins

• Retinal pigment epithelium biology and disease 

• Gene regulation in development

• Photoreceptor physiology

• Mechanisms of photoreceptor degeneration and rescue

• Photoreceptor regeneration 

• Photoreceptor synapses

• Latest innovations in photoreceptor and retinal research

Workshops:

Two Meet the Expert lunchtime sessions will provide opportunities for early-career researchers to network with established researchers of their choice.

A Career Development Workshop will involve an intensive session on grant writing, focusing on clearly articulating goals within a research program and understanding granting mechanisms when dealing with agencies, such as the National Eye Institute (NEI). 

A workshop on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Retina Research will include a panel discussion on the promise and pitfalls of AI/ML research in retinal biology and disease.