Retina International General Assembly 2018 - Auckland, New ZealandThursday, February 8th, 2018
Location: University of Auckland Business School
Owen G Glenn Building, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland, 1010
Room:
Decima Glenn Room, Level 3
Start:
09.00 a.m. end: 05.00 p.m.
APPENDIX 07-2

7.2

Retina International conference 2022

The president' s office received one bid for the Retina International
conference 2022 by Fighting Blindness Ireland.
Motion: The MC moves to grant the Retina International Conference
2022 to Fighting Blindness, Ireland.

Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 1

Ms Christina Fasser
President
Retina International
Ausstellungsstrasse 36
CH-8005 Zurich
Switzerland
16 October 2017

Fighting Blindness is proud to put forward its bid to host the Retina
International World Congress 2022 in Ireland. As your hosts we will
extend a céad mile fáilte (100,000 welcomes) to you and your delegatesFighting Blindness is an Irish charity that funds and enables research
into treatments and cures for blindness. It also provides a uniqueprofessional counselling service for people and families affected by sight
loss, and are extremely active in the area of advocacy and patient
empowerment. As a patient-led organization, our highest priority isensuring that people who are living with sight loss are central to every
aspect of what we do.
Fighting Blindness has extensive experience in organizing world – classmulti stakeholder events which brings together patients, advocates,
clinicians, scientists, industry and government. Since the year 2000 wehave organised the highly reputable multi-dimensional Retina
Conference in Dublin. This event serves to raise the profile of retinal
research and promote a spirit of education, partnership and collaboration
among all attendees. The Fighting Blindness Retina 2016 conference
was acknowledged as ‘Best Educational Meeting of the Year’ at the
recent Irish Healthcare awards, acknowledging the tremendous
dedication of the team over the years to ensure its continued growth andrelevance. Hosting the 2022 Retina International World Congress would
be a welcome challenge to us. Our team have attended many of yourprevious conferences and are extremely comfortable with its content andgoals. Ireland is a wonderful place to visit and hospitality is integral to
Irish people, so we would look forward to welcoming internationaldelegates.
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 2

Organising the event in 2022 has the full support of the staff, board andmembers of Fighting Blindness and we would work ardently to ensurethat it is a highly successful and enjoyable series of meetings. We would
work in partnership with the secretariat of Retina International, which has
conveniently been established in Ireland, and commit to undertaking theorganization of the event including programme development, speakerarrangements, venue management, logistical administration, financial
management, public and media relations. A dedicated and experienced
committee would be established consisting of staff and board directors,
ophthalmologists, advocates and scientists, along with the CEO of
Retina International.
We thank you for this opportunity to present and assure you of our full
support.
Is mise le meas,
Anna Moran, Head of Operations

Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 3

Retina International World Congress 2022
Dublin – IrelandFighting Blindness Ireland

Contents
1 - Welcome Letter .................................................................................5
2 - Programme Overview ........................................................................62a - Conference Theme ..........................................................................7
3 – The Organisers .................................................................................94 – Organising Committee ....................................................................12
5 – Our Chosen PCO ............................................................................15
6 – Local Support.................................................................................. 16
7 – Dublin Ireland.................................................................................. 17
8 – Conference Venue ..........................................................................23
9 – Social Programme ..........................................................................27

Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 4

1 - Welcome Letter
Fighting Blindness is proud to put forward its bid to host the Retina
International World Congress 2022 in Ireland. As your hosts we will
extend a céad mile fáilte (100,000 welcomes) to you and your delegatesFighting Blindness is an Irish charity that funds and enables research
into treatments and cures for blindness. It also provides a uniqueprofessional counselling service for people and families affected by sight
loss, and are extremely active in the area of advocacy and patient
empowerment. As a patient-led organization, our highest priority isensuring that people who are living with sight loss are central to every
aspect of what we do.
Fighting Blindness has extensive experience in organizing world – classmulti stakeholder events which brings together patients, advocates,
clinicians, scientists, industry and government. Since the year 2000 wehave organised the highly reputable multi-dimensional Retina
Conference in Dublin. This event serves to raise the profile of retinal
research and promote a spirit of education, partnership and collaboration
among all attendees. The Fighting Blindness Retina 2016 conference
was acknowledged as ‘Best Educational Meeting of the Year’ at the
recent Irish Healthcare awards, acknowledging the tremendous
dedication of the team over the years to ensure its continued growth andrelevance. Hosting the 2022 Retina International World Congress would
be a welcome challenge to us. Our team have attended many of yourprevious conferences and are extremely comfortable with its content andgoals. Ireland is a wonderful place to visit and hospitality is integral to
Irish people, so we would look forward to welcoming internationaldelegates.
Organising the event in 2022 has the full support of the staff, board andmembers of Fighting Blindness and we would work ardently to ensurethat it is a highly successful and enjoyable series of meetings. We would
work in partnership with the secretariat of Retina International, which has
conveniently been established in Ireland, and commit to undertaking theorganization of the event including programme development, speakerarrangements, venue management, logistical administration, financial
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 5

management, public and media relations. A dedicated and experienced
committee would be established consisting of staff and board directors,
ophthalmologists, advocates and scientists, along with the CEO of
Retina International.
We thank you for this opportunity to present and assure you of our full
support.
Is mise le meas,
Anna Moran
Head of Operations
2 - Programme Overview
Congress
Retina International World Congress 2022
Conference HostFighting Blindness
Proposed Conference Dates
Option 1: 14-18 September 2022
Option 2: 5-9 October 2022
Proposed Conference Theme
2022 Vision for the Future
Venue
Option 1: Convention Centre, Dublin
Option 2: RDS, Dublin
Option 3: AVIVA Stadium, Dublin
Proposed Gala Dinner
Mansion House, Dublin

Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 6

Day 1 – Wednesday
Registration
Welcome Ceremony
Day 2 – Thursday
Education Programme and Exhibition Space
Speakers Dinner
Day 3 – Friday
Main Plenary for all attendees and Breakout sessions
Youth Programme
Day 4 – Saturday
Main Plenary for all attendees and Breakout Sessions
Gala Dinner
Day 5 – Sunday
Closing Ceremony
Conference Theme“2022: Vision for the Future”
2020 Vision for the Future is the goal that all people affected by retinalsight loss will, in the future, have 2020 vision, due to the provision oftreatments and cures for blindness that will be developed throughpioneering scientific and medical research. As patient organisations, ourrole is to ensure that this research takes place, and therapies aredelivered with the utmost urgency to those who need it.
Over 224,000 Irish people and 40 million worldwide are affected bysevere vision loss. World class researchers based in Ireland and funded
by Fighting Blindness have made remarkable progress in the search forthe causes, the potential treatments and the eventual cures forblindness.
Fighting Blindness Ireland is utterly committed to using all of our energy
and resources to work on behalf of those affected by sight loss.
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 7

We are excited to team with our international colleagues across theworld of Retina International membership to produce a conference thatwill inform delegates of the latest developments, progress of clinical
trials and opportunities for involvement and participation.
Basic and translational research will remain key to our research strategy
through these five pillars:- Genes and Gene Therapy- Cell technology and Regenerative Medicine- Retinal Implant Technology- Novel Drug Therapy- Population Studies
Conference Programme
A dedicated and experienced committee will be established to manage
the organisation of the conference. This will be comprised of staff,
directors, patients, ophthalmologists, scientists, advocates and otherrepresentatives. We will work in partnership with the CEO of Retina
International and will maintain contact with previous host country
organisations in order to benefit from their knowledge. It is likely that wewill base the 2022 conference format on previous years and will develop
content alongside our International Scientific Committee to complimentthe 2022 conference theme.
Each element of the programme will be carefully considered and suitably
managed, including the Management Committee meeting, the General
Assembly, the Continuing Education Programme and the World
Congress itself. We will work with the Irish Tourism Board, Fáilte Ireland
to ensure that delegates have the opportunity to enjoy their visit withsome tourist activities. We will look at entertainment and social activities
for the conference.
We will also work in partnership with a Professional Conference
Organiser (PCO) to ensure a seamless delivery of the conference inRetina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 8terms of logistics of the conference and social programme. We will work
hard to capture sponsorship from industry and other appropriate sources
to ensure that the cost to delegates is as reasonable as possible in orderto enable participation to the widest possible audience.
We will also ensure that the very highest standard of accessibility isreached within the conference venue, accommodation, audio visualsystems and translation mechanisms. All conference materials will be
designed carefully to be accessible and useful. We will undertakenegotiations with all suppliers (e.g. catering, print and design, audio
visual, speaker travel arrangements) and we will set up a dedicatedconference website and registration system which will be as easy tonavigate as possible with special consideration of linguistic and visual
simplicity and accessibility. All insurance requirements will be
addressed.
We will also look at entertainment and social activities for the
conference. Due to our enormous experience of running a world classscientific and patient-engaged conference for the last 17 years, we haverelationships and access to the world leaders in ophthalmologicalresearch and clinical expertise.
We are confident therefore of our ability to deliver an unparalleled eventof the highest quality. We are also confident of high level sponsorshipfrom our industry partners, the Irish tourism board and other sources.
3 – The Organisers
Fighting Blindness
Fighting Blindness is an Irish, patient-led organisation with a vision to
cure blindness and to support people living with sight loss, and empower
patients.
We started in 1983 as a group of families affected by rare, geneticallyinherited forms of sight loss coming together for support. The founders
met regularly in Dublin’s Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital to help
each other cope with the reality of degenerating vision. At that time,
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 9genetic research into these conditions was maturing somewhat and thegroup, though small and without any form of scientific background,
decided to investigate this new and exciting prospect.
In those pre-internet days, the only way to find out more was throughattending conferences and events, which were costly and not easy to get
to. In 1984, a few members of the support group travelled to Helsinki,
where the umbrella organisation Retina International held a scientificconference.
The energy and motivation of Retina International inspired the Irish
group and the discussions on genetics piqued their interest. Within one
year the group had raised £500,000 to establish its flagship project at
Trinity College, Dublin (TCD), examining the genetic course of
dominantly inherited retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
In 1989, that very team in Trinity College Dublin discovered the firstgene responsible for RP, and in 2011 that same project received a
venture capital investment of €5 million to bring it towards the pre-clinicalstage. Since our founding, Fighting Blindness has invested over €17
million in more than 90 projects. We are proud to be an organisation
enabling the progress of research that may not otherwise have been
funded.

Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 10

CURE. SUPPORT. EMPOWER
Cure
We promote and facilitate the development of therapies which areaccessible to all of our patients affected by sight loss. Our researchstrategy focuses on these five pillars:- Genes and gene therapy- Cell technology and regenerative medicine- Retinal implant technology- Novel drug therapy- Population studies
SupportThe Insight Counselling Service provides support for people and families
who are living with sight loss.
It is not just the individual who may need support, but also their partner,children, extended family and friends. We work with all those affected,
directly and indirectly, by sight loss.
EmpowerFighting Blindness advocates on behalf of everyone in Ireland affectedby severe vision impairment.
We work in partnership with stakeholder groups in the areas of health,science, industry and government to ensure that the patient voice isrepresented in all matters.
We advocate for equitable access to existing treatments, novel therapies
and appropriate care.

“Losing your sign is like losing someone you love. It’s like part of yourheart is gone… The research Fighting Blindness fund is incredible. It
gives me great hope that one day soon we will find a cure.”
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 11

– Gerry Kerr, Fighting Blindness member.
4 – Organising Committee
Local Organising Committee
Kevin Whelan, Chief Executive, Fighting Blindness
Kevin has extensive experience in the non-profit sector particularly in theareas of strategic management, corporate partnerships, grant
fundraising and membership development.
Anna Moran, Head of Operations, Fighting Blindness
Anna has been working with Fighting Blindness for over 10 years andhas been extensively involved with Retina International, assisting withthe development of the proposal to develop a secretariat. She is amember of the senior executive team at Fighting Blindness and isheavily engaged in the management, governance and strategic
development of the organisation. She has overseen the project andevent organisation of the Fighting Blindness Retina Conference for 6
years and will bring this experience to the world congress event
management.
Caitriona Dunne, Advocacy Manager, Fighting Blindness
As our advocacy and communications expert, Caitriona is responsible
for ensuring that patient interests are front and central to health policy
development and is extensively involved with multi stakeholder groups todevelop and implement a national vision strategy. She is a trainee on the
EUTATI patient expert training course which aims to educate patientsand increase patient involvement in medicines, research anddevelopment.
Dr Laura Brady, Research Manager, Fighting Blindness
Laura is responsible for the management of the Fighting Blindness
research portfolio including the organisation’s strategic development.
She liaises with local and international scientists to ensure that we areRetina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 12funding the strongest and most promising projects that have thepotential of delivering cures and therapies for retinal blindness.
Dr Melissa Jones, Research Officer, Fighting Blindness
Working alongside the Research Manager, Melissa is charged withmanaging the administration of our extensive research portfolio andsupporting the work of the research department. She is also responsible
for research communications with our members.
Amanda Kenny, Communications Manager, Fighting Blindness
Amanda Kenny is Communications Manager with Fighting Blindness.
She manages the organisations communications through an awardwinning website, newsletters, e-zines and across all other social media
platforms. Amanda plays a central role in the promotion of the annual
retina conference and works closely with all departments, ensuring thatmembers and supporters as well as the general public are well informed
about on-going research developments
Mari McCafferty, Finance Manager, Fighting Blindness
With her extensive experience in finance, coupled with project and event
management, Mari is a crucial part of the team in the organisation oflarge scale conferences. She is the financial controller of theorganisation and a member of the senior management team.
Local Scientific Committee
The experts below have committed to working with the Fighting
Blindness / Retina Conference Organising Committee to develop an
exciting and innovative programme for the world congress.
Prof Breandán Kennedy (Chair)Principal Investigator, School of Biomolecular and Biomedical, Sciences,
Conway Institute, University College Dublin
Mr David Keegan
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Institute of Ophthalmology, Mater
Misericordiae Hospital Dublin
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 13

Dr Paul Kenna
Clinical Ophthalmologist, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital andSenior Research Fellow, Trinity College Dublin
Ms Giuliana Silvestri
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Clinical Director for Ophthalmology
Services, Royal Hospitals Belfast
Prof Tom Cotter
Professor of Biochemistry and Biosciences, Biosciences Institute,
University College CorkProf Alan Stitt
Centre Director, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical
Science, Queens University Belfast

International Scientific Committee
Prof Robin Ali (Chair)
Professor of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology,
University College London, UK
Prof Alberto Auricchio
Professor of Medical Genetics, Frederico II University / TIGEM, Naples,
Italy
Prof Joseph Carroll
Co-director of Advanced Ocular Imaging Program (AOIP), Medical
College of Wisconsin, USA
Prof John Flannery
Professor of Neurobiology, University of California, Berkeley, USA
Prof Brendan Buckley
Chair of Fighting Blindness Ireland
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 14

Prof Frank Barry
Professor of Cellular Therapy, Regenerative Medicine Institute(REMEDI), National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

5 – Our Chosen PCO
Conference Partners International
Established in 1998, Conference Partners International (CPI) is a fullservice, multi-award winning and internationally accredited Professional
Conference Organiser (PCO) with offices in Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh,
Manchester and we are just about to open a European mainland office in
Hamburg. With a proven track record demonstrated over 19 years inbusiness, our exceptional portfolio of over 950 national and international
conferences has justifiably positioned us as an international leader.
Driven by our ‘hands-on’ senior management team with a wealth ofglobal experience, the company boasts a highly skilled, multi-lingual
team of 70, split over 7 specialist departments, enabling us to offer ourclients a variety of in-house services led by internationally trained event
experts.
Our approach is in our name, we will be your PARTNER. We supportand service our clients by creating a long lasting relationship of trust. We
believe in accountability, quality and shared results. Through open andhonest communication, we take the time to understand you.
’Enhance your reputation by depending on ours’ is our company motto
and we uphold this belief by providing the optimum solutions and highquality professional services for the smooth running of our client’s
conferences, applying creativity and added-value to every element toensure your delegates enjoy a high quality event that exceeds
expectations.

Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 15

CPI’S Awards and Accreditations:
ABPCO
IAPCO
AIPCO
MPI
ICCA
Site

6 – Local Support
Local Support
Ireland’s bid for the Retina International World Congress 2020 is strongly
supported by the following:- Fighting Blindness- Failte Ireland- Tourism Ireland- An Roinn Iompair Turasoireachta agus spoirt- An Roinn Slainte- Aer Lingus- Lord Mayor of Dublin- Retina International

Fáilte Ireland
The promotion of Ireland as an international destination for conferences
is supported financially through a number of initiatives with Failté Ireland.
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 16

The Conference Financial Support Scheme assists every step of theway, from bid stage right through to marketing of the conference toensure it will be a successful and memorable one.
Broadly, there are three stages to their support scheme and they help
with the financial cost in the following areas:
1. Bidding
Failte Ireland provides financial aid in bidding for an international
conference to choose Ireland as the host destination.
2. Site Inspections
Financial support is available towards site inspections for key decision
makers to come to inspect venues and accommodation
3. Marketing Fund
The marketing fund is a financial contribution towards the marketing of
the conference. They support activities that promote the conference
internationally to increase delegate attendance and ensure its success.

7 – Dublin Ireland
Ireland has emerged as a leading international conference destinationand has succeeded in combining the quality product demanded byresearchers and professionals alike with a unique and memorable tourist
experience. Having completely turned its fortunes around, Ireland’s
economy was the fastest-growing in the EU in 2016. The scenery in all
its variations and the friendliness inherent in the Irish people provide thatunquestionable draw which optimises the desired delegate attendance.
This, combined with excellent transport and access facilities, creates animportant yardstick for all conference destinations internationally.
Married to all of this is the outstanding professional support available
which serves to underwrite all these attributes and guarantees an
exceptional conference every time.
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 17

“Ireland is the best brand in the world” - President Bill Clinton

DublinDublin may be a small capital, but its cosmopolitan bona fides havebeen firmly established. Beyond its impressive collection of museums
and galleries, and its choice of food from all four corners of the globe –in both restaurant and market form – this is a city that conspicuously
embraces diversity and has been transformed by two decades ofmulticulturalism.
The wide-ranging choice of hotels, restaurants, and pubs meets every
visitor’s budget and taste and whether it is a chic boutique hotel, worldclass international accommodation or a quaint B&B, Dublin’s menu suits
every palette. From centrally located Michelin Star Restaurants, tocasual eateries for resting the feet, every desire of a visitor to thisbustling city is catered for.
Dublin is one of the oldest cities in Europe and with ancient churches,
grand buildings and fine museums; cultural riches abound, with the realadvantage to the visitor being that everything is contained within a small
area.
Dublin is also renowned worldwide for its warm welcome and genuine
sense of hospitality. The Irish people’s undeniable passion for life is awonderful lure to visitors the world over and Ireland is famous for
attracting higher delegate numbers in comparison
Dublin Means Business
Dublin is a world class business destination with a proven track record.
Over 1,150 overseas companies have chosen Ireland as their European
base in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, finance and ICT.
Ireland is home to 13 out of the top 15 medical tech companies and is
the global leader in the production of drug-eluting stents. 30 million
people (one quarter of the world’s diabetic population) rely on an
injectable device manufactured in Ireland. 50% of all ventilators in acutehospitals worldwide are manufactured in Ireland. 75% of global
orthopaedic knee production comes out of Ireland.
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 18

Why Ireland?
1. Fighting Blindness have run the Retina Conference in Dublin since2000
2. Founded in 1983, Fighting Blindness invested over 17 million euro in
90 plus projects
3. 246,773 people in Ireland living with blindness or vision impairment
4. Target 5000 research project aims to provide genetic testing for theestimated 5,000 people in Ireland who have a genetic retinal
condition
5. 33% of worlds contact lenses manufactured here in Ireland by 17 top
vision product manufacturers

In Forbes’ 8th annual ranking of the best countries for business,
Ireland was voted number 1.
– Forbes December 2013

Visas & Other Requirements
Visas
While visas are not currently required by EU nationals, EFTA Nationals,
USA, Canadian or Australian nationals, all visitors are required to have avalid passport.
CPI will conduct a visa requirements review and proactively liaise with
the Irish Ministry and Local Organising Committee to identify visa
requirements for each country, as well as identify potential issues which
could arise, for example, the necessity to apply for a Transit Visa insome countries.
The protocol of CPI is to meet with the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade and provide them with a list of delegates and speakers who
require Visas. Confirmation of payment letters are issued to eachdelegate who will in turn apply for their visa directly. Particular emphasis
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 19

is placed on ensuring International speakers have applied for their visa
on time, if a visa is required.
Health Restrictions
No vaccinations are required to travel to Ireland and excellent healthcare is readily available. For minor, self-limiting illnesses, pharmacists
can give valuable advice and sell over-the-counter medication. They canalso advise when more specialised help is required and provide
guidance.
EU citizens (EHIC) will be covered for most medical care but not nonemergencies or emergency repatriation, unless equipped with aEuropean Health Insurance Card.
Ireland has been named in “Top 10 destinations to watch in 2016” –Conde Nast Traveller
SafetyIreland is the safest country in the European Union according to theWorld Health Organisation (WHO). In the Global Travel and Tourism
Report by the World Economic Forum, Ireland was ranked the 15thsafest country in the world. It also has one of the lowest crime rates in
Europe and accordingly, delegates from across the globe experience a
safe and pleasurable stay.
Health Issues (safety of water)
The quality of water is of a very high standard in Ireland and it is safe todrink directly from taps. Water quality testing and monitoring takes placeat every stage of the supply system.
Internet AccessHigh speed internet access is widely available throughout Dublin and
Ireland. Options include: dial-up, DSL, Satellite, 3G mobile and cable.
Broadband is largely available in Irish cities and Dublin has the 15th
fastest average download speed achieving an average download speedof 39.43 Mpbs. If using a laptop, tablet or smartphone to go online, thevast majority of hotels, B&Bs, hostels, bars and restaurants in Dublin
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 20and throughout Ireland offer Wi-Fi access, usually for free (though there
may be a charge in a minority of hotels).
Power Interruptions
There are no issues with power interruptions in Dublin. Infrequently, alarge storm may damage a small number of power lines but any issues
like this are repaired within hours by our electricity suppliers.
Conference Accessibility Plans:Fighting Blindness will ensure that the very highest standard ofaccessibility is reached within the conference venue, accommodation,
audio visual systems and translation arrangements) All conferencematerials will be designed carefully to be accessible and useful.
Volunteers
Volunteers will meet and greet guests at the airport and conference
venue to assist visitors if required. There will be designated areas for
guide dogs and volunteers will ensure that each guide dog’s needs aretaken care of for the duration of the conference.
Professional Conference Organiser
Fighting Blindness plans to partner with Conference Partners
International, a Professional Conference Organiser. Conference
Partners International will liaise with delegates on registration toascertain their individual requirements and will ensure their specified
needs are met for the duration of the conference.
Venue Proximity
The RDS is located 16km or just 45 minutes from the airport via the Port
Tunnel. The venue can be easily reached by car by travelling on the
M50. Alternatively, the Aircoach bus stops which leaves Dublin Airport
every 10 minutes stops directly outside the grounds. Taxi and car hire
services are also easily available from the airport.
If travelling to and from Dublin Airport to the Convention Centre Dublin,
the Aircoach bus transfer takes approximately 25-30 minutes and brings
you to a bus stop which is a 10 minute walk from the venue. Taxis can
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 21

be found directly outside the Arrivals Hall in Dublin Airport. Behind the
CCD, there is also a LUAS (Dublin tram) stop, which has trams runningto the City centre, taking approximately 10 minutes.
International Airline Connections
Dublin Airport has direct flights to over 180 destinations in 40 countries
on 4 continents. It is also the only major airport in Europe to offer US
Preclearance, enabling passengers to save time by completing all thenecessary immigration and customs checks prior to departure.
Dublin Airport manages an average of 60,000 passengers per day, rising
to 80,000 during the peak season, and handles more than 600 aircrafts
movements every day. Expansion in 2015 was fuelled by 22 new routes
and extra capacity in passenger numbers on almost 40 existing routes.
This is expected to continue into 2017, as 6 new scheduled services
have already been announced for this year, including new directtransatlantic services to Boston, Miami, Doha,
Dublin Airport is located just 11 km or 7 miles from Dublin city centre.
There are excellent transport links in place both to other regional airports
and to Dublin city centre. Transfer time from the airport is approximately
25 minutes. Not only is it Ireland’s busiest airport, it is also the fifthlargest airport in Europe, having had a record 27.9 million passengers
traveling through its doors during the past 12 months.
Dublin Airport also won a major global aviation industry marketing award
in 2016 and was named the 2016 World Routes Award winner for
airports in the 20-50 million passengers per year category. In June 2016,it was named the Best Airport in Europe for Accessibility at the 2016 ACI
Europe Awards. It was also rated number one for passenger experienceahead of all other European airports of a similar size in the 2015 ACI
Airport Service Quality survey.
Access to the country
UK – 1 hour
North America – 7 hours
Germany – 2.5 hours
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 22

United Arab Emirates – 8 hours
Asia – 13 hours
Australia – 22 hours- More than 150 direct flights to the US and Canada each week
- The only major airport in Europe to offer US Preclearance – Arrive in
the US, pick up your bags and go- Flies to 180 direct destinations in over 40 countries on 4 continents- 2036 world routes award winner for the ‘Airports in the 20-50 million
passengers’ category- Free charging stations, comfortable seats and free unlimited Wi-Fi
available
8 – Conference Venue
Royal Dublin Society (RDS)The RDS is an iconic, accessible and flexible venue located on abeautiful 42 acre site, close to Dublin City Centre. It is regarded as
Ireland's premier venue for exhibitions, conferences, meetings andentertainment events.
The RDS venue offers organisers the flexibility and versatility to create amemorable event no matter how big or small. With 10 multi-purpose
conference and exhibition halls, 15 breakout rooms, an outdoor stadium,a variety of concert venues, meeting rooms and 22,000sq m of versatilefloor space, the RDS venue offers an extensive breadth of possibilities toevent organisers.
With an excellent reputation as Ireland’s premier venue the RDS offers
an extensive range of catering facilities, technical expertise, as well as
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 23

the support and advice of the RDS team who are always on hand toensure a great event is created and experienced.
RDS Conference Village
The flexible RDS Concert Hall is a unique venue for conferences andexhibitions.
On the technical side, the RDS also has a comprehensive new AudioVisual system which includes state of the art sound and video
equipment.
- Central location in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4- Over 22,000 square meters of floor space- 10 multi-purpose conference and exhibition halls and
15 breakout rooms- Access to 1,500 hotel rooms at preferential rates in 3, 4 and 5 star
hotels- Free Wi-Fi throughout the venue.
- Only 25 minutes from Dublin Airport
Conferences CPI have previously organised in the RDS
Conference Name: Connect 17, 2017, 3,500 delegates
4th Global Health Forum on Human Resources for Health, 2017, 1,200
World Congress on Women’s Health, 2017, 600 delegates
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, 2017, 3,800
The 16th World Congress of Food Science and Technology, 2016, 3,500
delegates
Connect 16, 2016, 2,756 delegates
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, 2016, 3,500 delegates
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, 2015, 3,500 delegates
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 24

World Alliance of Cities against Poverty, 2013, 358 delegates
Allsop Event, 2013, 1548 delegates
Convention Centre Dublin (CCD)
Located in the heart of Ireland’s vibrant, popular and historic capital city,
the CCD is just 25 minutes from Dublin airport. A convenient city centre
location with excellent transport links makes the CCD an easily
accessible conference venue.
The Convention Centre Dublin is accessible, iconic, flexible andinspirational, offering you and your delegates the perfect venue for The
Retina World Congress, delivered to exceptional standards.
The CCD includes the following features;- A stunning tiered-seating auditorium for plenary sessions- Six flat-floored halls for exhibitions- 22 multi-functional meeting rooms and boardrooms for breakout
sessions- Six spacious, light-flooded foyers with stunning views overlooking thecity of Dublin and the foyers are ideal for registration and networking
receptions.
- Banqueting facilities for up to 3,000 guests- Technical Package is included in the rooms – in-house technicians,
high spec screens, projectors, lighting, microphones, comfort monitorsand digital signage.
- Complimentary cutting edge technology and state of the art Wi-Fi which
can support up to 12,000 devices- Registration Desks- CCD hosts to greet delegates on arrival & security personnel onsite

Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 25

Conferences CPI have previously organised in the CCD:World Congress on Family and Law and Children’s rights, 2017, 650delegates
20th International Symposium on Industrial Crystallisation, 2017, 450
International Magnetics Conference 2017 (INTERMAG 2017), 1,200
delegates
World Congress of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders
Association, 2016, 800 delegatesInternational Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics European
Region Congress, 2015, 1,255 delegates
One Young World Summit, 2014, 1,400 delegates
Annual Meeting of the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA
2013), 2013, 1,548 delegates
EuroNanoForum, 2013, 1,300 delegatesInternational Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE 2012), 2012, 600
delegates
Euro Science Open Forum (ESOF 2012), 2012, 2,700 delegates

The AVIVA Stadium
The AVIVA stadium is an ideal and spectacular venue to host the 2022
Retina International World Congress Meeting.
Located just 15 minutes from the city centre, the AVIVA is home to the
Irish Rugby Team, and multiple large international Conferences.
- Multiple corporate meeting rooms with pitch views- The Atrium on Level 3 can hold up to 150 theatre style- The Presidents area on Level 2 can hold up to 1000 theatre style- The Havelock are on Level 4 can host up to 400 theatre style
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 26

- The AVIVA has 5 other meeting spaces, each capable of hosting 200
or more delegates theatre style.
The spectacular event spaces can transform from plenary sessions of
800 to gala dinners of 1140. The AVIVA is quickly becoming one ofEurope’s most sought after conference venues, and one that would be aperfect fit for The Retina International World Congress 2022.

9 – Social Programme
Welcome Reception Venue: Croke ParkThe Hogan Suite, Croke Park
Croke Park is the home of the Irish national sports of Gaelic football andhurling and it plays a large part in the Irish identity. Croke Park is an
iconic stadium steeped in history and has been at the heart of Irish
sporting and cultural life for over 100 years.
Guests will enjoy a red carpet arrival with a Prosecco drinks reception in
their luxury foyer which overlooks the stadium’s manicured grounds andis surrounded by bespoke pieces of Irish art. Tours of this landmark
stadium and the museum can also be organised for delegates. Guests
can also have an introduction to the Gaelic Games that are so revered in
Ireland for centuries and will also get the chance to learn how to playwith a hurley and a Gaelic football in the hallowed grounds of Croke
Park.
Guests will then move into the largest event space, the Hogan Suitewhere night-time panoramic views out over the Dublin skyline can be
seen. A three course seated meal will be served along with wine. Foodtakes priority at Croke Park and their chefs use only the best Irish
ingredients.
Gala Dinner: Mansion HouseThe Round Room, The Mansion House
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 27

The Round Room was purpose designed in 1821 to receive King
George IV. Remarkable political events have taken place here including
the first ever meeting of the Dáil Eireann in 1919 and throughout theyears it has proudly welcomed high-profile guests from across the globe
including Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela, Queen Victoria, Prince
Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco.
The grandeur of the timeless 19th century setting combined with recent
restoration and cutting-edge technology guarantees a lasting impression
on your delegates. By placing the very latest state-of-the-art equipment
at your fingertips as standard; you have the opportunity to convene withconfidence.
With the ever-increasing demand in the industry for high-end production,
the venue underwent a transformation of its Audio Visual and Lighting
offering in August 2015 including State of the art light upgrade, cuttingedge audio visual, unique branding opportunities and entertainment witha difference.
Irish Social Night: Guinness Storehouse
Located in the heart of the St. James's Gate Brewery, the Guinness
Storehouse is the No.1 visitor attraction in Ireland and in Europe. It is thehome of Guinness, the heart of Dublin and an unforgettable addition to
an international conference and the start of your Irish adventure. They
pride themselves on the feast and celebration aspects with excellent
quality Irish ingredients and lots of colour.
Upon arrival guests can avail of a complimentary tour of the Guinness
Storehouse. For the night, we will be hiring levels 4 & 5 which arelocated at the top of the building and offer the best views of the city. A
buffet dinner and wine reception will be served during the evening. The
event will be filled with interactive experiences that fuse our long brewing
heritage with Ireland’s rich history.
Once food service ends, guests would then be encouraged to movearound the building to experience all the floors. In the evening time, theyalso offer guests a self-guided optional tour of the main exhibition fromthe ground to first floor. Entertainment will also be situated on all floors
to give a flavour of Irish music and dancing on the night.
Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 28

Places of Interest
Fabulous Food Trail
The award winning walking tour, Dublin Tasting Trail, brings delegateson a tour of bakeries, food halls, street markets, cheesemongers,
delicatessens and other speciality shops. As they enjoy the food, they’ll
also learn a little about the culture and history of each neighbourhood.
Historical Walking Tour
A guided historical tour will take delegates to a selection of the highlights
of a city steeped in history and culture, such as the famous Temple Bar.
This will be a fun evening where delegates will get the opportunity tohave a pint or two, catch up with old friends, make some new ones, andeven meet the locals. Following the tour, delegates will be dropped to awell-known Irish bar where they can enjoy a traditional Irish music
session.
Pre & Post Conference Tours- Kilmainham- Powerscourt House and Garden Plus Coastal- Glendalough and Wicklow- The Merrion Art Tour- The Literary Pub- Game of Thrones Tour, Co Antrim- Skellig Michael (Star Wars Tour) Co Kerry- Titanic Museum, Belfast- Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare- Carrick A Rede Bridge, Co Antrim- English Food Market, Cork City

Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 29

Accommodation Availability
Dublin boasts a first-class accommodation infrastructure with over
16,817 bedrooms within 10km of the city centre. Options are available inall price ranges, from boutique hotels, B&Bs, and budget
accommodation to major international hotel chains offering 3, 4 and 5
star luxury.
Furthermore, the professional conference organiser, CPI, has anestablished relationship with many hotels in Dublin, and is in a strong
position to negotiate the best rates available on behalf of delegates.
Self-catering apartments and student accommodation will also be
available, and delegates will be able to book their accommodation online
at the time of registration.
Ability to speak English: English is the main spoken language in Ireland
and all of the hotels in Dublin are English speaking.
Smoking and non-smoking bedrooms: There are smoking and nonsmoking bedrooms available in hotels throughout Dublin.
Disability Access: Hotels in Dublin have full access for people withdisabilities. Special rooms are designated in each hotel to cater for
people with disabilities.
These prices are based on 2017 prices and are subject to change.
Hotel Star rating:2 stars – 72 euro
3 stars – 85 euro
4 stars – 91 euro
5 stars – 121 euro
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
We look forward to welcoming you to Dublin in 2022

Retina International, GA 2018, Auckland (New Zealand)
Appendix 07-2 Retina International conference 2022 - 18.02.08

page 30