Fight for Sight funds scientific research to help us better understand, diagnose, prevent, and treat vision loss. Our funding accelerates impact, supports sustainable careers, and ultimately moves us toward a future where we can Save Sight. Change Lives.
Don't take our work for it. Here are some quotes from the researchers we've funded.
A Lasting Legacy
Professor Michel Michaelides is one of the world’s most influential figures in retinal and inherited eye disease research. He reflects on his journey from early funding to leading groundbreaking gene therapy trials.
He shares the real-world impact of his work, from pioneering clinical studies in Leber congenital amaurosis that have restored vision to children previously limited to light perception, to ongoing research into achromatopsia and other inherited conditions.
His earlier work was funded by a legacy from Fight for Sight.
“One of my biggest learnings is to never take anything for granted or at face value."
A step-change in understanding vision
Retinal organoids are 'eyes in a dish' that act like the retinal ganglion cells in our eyes. They help us better understand the causes of eye disease and develop potential new treatments. Professor Majlinda Lako is working on the next generation of retinal organoids, which will include blood vessels so they'll live longer and enable us to learn more.
"I think we are on the cusp."
Go behind the scenes of Professor Marcela Votruba's Lab.
Plus meet Cornelius McGrath, who lives with the inherited eye condition she is researching.
"We may be able to intervene at an earlier stage and save sight."
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- 1 in 5
- of us will experience vision loss in our lifetime
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- 6 minutes
- Every six minutes in the UK someone hears that they will lose their vision
Age-related macular degeneration clinical trial
A Fight for Sight-supported age-related macular degeneration clinical trial exploring better treatment strategies for rare bleeding complications in wet age-related macular degeneration. We spotlight Professor Timothy Jackson’s work, which demonstrates how research can drive real-world advances in managing this leading cause of vision loss.
“Either way, the result will be of value."
The potential of optogenetics
Explore how pioneering optogenetics research is harnessing light to restore vision and transform lives affected by sight loss.
"It was so brilliant seeing patients with enlarged fields of vision."
Accelerating vision loss research
Professor Mariya Moosajee reflects on how an initial Fight for Sight grant supercharged her career and accelerated discoveries that matter to patients worldwide.
“Patients ask: What is the cause of my condition, and is there a treatment? Those questions have become the mantra for my career.”
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- 1 million
- The number of people in the UK estimated to be living with glaucoma
The future of glaucoma research
A modest £10,000 grant helped a glaucoma researcher re-establish his lab, keep vital collaborations alive and lay the groundwork for discoveries that could change the future of glaucoma treatment.
"Of all the funding I’ve received, the small £10,000 grant at the beginning was probably the most impactful."
Our mission is quite simply to Save Sight. Change Lives."
Collaborating to stop sight loss
Our UK Vision Research Network is an innovative programme that brings scientists together across institutions and disciplines to research retinal degeneration. We're starting with a doctoral programme where the PhD students will have two supervisors.
“This is my first vision project. But it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“We’re trying to understand how disruption of these clocks affects disease progression.”
“Collaborations are where the magic happens."
Professor Pearse Keane and Professor Alastair Denniston have a long history of collaborating and publishing joint papers. They shared insights and tips on the power of collaboration in research.
"None of us has all the answers."
Related content
- Understanding vision loss
- Treatments for eye conditions
- Supporting World-Class Scientists
- Collaborating to stop sight loss
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Understanding vision loss
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Treatments for eye conditions
-
Supporting World-Class Scientists
-
Collaborating to stop sight loss
- Understanding vision loss
- Treatments for eye conditions
- Supporting World-Class Scientists
- Collaborating to stop sight loss