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Studying retinal ageing in a rapidly ageing fish
Dr Nicole Noel, Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL - £25,000
Researchers at UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology are studying the African turquoise killifish which naturally develops many of the same retinal changes seen in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but within a much shorter lifespan.
Combining gene editing and anti-inflammatory therapy to treat dry AMD
Dr Jian Liu, University of Bristol - £24,946
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) currently has no effective treatment, but this study is exploring a promising new two-step approach. Researchers are testing whether combining gene editing with an existing anti-inflammatory drug could protect the cells that support vision. By boosting a key protective protein in the retina, this project could open the door to a powerful new treatment strategy for dry AMD.
Improving wet AMD care through patient experience
Mr Martin McKibbin, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - £21,922
Understanding how patients experience treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is vital to improving care. This study is developing a new way to collect patient feedback across the NHS, ensuring that future treatment pathways reflect the real needs and experiences of those living with wet AMD.
Developing new visual tests to monitor macular disease
Dr Richard Leadbeater, University of Leicester - £21,866
Monitoring macular disease early and accurately is vital for protecting sight. This project is developing innovative visual tests designed to detect subtle changes in vision that current methods often miss, helping patients and clinicians track disease progression more effectively.
The impact of misaligned daily light cycles on the development of diabetic retinopathy
Dr Eleni Beli, Queen’s University Belfast - £25,000
Circadian rhythms affect many processes in the eye. This research investigates the link between day length and the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by exposing mice to day lengths made artificially either longer or shorter than 24 hours.
The role of the protein ABCC5 in diabetic macular oedema
Prof Heidi de Wet, University of Oxford - £25,000
This research project investigates the protein ABCC5 and its role in diabetic macular oedema (DMO).
The zebrafish’s high-acuity zone as a novel model for the human macula
Dr Takeshi Yoshimatsu, University of Sussex - £25,000
One of the constraints that research into macular disease can come up against is that very few animals have a macula, making it difficult to mimic the human eye.
Improving reading aids for those with macular conditions
Dr Dirk Seidel, Glasgow Caledonian University - £23,396
Macular damage impairs the ability to scan text. A healthy eye has pauses in the scanning process and this improves reading speed, accuracy and the overall pleasure in reading. This project will try to improve reading apps by mimicking these natural features of the eye.
How the genetics of fat metabolism influence AMD development
Dr Samantha de Silva, University of Oxford - £24,930
Establishing the link between the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and lipid (fat) metabolism and learning what effect this has on the development of AMD.
Investigating the genetic roots of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy
Professor Susan Downes, Oxford University - £21,380
This project aims to identify the gene that causes some people who are prescribed hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to develop retinopathy after long term use.