1. 15th Retina International World Congress
HELSINKI
30th June - 5th July, 2008

2. Retina Finland Founded 1973
One of the oldest RP Societies in the world
One of the founders of Retina International
Publications
RP News two issues a year
Special publications: Funny Adventures, Walking Hats
Video ”Now I see – now I don’t”
Objectives
Act as link between people with hereditary retinal dystrophies in Finland
Give information and support for the patients
Increase public awareness on RP
Support research

3. Congress Organizing Teams
Medical Advisory Committee
Professor MD Leila Laatikainen
Professor MD Maija Mäntyjärvi
Professor MD Lotta Salminen
MD Sirkka-Liisa Rudanko
Docent MD Riitta Salonen
MD Eeva-Marja Sankila
Psychologist Liisa Lahtinen
Congress team
Maija Lindroos, Chairman Retina Finland
Ari Koponen
Outi Lehtinen
Anja Niiranen
Jari Palonen
Pekka Rantanen

4. Themes of Congress 2008 Genes and gene therapy
Encapsulated cell technology
Artificial retina and other prostheses
Stem cells
Mutation chips in diagnosis
Age-related macular degeneration: genetics, therapy

5. Congress Week Monday June 30th Tuesday July 1st Wednesday July 2nd
Thursday
July 3rd
Friday
July 4th
Saturday
July 5th
Management Committee Meeting
Continuous Education
Coctail Party
Special youth Program
General Assembly
* Visit to Suomenlinna
Special youth program
Enjoying the Finnish Nature
Get together party for the Speakers
Congress
Gala Dinner
*) Suomenlinna: The construction of the sea fortress on the islands just off Helsinki.

6. Venue for Business Meetings
Iiris Center
10 km from the city center
Excellent public transportation

7. Venue for Congress Finlandia Hall In the center of Helsinki
Lots of hotels around the area: Congress hotels at walking distance from the Finlandia Hall
Excellent public transportation

8. Hotel Accommodation
Selected congress hotels are situated in Helsinki city center
5 to 20 minutes walk from the Finlandia Hall
Hotels are selected from various categories

9. Free Time Activities in Finland
Savonlinna Opera Festival
Festival for Opera lovers in July
Visit site
Trip to Tallinn or St.Petersburg
To Tallinn by ferry boat
To St. Petersburg by boat or train