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Prof Paul McGraw, University of Nottingham - £167,082

Researchers are aiming to create an app to aid people with macular disease who rely on smartphones and tablets to read and see images. By changing how images are seen, reading speed, facial recognition and fine detail can be improved.

Prof Andrew Dick, University of Bristol - £243,732

This project will investigate two molecules involved in energy production and immunity in the cells of the macula. We know from a previous Macular Society funded project at Bristol University that the loss of these molecules disrupts cell metabolism, and causes cell ageing and harmful inflammation - all of which are central to the progression of AMD. This research will look at how these molecules work in the cells and investigate whether, by introducing more of them, we could restore cell health.

Dr Jamie Ellingford, University of Manchester - £249,950

This research will help our understanding of what gene changes, or combination of gene changes, are involved in macular dystrophies. Understanding the genes and the variants that are responsible for macular dystrophies is important, so that more patients can receive a correct diagnosis and to develop treatments for these genetic conditions.

Prof Dulcie Mulholland, University of Surrey and Prof Tim Corson, Indiana University - £196,339

Current drugs available for wet AMD are extremely valuable and have helped maintain vision in many people. However, not all patients treated with these anti-VEGF injections respond well to them. Different types of drugs need to be available for these people. This research aims to test whether a group of compounds called 'homoisoflavanoids', found in rare hyacinth plants, may be able to stop blood vessel growth in the macula.

Prof Andrew Webster, Moorfields Eye Hospital - £109,432

The ABCA4 gene is involved in a number of macular dystrophies, particularly Stargardt disease. Changes in the gene can lead to developing a macular dystrophy; however a lot of these changes are also seen in those without any sight loss. This work aims to understand why some people experience sight loss and others don’t, even with the same gene changes.

Dr Michael Crossland, UCL & Moorfields Eye Hospital - £134,280

This project aims to improve the wellbeing and mental health of teenagers and young people with macular disease. Support services for those with visual impairment can be poorly linked and may not be widely known to those who need them. This work aims to connect the services most important to patients and see whether providing these services at point of diagnosis can help improve their quality of life.

Professor Adam Dubis, University College London - £244,860

This project aims to investigate which gene mutations may be involved in why those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) experience differences in the rate of disease progression. Using artificial intelligence, the researchers aim to generate a way to subgroup patients based on genetic risk factors to better understand risk of progression.

Prof Robin Walker, Royal Holloway University - £37,178

Many people with vision loss experience Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), which leads to visual hallucinations. These hallucinations can range from simple shapes and patterns to vivid and realistic faces and scenes. They can severely affect a person’s life and can be distressing. This trial aims to test current suggested techniques for reducing the severity of hallucinations.

Professor Reinhold Medina, Queen’s University Belfast - £242,783

Blood vessels in the eye play a vital role in carrying oxygen and nutrients to the retina and especially the macula, which requires high levels of oxygen. Those with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) appear to have more damage in these blood vessels. This work aims to understand why this is and to test whether, if we can stop this damage, we can stop the progression of AMD.

Professor Maria Balda, University College London - £249,451

The cells in the macula are very active in order to sense light and send that information to the brain. This means that they are exposed to a lot of stress, which can lead to cell damage and sight loss. This research is looking at a biochemical pathway that is believed to be involved in reducing the effects of stress in these cells. This pathway is thought to be impaired in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).