Search

Professor Karl Matter, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology - £120,000

Research into a gene therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which aims to maintain the health of cells in the macula that are vital for vision.

Professor Omar Mahroo, UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology – £119,868 (co-funded with Retina UK)

People with Stargardt disease may experience flashing lights in their vision (photopsia) or discomfort due to bright light or glare (photophobia). Both have an impact on daily life but go unrecognised and under-researched by clinicians. This work aims to better understand the prevalence, impact and cause of these symptoms.

Dr Roly Megaw, University of Edinburgh - £119,328 (co-funded with Retina UK)

Different mutations in the RPGR gene lead to quite different types of disease, affecting either the rod or cone photoreceptors, our light-sensing cells in the retina. This project aims to understand the function of the RPGR gene in photoreceptors, to understand why mutations lead to disease, and hopefully identify possible future treatment targets.

Professor Jacqueline van der Spuy, UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology - £120,000 (co-funded with Retina UK)

This project will test whether a novel gene editing technique can repair a mutation that leads to Stargardt disease. Currently there are no treatments for the condition, but gene editing and gene therapy are being investigated. The researchers are hoping to prove that a new technique called prime editing may be able to successfully fix mutations that lead to Stargardt disease, to treat the condition.

Professor Robert MacLaren, Oxford University - £119,996

Professor Robert MacLaren and his team will explore a new gene editing approach to correct the fault in the ABCA4 gene that causes Stargardt disease - a rare inherited condition that leads to progressive loss of central vision.

Professor Omar Mahroo, UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology – £119,408

This project aims to improve how macular disease and inherited retinal conditions are diagnosed. By developing a portable electroretinogram (ERG) device, the research team hopes to make retinal testing faster, more accessible and easier for patients.

Dr Ben Mead - University of Cardiff - £119,04

This research project explores how tiny cellular packages called exosomes influence the development of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By studying the signals they carry, researchers aim to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to future treatments.

Professor Omar Mahroo - UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology – £119,650

This research project aims to improve our understanding of Stargardt disease, the most commonly inherited macular condition. By studying the ABCA4 gene and its effects on retinal cells, the research could reveal new ways to slow or prevent vision loss.

Dr Bridgeen Callan, Ulster University - £91,398

This research aimed to see if drugs for wet age-related macular disease (AMD), delivered through eye drops, can make their way to the macula.

Dr Ashley Wood, Cardiff University - £99,858

Using new technology to learn about changes in vision and the eye that have been associated with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This research aims to find out why and how these changes occur, which could lead to new early AMD treatments.