This is the proceedings of the XIIIth International Symposium on Retinal Degenerations, which will be held in Emeishan, Sichuan, China on September 18 - 23, 2008. The themes will include "Molecular and genetic mechanisms in photoreceptor degeneration", "Age-related macular degeneration", "New diagnostic techniques for retinal degenerations". "Neuroprotection in the prevention of retinal degeneration", "Gene therapy and the correction of gene defects", as well as other emerging topics that may develop over the next few months.
not have been possible without the support of our colleagues at the Sichuan People¿s Provincial Hospital and the Department of Ophthalmology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Fan Ying Chuan, MD,ViceChairman,SichuanOphthalmologySociety,DirectorofOphthalmology Department,SichuanAcademyofMedicalScience&SichuanProvincialPeople¿s Hospitaland Chen Xiao Ming,MD,Chairman,SichuanOphthalmologySociety, Director of West China Eye Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, gave tirelessly to our effort from the beginning. We are especially grateful to the ix x Preface administration of the Sichuan People¿s Provincial Hospital, which provided the ?nancialguaranteesnecessarytosecurethemeetingvenue. Theassistanceof Chen Hui (Robert), MD, of the SPPH throughout the planning and the meeting itself were of enormous help to us.
