A different perspective: Fight for Sight supports clinicians getting into research

What is the Zakarian Award?

Our Zakarian Awards are given in partnership with The Royal College of Ophthalmologists to give clinicians the opportunity to get experience working in vision research.

This helps to progress the careers of young ophthalmologists and brings the valuable perspective of those who work with patients into the research field.

Francesca Revell, Senior Individual Giving Manager at Fight for Sight said: "The Zakarian Award is named in memory of the late Miss Zakarian and supports ground-breaking research in Ophthalmology.

"The award aims to enable early-career ophthalmologists to gain experience and skills by undertaking ophthalmic and vision research, which could lead onto further research or funding opportunities. Miss Zakarian’s gift in her will has provided crucial funding into vision loss research."

The 2024/25 awardees:

Preventing diabetic retinopathy
Dr Francis Sanders, Hywel Dda University Health Board

Dr Francis Sanders is studying patients with various stages of diabetic eye disease.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes: a complication which can lead to vision loss. Currently, there is no way to prevent patients with diabetes developing diabetic retinopathy, and we only understand some aspects of how the condition develops.

Dr Sanders is studying metabolic changes (such as blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure) in people with diabetic retinopathy of varying severity – to see if we can provide earlier insight into who might be more at risk. This knowledge may also indicate potential treatment ideas for the future.

Improving eye screening attendance in people with diabetesDr Ushna Javed, Gloucestershire Hospital

Also working in diabetic-related eye complications, Dr Ushna Javed is studying ways to improve eye screening attendance in those with diabetes.

While diabetic eye disease can’t be prevented, sight loss can be prevented if the condition is treated early. But those with the highest rate of eye complications (people aged 18 to 64) are the ones who have the poorest attendance at eye screenings.

Poor attendance could be related to the fact that the eye drops needed for the test prevent you from driving (or often working) for 6 hours afterwards. So, the team is looking into whether offering screening without eye drops – enabled using newer cameras – could improve attendance in this group.

Understanding the genetics of myopia (short-sightedness)
Dr Claudia Liang Peng, University College London (UCL)

Dr Claudia Liang Peng is studying the genetics of myopia (short-sightedness). One in three people in the UK have myopia, and the risks associated with developing it include genetics and lifestyle factors – such as time spent outdoors, and years spent in education. But what we don’t understand as clearly is what genetic differences underlie the variance in severity of short-sightedness.

Dr Liang Peng is using big datasets to investigate new genetic associations with myopia. They also plan to run patient groups to discuss strategies for new risk prediction tools and treatments.

Dr Denize Atan continued: "We chose the successful candidates from a strong pool of applicants. It’s encouraging to note the value that ophthalmologists place on vision research opportunities, given that research findings are so vital in providing the evidence needed to transform future eye care, innovate services and improve outcomes for our patients. My congratulations to all three.”

Spotlight on previous awardee: Christos Iosifidis

Dr Christos Iosifidis at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital received a Zakarian Award last year to study a rare condition affecting the brain and spinal cord called Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIC (MPSIIIC), also known as Sanfilippo syndrome. Specifically, he is looking at the gene associated with MPSIIIC, known as ‘HGSNAT’. Some people with MPSIIIC experience a variety of symptoms, but some people’s only symptom is progressive vision loss.

Being granted the Zakarian Award enabled Dr Iosifidis to create the first animal model of a rare retinal disease. This model could be used for further research into gene therapies, to understand whether they may be effective.

Dr Iosifidis said: “Most importantly, this work highlights the significance of collaboration between clinicians and scientists in bridging the gap between understanding retinal disease and therapeutics. This would not have been possible without the time and resources afforded by the Zakarian Award.”

Dr Iosifidis is developing a career as a clinician scientist and is currently in the process of applying for a PhD where he will be working at the intersection of neuroscience, developmental biology and clinical ophthalmology.

Are you an ophthalmologist with a cutting-edge research idea?

Without brilliant minds we can’t achieve our mission to save sight, change lives. Our next funding round for our Zakarian Awards is expected to launch April 2025. Find out more about the award and how to apply for funding.