The 18 presentations given during our three day international research workshop in September 2005 confirmed what we've suspected for a long time, namely that nystagmus and its causes are complex, very complex. There are no quick fixes, but advances are gradually being made in understanding the basic mechanics of nystagmus.

In terms of benefits for future generations or even people who have nystagmus now, we heard about potentially promising developments in genetics and drug treatment. Improving patient information and the quality of research results are also on the agenda.

During the course of the workshop, discussions covered everything from maths and biochemistry to neuroscience and retinal development, with talks on topics such as neural integrators, waveforms and burst cell firing. Not surprisingly, NN representatives were frequently heard to mutter: "Well, that went way over my head."

But we grasped enough to see that the workshop was pushing at the very frontiers of science. Simply trying to agree what nystagmus is led to heated debate on day one. For example, on the question of whether nystagmus is present at birth, our experts agreed to disagree.

We are particularly grateful to the Esmée Fairbairn Trust (www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk) for providing a generous donation towards the costs.

A full report on the workshop appeared in our autumn 2005 Focus newsletter.