Recent meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.
Mission & Goals
Hellenic Retina Society (H.R.S) represents visually impaired persons (blind and partially-sighted), who suffer from degenerative, hereditary diseases of the retina, macular degeneration and optic nerve. It was established in 1989 and develops activities at local, national and international level with the aim to encourage and promote strategies for research and new therapies, to prevent blindness, to promote issues of restoration (visual aids) and to integrate visually impaired persons. At the same time it organizes activities to inform patients-members about the latest scientific developments, focuses on raising the level of public awareness about the problems encountered by visually impaired persons, it informs scientific and other services, organisations (disabilities and healthcare professionals associations) in public and private sectors. It is a member of the Retina International, of the Age-Related Macular Degeneration Alliance International and the Greek Guide Dog Foundation.
EU Legislative Interests
Preserving vision in ageing Europe: Vision is fundamental to participation in society, economic productivity and independent living. Protecting vision is therefore not only a health objective—it is a strategic socio- economic priority for Europe. Yet today, Europe is failing to fully capture this value. Vision loss imposes a substantial and growing burden across Europe—on individuals, health systems, economies and societies. It reduces productivity, increases healthcare and social care expenditure, and places significant pressure on families and informal caregivers. In aging populations, this burden will only intensify. Crucially, much of this burden is avoidable. Retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are among the leading causes of vision impairment. Advances in diagnostics, treatment and digital tools now make earlier detection and better management increasingly achievable. The challenge is no longer innovation. The challenge is implementation. Across Europe—particularly in Central and Eastern Europe—health systems remain fragmented, under-resourced and insufficiently coordinated. As a result: Diagnosis happens too late Access to diagnostics and treatment remains unequal Care pathways are poorly integrated Innovation fails to reach people in time This is not a technology gap. It is a system and policy gap. Closing this gap requires a shift from innovation alone to system transformation, built on: Targeted, outcome-driven system-level investment Integrated care pathways across the full continuum of care Alignment between innovation, delivery and policy frameworks Eye health is also closely linked to broader European priorities, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and healthy ageing. Strengthening retinal care pathways therefore contributes directly to wider EU ambitions on prevention, early detection and integrated care—including initiatives such as the EU Safe Hearts Plan.
Communication Activities
1) Organization and implementation of the nationwide "GLAFKI" Information Campaign for the diseases of Geographic Atrophy (GA) and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in collaboration with seven organizations (October 2024 - December 2025). 2) Celebration of World Retina Week (September 22-28, 2025) and Retina Day (September 28, 2025): A) The H.R.S. participated in the celebration with the central message "Inspiring Lights - We light up the retina" with the illumination of the Hellenic Parliament Building in the colors of green and blue, as well as the Association's logo, which took place on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in the context of the European action organized with the coordination of the Spanish Retinal Federation (FARBE). B) In collaboration with Finos Film PC, a television message was created and broadcast with a composition of scenes from Finos Film films in the context of International Retina Day and World Sight Day, with its screening and dissemination commencing on 09-10-2025. 3) Participation in the joint information and awareness-raising action for Rare Diseases "ORION" for 2026, which was carried out with the coordination of the Hellenic Federation of Rare Disease Associations and in collaboration with the Museum "Greece in Miniature" and has as its theme "Rare life and expression - Unique historical architectural and natural monuments of Greece in miniature" (February 2026).
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
The H.R.S. is a member of Retina International (https://retina-international.org/), a global umbrella organisation representing patient groups affected by retinal diseases. It is also a member of the Hellenic Federation of Associations for Rare Diseases (https://www.federationrarediseases.gr/), a national umbrella organisation representing patients with rare conditions and contributing to advocacy and policy dialogue at both national and European levels. Through these memberships, the H.R.S. participates in international and national collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advocacy efforts related to retinal conditions and rare diseases.
Additional Information
10.622,37 €