2025 Miocevich Lecture: Advancing Gene Therapies for Inherited Retinal Disease
Held at the Lions Eye Institute | Proudly supported by the Miocevich Family
On 9 July, the Lions Eye Institute hosted the annual Miocevich Lecture, featuring Associate Professor Andrea Vincent, New Zealand’s first molecular ophthalmologist and clinician-scientist, based at the University of Auckland and Te Toka Tumai, Health New Zealand.
Associate Professor Vincent delivered an inspiring presentation on the future of gene-related therapies for inherited retinal diseases, highlighting the journey from genetic discovery to clinical treatment. Central to her talk was the story of Ciro, a young boy diagnosed with Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA), who experienced a 25 per cent improvement in vision following gene augmentation therapy. His case powerfully illustrated both the potential and the limitations of these emerging treatments.
Professor Vincent stressed the importance of early diagnosis and “naming the disease” to enable timely intervention and the development of targeted therapies. She highlighted the prolonged approval process for Luxturna, the first FDA-approved gene therapy for inherited retinal disease, drawing attention to the complex regulatory pathways and the high financial barriers involved.
The lecture also explored the broader implications of gene therapy:
- The need for robust health economic data to inform funding decisions
- The value of patient-reported outcomes, especially in children, using tools like the Squirrel questionnaire
- The importance of natural history studies to understand rare disease progression
- The role of philanthropy and international collaboration in advancing research and access
Professor Vincent concluded by calling for a more coordinated global effort, from researchers, funders, regulators, and patient advocates, to accelerate the development and accessibility of life-changing therapies.
The Miocevich Lecture, proudly supported by the Miocevich family, is the Lions Eye Institute’s flagship lecture on inherited retinal diseases. It brings together researchers, clinicians, students, and supporters across disciplines to share insights and spark innovation in eye health.
