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About Foresight

About Foresight | Introduction

Every day thousands of people start to lose their sight, but for millions of people around the world who were born with eye diseases that make them go blind, there is now real hope.

Although hereditary retinal diseases have been untreatable until now, recent dramatic progress in research means that cures will be found.

Foresight is a non-profit organisation supporting research into a cure for blindness caused by degenerative eye diseases, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa.

We also provide support and information to people who are losing their sight in our local community. Together with Tamkeen, we are dedicated to improving the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired in the U.A.E.

Foresight's founder and chairwoman is Katy Newitt who has Retinitis Pigmentosa and is partially sighted.

Finding a cure

Leading researchers are making great progress towards finding a cure, but there is still a lot more to be done to fight blindness.

Leading specialist retinal researchers have shown intense scientific interest in the unique gene pool in the Middle East. We can make a real difference to worldwide knowledge through gathering information and setting up initiatives here in the U.A.E. This is being done in consultation with leading local Ophthalmologists, Emirates Medical Association, Moorfield's Eye Hospital and Retina International, of which we are an associate member.

Why Foresight in the U.A.E.?

Blindness is currently the highest cause of disability in the U.A.E. Understanding is low and support is limited. With current high levels of hereditary eye disease and rise of illness linked to lifestyle (e.g. diabetic retinopathy), the number of people who are blind or visually impaired is set to increase.

We also support leading research and have funded and part-funded some cutting edge research projects, with particular relevance to the prevalence of eye diseases in the Middle East, taking the next step towards finding a cure for causes of sight loss.