Optic nerve forum: Optic neuropathies from genes to therapies

Razionale scientifico

The Optic Nerve Forum is a long-term international scientific initiative dedicated to advancing research, clinical practice and therapeutic innovation across the full spectrum of optic nerve disorders. Conceived as a recurring meeting of leading international experts, the Forum aims to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, encourage the exchange of ideas, and accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into improved patient care. The inaugural 2026 meeting uses Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) as a model disease through which to explore the wider challenges and opportunities in the diagnosis and management of optic nerve disorders. Whilst major advances have transformed our understanding of disease mechanisms and opened new therapeutic opportunities, important unmet needs remain in diagnosis, patient stratification, clinical decision-making and the integration of emerging therapies into routine clinical practice. Bringing together internationally recognised experts in neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, neurology, genetics, imaging, artificial intelligence and vision science, the Forum will promote cross-disciplinary learning and identify shared biological and clinical principles across inherited, inflammatory and degenerative optic neuropathies. The scientific programme has been designed to move beyond traditional lectures by combining scientific excellence with practical clinical insight, emerging technologies and interactive discussion. Particular emphasis will be placed on: translating scientific discovery into clinical practice; advanced imaging, biomarkers and precision diagnostics; therapeutic innovation, from neuroprotection to gene editing; multidisciplinary collaboration and international consensus-building. Beyond the scientific programme, the Optic Nerve Forum 2026 seeks to establish a sustainable international scientific community committed to defining future research priorities, harmonising clinical practice, and accelerating the development of transformative therapies for patients with optic nerve disorders.

Luogo

Regno Unito

Responsabili del corso

• Patrick Yu-wai-man

  Responsabile scientifico

  Specializzazione: Medico Chirurgo

Relatori e docenti

• Piero Barboni

  Relatore

• Jeffrey Bennett

  Relatore

• Valerio Carelli

  Relatore

• Jasmina Cehajic Kapetanovic

  Relatore

• Ted Garway-heath

  Relatore

• Thomas Johnson

  Relatore

• Tasneem Khatib

  Relatore

• Chiara la Morgia

  Relatore

• Christopher Leung

  Relatore

• Joyce Liao

  Relatore

• Haotian Lin

  Relatore

• Michal Minczuk

  Relatore

• Catherine Vignal-clermont

  Relatore

• Marcela Votruba

  Relatore

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