Research

Characterisation of novel neuronal receptors at human corneal limbus

Finding out the nature of nerve terminals using a variety of histological techniques. The results could shed light on the function of these structures and their role in relation to corneal sensation, stem cell mechanism and prevention of blindness.

Examination of the TrkB receptor signalling pathway throughout the retina of glaucoma patients versus age-matched controls.

This project will improve our understanding of BDNF signalling in human retinal tissue.

Targeting a receptor pathway for the prevention of retinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Researchers aim to understand whether the development of fibrosis in nAMD can be prevented by targeting the C5aR pathway.

Investigation and treatment of intronic ABCA4 mutations in patients with inherited retinal dystrophy

A proportion of the causative mutations include those that occur within introns of the gene.

Creation of bio-synthetic corneal endothelial grafts for transplantation

The expansion of corneal endothelial cells in the laboratory onto a suitable material will enable the creation of bio-synthetic endothelial grafts.

Training in the use of smartphones and tablets to improve quality of life in visual impairment

This study will show whether, and how, mobile electronic devices can best be made accessible to the majority of VI users.

Novel genomic approaches in the elucidation of inherited retinal disease

Visual hallucinations in Charles Bonnet Syndrome

A neuroimaging comparison study with non-hallucinating control individuals

Functional MRI as a Potential Predictive Tool in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy

This research project will make use of a powerful scanner to get high-resolution “real time” imaging of the visual pathways from the eye all the way back to the vision centres in the brain.