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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.

Professor Mike Cheetham, UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology - £250,000

Stargardt disease is often caused by mutations in a gene called ABCA4. Mutations cause the ABCA4 protein produced to fold incorrectly and be removed from the cell. Without any ABCA4 protein the macula becomes damaged, which causes vision loss. This project aims to fix the misfolding, to restore ABCA4 in the cells, and therefore maintain a healthy macula and stop vision loss.

Dr Ruth Hogg, Queen's University Belfast - £249,941

This project uses long-term follow-up of retinal scans from the Northern Ireland Cohort of the Longitudinal study of Ageing (NICOLA), to understand what changes in eye scans may be early signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Professor Majlinda Lako, Newcastle University - £249,998

This project is aiming to understanding how the cells that make up the blood vessels in the macula may become damaged in early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Following this, the goal is to find drug targets that can maintain blood vessel health to prevent or slow AMD progression.

Dr Eleni Beli, UCL - £267,533 (co-funded with Diabetes UK)

Disruptions to our body clock can have a surprising impact on our health, including links with eye damage for people living with diabetes. Dr Eleni Beli wants to take a closer look at these links, to understand more about how eye damage can develop and progress. Her research could uncover an innovative new approach to help people with diabetes avoid sight loss.

Prof Karl Matter, UCL - £489,423 (co-funded with Diabetes UK)

High blood sugar levels can lead to damage to our eyes, known as retinopathy. Professor Karl Matter thinks that a protein called MarvelD3, that helps cells to stick together in blood vessels, might hold some answers. His research could provide valuable new insights to develop innovative approaches to protect blood vessels and prevent sight loss for people with diabetes.

Dr Alison Binns, City, University of London- £233,862

Understanding why our eyes adapt differently to the dark may pave the way for quicker AMD treatments

Dr Richard Unwin, The University of Manchester- £249,679

What’s the problem?

A person’s genes play a strong role in defining their lifetime risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This project aims to identify and record differences in the structure of the eye, based on whether they have a high or low genetic risk of developing AMD. 

Professor Andrew Lotery, University of Southampton- £249,659 (co-funded with Roche)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to sight loss, but its progression varies widely between individuals. Using advanced imaging and artificial intelligence (AI), researchers are working to understand and uncover clues that could help predict who is most at risk of sight loss.

Dr Lisa Hill, University of Birmingham - £244,249 

This project aims to develop a novel therapy for dry aged-related macular degeneration (AMD), delivered via an eye drop, which could reduce inflammation and restore cell health. The eye drop will include the recipe to make an important protein, known to be reduced in those with AMD.