People with sight loss conditions are being given the opportunity to meet with leading eye experts to talk about the latest developments in research and treatments.

An estimated 246,000 people in Ireland are affected by sight loss and this figure is projected to rise to 272,000 by 2020.

In order to mark World Sight Day (October 12), the charity, Fighting Blindness, is hosting a three-day conference, Retina 2017, which will see eye experts from around the world coming to Dublin to discuss the latest research.

This event will include a patient engagement day on October 14, which will give members of the public a unique opportunity to speak to leading doctors and researchers and learn about the latest developments in relation to specific conditions.

The day will look at rare sight loss conditions, such as Usher syndrome and Stargardt disease, as well as more common conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

Fighting Blindness CEO, Kevin Whelan is urging people with sight loss conditions, particularly those with rare conditions, to take this opportunity to question these experts on the latest developments.

"Over the past number of years, there has been remarkable progress in the research of a wide range of eye conditions, and many promising therapies are now at either the translational or clinical stage of research.

"As part of the conference, this patient engagement day offers a really golden opportunity for people with rare sight loss conditions to ask questions of leading minds in the world of eye research about the cutting-edge research, clinical trials and treatments underway," Mr Whelan noted.

Attendance at the event is free for members of Fighting Blindness, while a fee of €10 applies to non-members. Registration is essential. For more information, or to book a place, click here