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Dr Ashley Wood, Cardiff University -£98,163

This research used new imaging technology to investigate how and why vision and the eye change in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The team aimed to improve our understanding of these early changes and explore new ways to detect and monitor AMD before noticeable sight loss occurs.

Prof Jane Sowden, University College London - £100,787

Stem cell therapy is a promising new area of research for a treatment for macular disease, but it is still in the experimental stage. It involves growing new retinal cells, developed from stem cells, which could then be implanted into the macula to replace lost or damaged cells.

Dr Tamsin Callaghan, City, University of London - £78,622

October 2019 - December 2023

Eye doctors are encouraged to mention the lifestyle changes that patients can make to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, this may not always be communicated or followed. This project aimed to improve communication to patients on lifestyle changes.

Dr Arjuna Ratnayaka, University of Southampton - £100,503

With age-related macular degeneration (AMD), large amounts of toxic waste can build up in the cells of the retina. The toxic waste, called lipofuscin, is broken down by lysosomes, which are the healthy cells’ waste removal system.

Prof Robert MacLaren, University of Oxford - £119,610 (co-funded with Retina UK)

New research into a gene editing therapy for those with Stargardt disease is being undertaken at Oxford University. In Stargardt disease, a mutation in the ABCA4 gene means that the ABCA4 protein produced from the gene is faulty and this leads to sight loss. The project aims to develop a gene therapy to ensure healthy ABCA4 protein is made and further damage is prevented.

Dr Keziah Latham, Anglia Ruskin University - £105,697

This project compared different low vision aids (LVAs) to explore their use, cost-effectiveness, and impact on quality of life. The aim was to help people with macular disease make informed decisions about which device best suits their lifestyle, particularly considering the cost of some devices such as wearable technologies.

Dr Linda Troeberg, University of East Anglia - £101,958

The health of many tissues in the body, including the retina, depends on their components being delivered to the right place at the right time. When this delivery system goes wrong, it can lead to imbalances that stop tissue functioning properly.

Dr Forbes Manson, University of Manchester - £106,474

This project investigated whether a new approach to gene editing, called CRISPR-activation (CRISPR-a), could be used to treat inherited macular dystrophies. Rather than correcting individual gene mutations, CRISPR-a increases the activity of a gene, helping cells produce more of the protein it provides instructions for. This could potentially be used to treat a wider range of mutations and patients.

Professor David Kavanagh, Newcastle University - £104,176

This project investigated different mutations in the CFI gene to understand how they affect the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By identifying which mutations are harmful and how they affect the immune system, the research could help identify people who may benefit from targeted treatments.

Dr Cristina Martinez Fernandez, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford -£24,700

Cone dystrophy is often caused by genetic mutations on a single gene, RPGR (Retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator), leading to the loss of central vision by affecting the cone photoreceptors across the retina and around the macula. This condition can significantly impact a person’s ability to perceive color and detail, particularly in bright light conditions.