VIsual Cerebral ConnecTivity On Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Hereditary REtinal Dystrophies

This study uses functional MRI (fMRI) to map visual processing pathways in the brain of patients with hereditary retinal dystrophies — inherited conditions that progressively damage the retina and can lead to severe vision loss or blindness. Researchers want to understand how the brain adapts over time when vision is gradually lost, and whether these brain maps can predict how well patients will respond to emerging treatments such as retinal implants or optogenetics (using light to restore vision to remaining retinal cells). Participants will undergo specialized brain MRI scans before and after receiving an experimental vision-restoring treatment. This will help calibrate these devices and improve outcomes in future patients. **You may be eligible if you:** - Are 18 years of age or older - Have been diagnosed with hereditary retinal dystrophy or hereditary macular disease (with or without associated syndromes) - Are scheduled to receive an artificial vision treatment (retinal implant or optogenetics) within the next 6 months - Have health insurance coverage **You may NOT be eligible if you:** - Are under legal protection measures - Are pregnant or breastfeeding - Have contraindications to MRI (e.g., claustrophobia, pacemaker) - Have another significant eye condition affecting vision - Have had eye surgery within the past 3 months **Talk to your doctor** if you have a hereditary retinal condition and are being evaluated for vision-restoration therapy.