ARVO Attendees 2024

These five researchers will be attending ARVO 2024. Here is a preview at the research they will be presenting there.

Callum Hunt: University of Leicester

Can you share a brief overview of your research project and its significance in your field?

We have conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic variation associated with foveal hypoplasia (FH), an ocular abnormality characterized by incomplete development of the fovea. This builds on critical work for FH classification and a universal grading system developed by the research group in Leicester.  Our project used deep learning to determine FH status in the UK Biobank cohort and used this classification for association analysis. Our findings revealed 44 genetic variants linked to over 30 new genes associated with FH, implicating processes critical to eye development including pigmentation and cell fate determination.

Collectively, our findings expand on the known mechanisms that underpin the development of the foveal region, shedding light on the molecular pathways involved in FH pathogenesis as well as contributing to the broader field of ophthalmic genetics by uncovering novel genetic variants associated with retinal disorders. Our findings may open avenues for targeted interventions for FH and related retinal conditions, ultimately leading to more effective treatments and improved outcomes for patients with these disorders.

What excites you most about your field?

What excites me most about genetic epidemiology and ophthalmic genetics is the potential to unravel the role of common genetic variation in disease aetiology, and its interplay with rare Mendelian diseases. In combination with powerful deep learning techniques which can extract subtle and complex phenotypes at scale, this type of work is sure to provide necessary insight into ocular development and disease pathogenesis.

Beyond the implications for ophthalmic genetics, studying retinal traits is particularly exciting at the moment, as the retina serves as a “window” to the broader landscape of human health and genetic susceptibility. Understanding the genetic basis of retinal diseases not only sheds light on the mechanisms underlying vision impairment, but also provides valuable insights into broader systemic conditions linked to retinal pathology such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders.

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmic genetics?

What inspired me to pursue a career in ophthalmic genetics was a combination of my background in genetics and my fascination with vision-related research. During my master’s degree I was fortunate to study bioinformatics and genetic epidemiology in the context of ophthalmic genetics. Witnessing the strides made in understanding and treating ophthalmic disorders deeply encouraged me to pursue this field. I am currently studying for a PhD which aims to contribute to the known genetic architecture of the foveal region and I hope to make my own contributions to the understanding of ocular disease.

 

Are there any particular sessions, workshops, or presentations at ARVO that you're looking forward to attending? Why?

This year at ARVO there is a significant number of genome-wide association studies across a range of ocular traits. I am excited to attend as many of these sessions as possible! It will be fascinating for me to see what variants and genes are identified in these studies, and how this may relate to my own work.

One particular study that has caught my attention is a large multi-ancestry study of intraocular pressure. A study of this size and comprehension is important and I believe that studying the effects of genetic variation across ancestry groups is vitally important. I hope to be able to incorporate multi-ancestry association analysis in my own future work.

Additionally, I'm keen on exploring posters and presentations that integrate ophthalmic genetics with deep learning techniques. The intersection of these fields promises to offer innovative ways to explore variant trait associations.

 

What does attending ARVO mean to you?

As my first conference experience, ARVO represents not only a pivotal moment in my professional development but also an amazing opportunity to explore the latest vision related research. Moreover, having the chance to present my work at ARVO is an incredible way for me to share my research so far with colleagues and experts in the field.

I am immensely grateful that my time at ARVO will be supported by the Fight for Sight travel grant, which allows me to attend this prestigious conference without worrying about financial challenges. I am particularly honoured to receive this level of support as PhD researcher, and I look forward to the opportunities it will bring me.

 

Have you had any interactions with Fight for Sight before?

I have not had any direct interactions with Fight for Sight before, however I have taken the time to learn about the incredible work they do to improve the lives of people with vision loss. Additionally, as a member of the translational vision research group in Leicester, I am well-acquainted with the various local research programmes supported by Fight for Sight. This funding has been instrumental in enhancing our group’s resources and capacity for conducting vital vision research across the East Midlands. I am extremely grateful to receive the ARVO travel grant from such an important UK based charity.

 

Sonali Dave: City University, London

Can you share a brief overview of your research project and its significance in your field? 

Age related Macular Degeneration is a progressive condition that is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. There is currently no cure for AMD, however, there are certain modifiable risk factors such as smoking, dietary change and nutritional supplementation that can slow down AMD progression. Therefore, global guidelines recommend that eye care professionals should provide lifestyle modification advice to patients in verbal and written formats on an ongoing basis. However, previous research has shown that these recommendations are not consistently followed. The aim of my research project is to investigate the patients experiences of receiving lifestyle advice regarding their AMD, from the patients perspective. In this multi-site, mixed methods survey study, patients in England reported that lifestyle advice provision is limited, which is similar to the findings from previous research. Patients in our study also reported that their preferred mode of receiving advice was in verbal and written formats, so they would be able to ask questions and refer back to the information later. This study is significant in AMD research as it shows the importance of listening to the patients experiences and the need for further guidelines on providing lifestyle advice to patients.

 

What excites you most about your field?

The most exciting aspect of my field is the range of AMD research that is published daily. The complexity of visual impairment means that research does not only focus on the physiological aspects of the conditions, but also on the social, economic and mental health impacts of visual impairment. Additionally, the nature of AMD and retinal conditions means that there are still many unknowns about the causes and treatments for the conditions. It’s excites me that there is more research on the mental health and quality of life impacts of visual impairment as this was a largely under-researched area which is now rightfully being given more attention. Additionally, this means that the research will lead to novel developments and ideas to support those living with VI and I am honoured to be a part of this field of research.

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in AMD research?

My main inspiration for pursuing my career in Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) research is my grandmother. She began losing her vision due to AMD at the age of 65, and since then, her AMD had progressed to the point where she is now completely blind with only light perception. Due to her sight loss, she has struggled with her mental health and her quality of life. She has unfortunately not been able to see her grandkids and great grandkids growing up and despite her strength and resilience, I have seen the impact this has had on her life. Living with my grandmother my whole life, I understand the importance of AMD research, to help slow down the progression of the condition and to help find a cure. Knowing that there are millions of people living with AMD in the world, that could really benefit with slowing the progression of their AMD by retaining a few more years of sight is the reason I am pursuing this career and why I will continue research in this field.

 

Are there any particular sessions, workshops, or presentations at ARVO that you're looking forward to attending? Why?

Although the entire ARVO programme looks incredibly exciting, I am looking forward to some particularly sessions. For example, I am looking forward to the symposium on ‘advancing therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative blindness’ because I have a master’s degree in Clinical Neuroscience and my previous research was mainly focused on neurodegeneration and blindness, it would be really interesting to learn about any new developments in the field. Additionally, I am looking forward to the ’Women in Eye and Vision Research’ luncheon. I believe it is going to be a great opportunity for me to network with other women in the field of vision research and I believe it will be incredibly inspirational to hear their stories.

 

What does attending ARVO mean to you?

As a PhD student that started in the year 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, I haven’t had the opportunity to attend international conferences until now. To start with ARVO is extremely important due to it’s large international reach and ability to interact with researchers and discuss new and exciting research. Attending ARVO has been a goal for me during my PhD as it is the go-to conference for exciting research and peer discussions and networking. To be given the opportunity to attend with the Fight for Sight travel grant is a great privilege and I am really looking forward to it.

 

Have you had any interactions with Fight for Sight before?

Although Fight for Sight is one of the most important organisations for vision research, I haven’t had the opportunity to interact with them as much as I would have liked to. I was invited to be a speaker at the Fight for Sight ‘Pint for Science’ event in London in the year 2023 where I was given the chance to present my research on digital home monitoring technologies for various visual diseases. Representatives from Fight for Sight were also in attendance and presented some of the fantastic work that they have funded in recent years, and how their team is incredibly supportive of helping Early Career Researchers such as myself. I hope to have more interactions with them in the near future and I will continue to support them so they can continue to do the incredible work they are already doing.

 

Georgios Koutsocheras: Moorfields Eye Hospital

Can you share a brief overview of your research project and its significance in your field? 

Our research project focuses on a novel option available for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). AMD is the most common cause of permanent and severe sight loss in the UK, which affects around 600,000 people, and growing. The advent of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapies has revolutionized the treatment landscape for nAMD. These drugs can inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, slowing down or halting the progression of the disease and preserving vision in many patients. The preferred treatment regimen is the "treat-and-extend", where longer-acting formulations or delivery systems could improve patient compliance, outcomes and quality of life. Faricimab has been approved in the UK for the treatment of nAMD since September 2022. Our aim was to evaluate the structural and functional outcomes of patients with nAMD, which were on treat-and-extend ranibizumab or aflibercept treatment, who were unable to extend beyond 5-weekly injection intervals, that were switched to faricimab at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

 

What excites you most about your field?

In the realm of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), several exciting developments in treatment modalities are continually emerging. Researchers are exploring ways to extend the duration between treatments, reducing the burden on patients who often require frequent injections.

Some studies are investigating the potential benefits of combining anti-VEGF drugs with other medications or treatments to enhance efficacy or reduce treatment frequency. This approach may offer synergistic effects and better long-term outcomes for patients.

Gene therapy, also, holds promise for addressing the underlying genetic factors associated with nAMD. By targeting specific genes involved in the disease process, researchers aim to develop treatments that can prevent or reverse vision loss more effectively.

Furthermore, nowadays, advanced imaging technologies, coupled with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, are improving early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of nAMD. This could lead to more personalized treatment approaches and better management of the disease over time.

For all the reasons above, I am really excited about all the ongoing research and development in treatment modalities for nAMD, in order to offer hope for improving patient outcomes, preserving vision, and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by this debilitating condition.

What inspired you to pursue a career in AMD research?

The reasons I pursuit a career in AMD research were a combination of scientific curiosity, a desire to improve patient outcomes, and the potential for meaningful contributions to the field of ophthalmology and beyond. On one hand, the complex nature of AMD and the challenges it presents stimulated my curiosity early on my career. Exploring the underlying mechanisms of the disease, identifying biomarkers, and developing innovative therapies offer intriguing scientific puzzles to solve. On the other hand, AMD research is at the forefront of biomedical innovation, with advancements in areas such as genetics, immunology, and drug delivery. The opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and translate them into clinical applications drives me to pursue a career in this field.

We should also consider that as the population ages, AMD becomes an increasingly prevalent and significant public health concern. Researchers all over the world have recognized the urgent need to develop effective interventions to address the growing burden of AMD and its associated vision loss on society.

 

Are there any particular sessions, workshops, or presentations at ARVO that you're looking forward to attending? Why?

Given my personal research focus, I certainly look forward to attending the Achievement Award Lectures and specifically the Proctor Medal Lecture that Dr Emily Y. Chew, MD, FARVO will present "The epidemic of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Therapeutic strategies towards prevention". I am also very interested on following as many posters and oral presentations as possible related with AI and the use of AI algorithms towards the early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of ocular diseases such as AMD, diabetic retinopathy etc.

It is always fun attending workshops about advanced imaging modalities, emerging therapies for retinal diseases and innovative approaches to studying visual perception.

 

What does attending ARVO mean to you?

For as long as I am working in the field of Ophthalmology, ARVO was one of the "big" global conferences that I was dreaming of attending and presenting one day. Attending ARVO is an exciting opportunity for me to immerse myself in the latest advancements, research findings, and discussions in the field of vision science and ophthalmology. By staying updated on the cutting-edge research presented at the conference, I could enhance my knowledge of emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies in vision science. Being surrounded by passionate researchers dedicated to advancing vision science and improving patient care will inspire me to continue exploring new avenues and contributing to the field in meaningful ways. The exchange of ideas, insights, and experiences at ARVO will fuel my motivation to support research efforts aimed at addressing vision-related challenges.

 

Have you had any interactions with Fight for Sight before?

Since I started working in Moorfields Eye Hospital, I am constantly following their fundraising events and seeking information about vision research and eye health initiatives that your foundation supports. I admire their excellent work and dedication on funding research to prevent sight loss and treat eye conditions.

 

Anastasios Papadam: University of Aberdeen

Can you share a brief overview of your research project and its significance in your field? 

My PhD research in genetic epidemiology explores the role of chromosomal abundance in the risk and prognosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While the scientific community has a deep understanding of inherited genetic factors in AMD, less is known about somatic changes that accumulate throughout life. Recent studies showed that mosaic loss of the Y chromosome in males is associated with all-cause mortality, cancer, and advanced AMD. Building on these findings, my study uses the intensities from genotyping chips to calculate a single continuous variable representing the median intensity of all probes on specific chromosomes (X in females and Y in males), termed chromosomal abundance. This innovative approach has uncovered novel associations between chromosomal abundance and AMD in both sexes. These findings will be presented at ARVO 2024 and could pave the way for exploring the genetic architecture of AMD more deeply, potentially guiding future therapeutic targets.

 

What excites you most about your field?

What excites me the most about genetic epidemiology is the potential to explore the unique genetic architecture of each disease, like piecing together a complex puzzle. Identifying these pieces can lead to the discovery of new risk factors, providing novel insights into a disease’s pathogenesis and progression. Over the long term, this could help identify potential therapeutic targets. With the rapid advancements in technology, we are increasingly equipped to unravel the genetic mysteries of age-related macular degeneration and other diseases. I have had the opportunity to integrate machine learning into my research, and I am eagerly anticipating the further incorporation of artificial intelligence in genetic epidemiology. A very active and rewarding field with a promising future, especially as technology advances.

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in genetic epidemiology?

What inspired me to pursue a career in genetic epidemiology is the field’s great impact on both public health and individual lives. The progression from familial aggregation and segregation studies to linkage and large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has been a key factor in understanding the pathology of a variety of diseases and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Interestingly, the first genome-wide association study was done by the International AMD Genomics Consortium and so far they have discovered more than 52 risk variants in different genetic locations. Today, the establishment of large biobanks and the advancement of technology offer a dynamic and evolving field that promotes discoveries and the application of those discoveries. This makes genetic epidemiology a very promising field, with new possibilities to improve the lives of people.

 

Are there any particular sessions, workshops, or presentations at ARVO that you're looking forward to attending? Why?

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is an international platform that unites researchers and clinicians from around the world. It provides opportunities for collaboration, sharing research findings, and discussing innovations, particularly during its annual meetings. I am eager to attend as many sessions, workshops, and presentations as possible. Specifically, I am excited about the integration of AI into research, especially the symposium titled "Exploring the Transformative Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology" and the presentation on "The Epidemic of AMD: Therapeutic Strategies towards Prevention." I firmly believe that AI will be an invaluable tool for enhancing the quality of future research. Additionally, the latter presentation may provide new insights that could be beneficial to my current work. Overall, it promises to be an informative week.

 

Have you had any interactions with Fight for Sight before?

Yes, Fight for Sight has played a very important role in my academic and professional journey by funding my PhD program. Fight For Sight’s support has been vital, allowing me to explore the role of chromosomal abundance in risk and prognosis of age-related macular degeneration. I am grateful for their commitment to promoting quality research and their support of emerging researchers in the field.

 

Dr Aman Josan: University of Oxford

Can you share a brief overview of your research project and its significance in your field? 

My research specifically involves outcome measures for clinical trials in choroideremia. With the recent advances in gene therapies for a range of inherited retinal diseases, one of the most significant current topics is how best to measure treatment successes or failures. Novel treatments hope to reverse degeneration but often have the more realistic goal of halting or slowing disease progression. In slow progressing diseases such as choroideremia this makes determining whether a 2 year clinical trial is a success or not extremely challenging. The traditional gold standard visual outcome measure is best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) which is the familiar letter reading chart. However, as any patient with choroideremia knows, visual acuity is usually largely unaffected, with the ability to often read down to 20:20 vision until the very late disease stages. Hence any gains due to treatment, or slowing of disease would be almost impossible to identify from measuring BCVA alone. My research is focussed on using the extensive data we have here at Oxford to provide scientific evidence on a range of tests that we have performed on choroideremia patients over a 5 year period to identify how the measures rank in importance in measuring disease progression.

 

What excites you most about your field?

Gene therapy and other novel eye treatments for genetic conditions are incredibly advanced one the one hand and appear almost futuristic. Yet on the other hand this field is also in it’s infancy.  I am extremely lucky to be working at a world leading centre for research with one of the foremost experts, Robert Maclaren. He and his team have the rather unique ability to investigate potential treatments in the laboratory and take them all the way to human clinical trials. It is an ideal demonstration of cross-disciplinary researchers and clinicians working together to lead the way in this complex field. Whilst I am not a laboratory expert, I am able to contribute at the very other end of this process, the clinical trials stage. This is equally in its infancy with Optometrists such as myself able to make a large difference in a very short space of time.  The pace of advancement, and involvement in shaping clinical trials at very forefront is extremely exciting and rewarding.

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in optometry?

I come from an Optometry background and worked for many years as a community Optometrist. I pursued a PhD many years ago but found few options to move forward from this. When I moved to Oxford I was very lucky to find this role which re-sparked my research interest and gave me the freedom to pursue my strengths. Working with such a talented team here at Oxford has really inspired me to work hard to benefit the whole team, since success at the clinical trial stage has such a large impact at all levels of our research team.

 

Are there any particular sessions, workshops, or presentations at ARVO that you're looking forward to attending? Why?

I am extremely excited to attend ARVO this year as it provides a fantastic overview of the current advances in Ophthalmology. I am particularly interested in applications of AI in ophthalmology and advances in perimetry testing so will look forward to lively debates in these spaces.

 

What does attending ARVO mean to you?

I feel extremely fortunate to be supported and in a position to attend ARVO. It is a gathering of world leaders in eye researchers and clinicians. While attending the lectures I am always fascinated and surprised by how far we have moved on in eyecare over the last 20 years but also how little we still understand.  I can’t think of a conference that brings so many experts from so many disciplines to one arena with the singular focus being on ocular health.

 

Have you had any interactions with Fight for Sight before?

Our lab group has had several grants and awards from Fight for Sight, but this is my first interaction with the organisation.