Register for Macular Chats
Join us for a series of free monthly telephone discussions from Macular Degeneration Research, a program of BrightFocus Foundation, featuring retina specialists and other eye care professionals who will discuss various aspects of living with macular degeneration. You can submit your questions on the registration form before the event or ask a question to our screeners during the presentation.
TITLE
Cell Therapy and Macular Degeneration: Exploring a New Treatment Frontier
DATE
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
TIME
1 pm EST (please adjust for your time zone)
SPEAKER(S)
Kapil Bharti, PhD
Researchers are exploring whether cell therapy—including stem cells and stem cell–derived treatments—could help repair or replace damaged retinal cells in macular degeneration and geographic atrophy. In this episode, we explain how these therapies work, how the cells may be delivered to the eye, and the potential risks. Our expert also discusses what scientists have learned so far and how these experimental therapies differ from the treatments currently available.
Macular Degeneration Research will send you an email notification and will provide a phone call reminder one day prior to the telephone discussion.
You will also receive a phone call on the day and time of the event.
Remember to provide your 10-digit area code and phone number. Please do not include extension numbers.
Automated calls prior to the phone discussions are only available for telephone numbers in the United States and Canada.
Listen to Past Episodes
Taking Charge of Wet AMD: Treatments & Tips
Manuel Amador, MD, explains today’s wet AMD treatments and why consistency matters.
Can Retinal Implants Restore Vision?
In this Macular Chats episode, we break down the different types of implants in development and look ahead to what’s next in the research pipeline.
Supporting the Supporters: Care Partners in Vision Loss
In recognition of National Caregivers Month, this episode explores the vital role of those who support individuals living with vision loss—whether family members, professionals, or volunteers.
Understanding Stem Cell Research for Macular Degeneration
Dr. Jeffrey Stern and Dr. Sally Temple, Principal Investigators and Co-Founders of the Neural Stem Cell Institute, will explain what stem cells are and share the latest updates from clinical trials.
Saving Sight: How Long-Term Treatment Helps Slow Geographic Atrophy
Join Dr. Sara Fard, a retina specialist at Illinois Retina Associates, as she explains the benefits of sustained GA treatment, including slowing the rate of vision loss, protecting retinal tissue, and supporting daily visual function.
Innovative Science Driving Macular Degeneration Progress
Dr. Diane Bovenkamp highlights several of this year’s groundbreaking projects and explain how they’re driving progress in early detection, risk reduction, new treatments—and ultimately, a cure.
Vitamins and Supplements for Retinal Health
Dr. Brian McKay and Dr. Murray Brilliant discuss the widely used AREDS2 nutrient formula and exciting new research into L-DOPA, a naturally occurring compound that may offer a stronger role in maintaining retinal health.
Caring for Your Mental Health After AMD Diagnosis
This Mental Health Awareness Month, join psychologist Ed McDaniel for an honest conversation about the emotional impact of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographic atrophy.
Clinical Trials for AMD
Join us for a special discussion on clinical trials for macular degeneration.
Macular Chats is supported in part through sponsorships from:
