Our research projects
Since 1987 the Macular Society has invested around £10 million in over 100 research projects. Each year we invite applications for research grants, PhD studentships and seedcorn grants which are assessed by our Research Committee.
Research grants
Research grants are for projects of up to three years duration and up to £250,000, which covers everything from laboratory chemicals to salaries.
PhD studentships
A PhD studentship funds a student to undertake a three year research project. The student submits a thesis for qualification of the degree, which is the highest level of academic degree attainable.
Seedcorn projects
A seedcorn grant is funding of up to £25,000 to generate preliminary data to advance innovative and novel ideas.
Switching off the genes that cause Best disease
Researching using a new gene editing technique to turn off the faulty gene that causes vision loss in Best disease.
Find out more
An implantable eye lens for macular disease
Magnifying intraocular lenses can be given to patients with macular disease. This will be the first trial to see if they help.
Find out more
Turning off faulty genes to treat macular dystrophy
New research using antisense oligonucleotide gene therapy to treat Doyne honeycomb dystrophy, a dominant genetic macular disease.
Find out more
Manchester Eye Tissue Repository Genome-Transcriptome Project
Investigating the gene changes that are responsible for macular dystrophies to improve genetic diagnosis and find new treatment options
Find out more
Understanding ABCA4 and predicting the future
This research is looking into why changes in the ABCA4 gene can cause macular dystrophies in some people, but others with these same changes remain healthy.
Find out more
Improving support services for teenagers with macular disease
This research project aims to create an integrated support package for teenagers with macular disease to improve wellbeing and mental health.
Find out more