Retinal degeneration refers to a group of conditions that lead to vision loss. It encompasses age-related conditions, inherited conditions, and vision loss resulting from a comorbidity (for example, diabetes).

Specific examples of retinal degeneration include Age-Related Macular Degeneration (wet and dry), retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease, Usher Syndrome, Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), Diabetic Retinopathy and glaucoma. 

UK Vision Research Network - a first

Fight for Sight has launched a UK first.

The UK Vision Research Network (UKVRN) will bring together some of the UK's most brilliant minds to tackle the biggest challenges in vision research. 

The focus is on innovation and collaboration. 

"We will foster an environment which favours collaboration, bringing experts together to tackle some of the biggest challenges in vision research," said Eleanor Southwood, Director of Impact and External Affairs. 

A Doctoral Training Programme

The programme begins with the awarding of a Doctoral Training Programme. Co-supervisors will come together from different institutions and disciplines to work on retinal degeneration.

In addition to advancing our understanding of, and diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of vision loss, the programme will support the development of PhD students and help retain talented researchers in vision research. 

"It's all about how we build vision and clinical scientists and leaders of the future and get the investment into the field, not just of money and being able to do the projects, but of people," said Professor Andrew Dick, professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Bristol. 

"By its very nature, this is collaborative because there will obviously be two institutions working together, and the student will therefore have the opportunity to engage with both institutions that are funded for any one particular doctoral award," said Professor Marcella Votruba. 

First awards for UK Vision Research Network

We have announced five awards to kick-start the UKVRN. For each, there is a contracted organisation and a partner who'll work with them. Once appointed, the PhD Student will move between the two. 

Who has received grants for the UK Vision Research Network?

The successful applicants are:

• Dr Eleni Beli, Queen's University Belfast (contracted organisation) and Dr Paola Campagnolo, University of Surrey. 
• Dr Jasmina Kapetanovic, University of Oxford (contracted organisation) and Dr Matteo Rizzi, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.
• Dr Ben Mead, Cardiff University (contracted organisation) and Daniel Whitcomb, University of Bristol. 
• Dr David Coupland, University of Bristol (contracted organisation), Professor Andrew Dick, University of Bristol and Associate Professor Kanmin Xue.
• Dr Chloe Stanton, University of Edinburgh (contracted organisation) and Professor Mariya Moosajee, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.