My Retina Tracker® Panel
A comprehensive 110-gene panel designed to identify pathogenic variants associated with inherited retinal degenerations and related retinal dystrophies.
Accessed through the My Retina Tracker® Sponsored Testing Program•Sponsored by Foundation Fighting Blindness•Performed by Prevention Genetics
Designed to help patients understand the purpose of testing and what to expect.
For patients
What this test and program do
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with an inherited retinal disease such as retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, or another IRD, the My Retina Tracker Program offers genetic testing at absolutely no cost to you. The program, supported by the Foundation Fighting Blindness, uses a comprehensive 110-gene panel to look for the specific genetic cause behind your condition. Understanding your genetic diagnosis can help guide your care, connect you with clinical trials, and identify whether emerging targeted therapies might be right for you.
Who this may help
Could this be right for you or your family?
- Must reside in the United States or a U.S. territory.
- Must have a clinically confirmed inherited retinal disease (IRD) included in the program.
- Must not have a first-degree relative previously tested through the Program.
- Must not have had 32+ gene IRD panel testing, whole exome, or whole genome sequencing within the last 5 years.
- Must not have a prior IRD-related molecular diagnosis from any genetic test.
- Must be willing to join the My Retina Tracker Registry and share results with the registry.
- Note: Individuals with a biological relative who received a positive or indeterminate Program result may qualify for familial variant testing at no cost.
What to expect
How the process works
- 1
Review Program Details
Your provider will share information about the Program along with the study flyer and FAQ so you can decide if you want to move forward.
- 2
Complete the Consent Forms
If you choose to participate, use the DocuSign link from the Foundation Fighting Blindness to complete the consent forms and HIPAA release.
- 3
Notify Your Provider
After submitting your electronic forms, your provider will receive a copy of your executed HIPAA release, which is required for ordering your test.
- 4
Provider Submits Test Order
Your provider will complete the Program’s test requisition form, provide your clinical details, and indicate their genetic counseling preference.
- 5
Provide a Sample
Your sample may be collected in clinic or through a kit mailed to your home. All specimen containers must be labeled with at least two identifiers.
- 6
Lab Processes Your Test
PreventionGenetics will process your sample once received. Specimens are accepted Monday–Saturday; holiday schedules are posted in advance.
- 7
Receive Your Results
Results are typically available in about 21 days and will be reviewed with you by your provider or by a genetic counselor at InformedDNA.
Cost & coverage
Understanding potential costs
If you qualify for this program, the sponsor works with the laboratory to help make testing more affordable. Many patients pay little or no out-of-pocket cost. Your exact cost will depend on your insurance coverage and the specific criteria of the program, and the lab can explain what to expect before your sample is processed.
Quality & privacy
How your sample and information are handled
Testing is performed by Prevention Genetics, a CLIA-certified laboratory (CLIA 52D2065132) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) certified laboratory (CAP 7185561). Your sample is processed using validated methods and quality controls to support reliable genetic results.
Your health information is handled under privacy and security practices that are intended to align with applicable regulations. For program- and lab-specific details, review the privacy information provided by the laboratory and sponsor.
FAQ
Common questions about this program
What is the My Retina Tracker genetic testing program for inherited retinal diseases?
The My Retina Tracker Program is a no-cost genetic testing program designed for people with a clinically confirmed inherited retinal disease (IRD). It analyzes 110 genes associated with conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Leber congenital amaurosis, Usher syndrome, and other IRDs. The goal is to identify the specific genetic change responsible for your vision loss, which can guide treatment decisions and help determine whether you may be eligible for clinical trials or targeted therapies.
Is the My Retina Tracker genetic test really free, and who pays for it?
Yes, the My Retina Tracker Program is completely free to you. The Foundation Fighting Blindness sponsors the program and covers the full cost of the genetic testing, so there is no charge, no copay, and no insurance billing involved. You will not receive a bill for participating in the program.
What sample is needed for the My Retina Tracker inherited retinal disease genetic test?
The My Retina Tracker Program accepts a whole blood sample, a saliva sample, or a buccal swab (a gentle cheek swab). Your healthcare provider will help you determine which option works best for you. The sample collection is simple and straightforward.
How long does it take to get results from the My Retina Tracker genetic test for IRDs?
Results from the My Retina Tracker Program typically take about 2 to 3 weeks after your sample reaches the laboratory. The testing is performed by PreventionGenetics, an accredited clinical genetics laboratory. Your healthcare provider will receive the results and review them with you.
Is genetic counseling available through the My Retina Tracker Program for inherited retinal diseases?
Yes, the My Retina Tracker Program includes genetic counseling as part of the no-cost program. A genetic counselor can help you understand your test results, what they mean for your vision and health, and whether your family members might also benefit from testing. This support is included at no additional charge to you.
How can genetic testing through My Retina Tracker help with my inherited retinal disease?
Knowing the specific gene responsible for your inherited retinal disease can make a real difference in your care. A molecular diagnosis through the My Retina Tracker Program may help your doctor make more informed management decisions, determine whether you are a candidate for approved gene therapies or emerging treatments, and identify relevant clinical trials. Your results are also shared with the My Retina Tracker Registry, which supports ongoing research to advance new treatments for IRDs.
Who qualifies for My Retina Tracker Inherited Retinal Disease genetic testing?
Patients may qualify for My Retina Tracker if they meet the program's eligibility criteria:
- Must reside in the United States or a U.S. territory.
- Must have a clinically confirmed inherited retinal disease (IRD) included in the program.
- Must not have a first-degree relative previously tested through the Program.
- Must not have had 32+ gene IRD panel testing, whole exome, or whole genome sequencing within the last 5 years.
- Must not have a prior IRD-related molecular diagnosis from any genetic test.
- Must be willing to join the My Retina Tracker Registry and share results with the registry.
- Note: Individuals with a biological relative who received a positive or indeterminate Program result may qualify for familial variant testing at no cost.
Questions to ask your doctor about My Retina Tracker® Panel
- Do you think this test is appropriate for me based on my symptoms and history?
- How could the results of this test change my diagnosis or treatment plan?
- What are the potential limitations of this test that I should understand?
- Should any of my family members also be tested based on my results?
- How will we follow up after the results are available?
Notes
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