On September 27, in anticipation of the celebrations for World Retina Day (September 29), NOVA Medical School hosted an event that brought together several blind and visually impaired individuals, allowing for the sensitization and closer engagement of health professionals and researchers with the realities and needs of this group. The initiative "planted a seed of trust and communication, which is now intended to be nurtured and expanded through future meetings", as said by Sandra Tenreiro, chair of the Retina and Vision research area.
During the event, participants shared their experiences and challenges, reinforcing the importance of bidirectional communication in developing new diagnostic and treatment solutions. The meeting was essential in raising awareness among health professionals about the specifics of new diagnoses related to vision, and it highlighted the active role of blind and visually impaired individuals in the scientific research process. It became clear that, in addition to being potential donors, they bring valuable questions and contributions to the advancement of science.
The event also included the inauguration of the art exhibition "Creative Eye: Visions Beyond the Visible," featuring works by artists Leonor Carvalho and Zélia Évora, as well as scientific images from students of NOVA Medical School, winners of the "Scientific Image in Vision" contest.
Given the positive reception and impact generated, Sandra Tenreiro, also the organizer of the event, is considering replicating this format in future events, consolidating an approach that will deepen the dialogue between medical practice, scientific research, and the needs of individuals.
In addition to several researchers from NOVA Medical School and ophthalmologists, the event was attended by representatives from tAssociação dos Cegos e Amblíopes de Portugal (ACAPO) and from Associação Bengala Mágica.
This event was supported by the Research Unit iNOVA4Health (UIDB/04462/2020 and UIDP/04462/2020), financially supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia / Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, and EVCA Twinning Project, funded by the European Union (Horizon GA n° 101079264).