Researcher Q&A: Pearse Keane
Our researchers share what excites them most in eye research
A Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, Pearse is an award-winning specialist in applied clinical imaging.
In your view, what has been the biggest breakthrough in 2018?
My colleague at Moorfields, Anthony Khawaja (with many others) used the huge datasets from UK Biobank to identify more than 60 new genetic markers of glaucoma. I think this could have huge implications for glaucoma screening in the future.
In what areas do you think eye research will make the most progress in 2019?
Ophthalmology leads the way in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to healthcare. In 2019, I think we will see research in this area becoming more mature. I’m also looking forward to starting my research into the link between neurodegenerative conditions and sight loss. My research will use AI to analyse millions of retinal images and design an early diagnostic technique, which would be a huge step forward in the early treatment of people with neurogenerative conditions.
Do you have any professional New Year’s resolutions for 2019?
My number one professional resolution is to try to be more selective in the talks that I give at conferences and the projects that I take on. I hope to be able to reduce the amount of time away from my family, as well as spending more time reading and generating new research ideas and a bit less time on project management and admin!
Do you have any personal New Year’s resolutions for 2019?
Not really! If I can crack the professional New Year’s resolutions, it will have lots of knock-on benefits for my personal life!