Royal visit for UCL eye health lab

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visited University College London (UCL) to learn about cutting-edge genetic research into disabling eye diseases, funded by charity Fight for Sight.

She met the next generation of eye health researchers at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.

Principal investigator Professor Alice Davidson and Fight for Sight chief executive Keith Valentine showed the Duchess around the institute’s inherited corneal disease laboratory. Professor Davidson researches conditions that affect the cornea, including those that can contribute to vision loss or blindness.

She focuses on the genetic origins and molecular mechanisms underlying inherited corneal diseases, in order to develop new diagnostic methods and treatments. The most common condition is Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), an age-related disease which affects up to 4.5% of people aged over 50. 

Inherited corneal disease is primarily treated with surgery, but some patients require multiple corneal grafts during their lifetime. A global shortage of tissue available for such surgeries means there is a pressing need for alternative, less invasive preventative or disease-delaying treatments.

Professor Davidson said: “Inherited corneal diseases are collectively a common group of visually disabling conditions that are placing an increasing burden on individuals within our ageing society. 

“My research aims to address this clinical need through advancing our knowledge of the genetic causes and mechanisms that underlie this group of conditions, to enable the development of new and innovative diagnostic strategies and genetic therapies.”

Professor Davidson and her colleagues demonstrated a range of laboratory techniques, including DNA isolation, amplification and sequencing methods applied to discover genetic origins of disease, alongside cutting-edge approaches to model corneal disease in a dish. They explained how they use these systems to develop innovative genetic therapies. 

Professor Andrew Dick, director of the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, said: “The UCL Institute of Ophthalmology’s close collaboration with Moorfields Eye Hospital is a prime example of the integration of research into education.”

Fight for Sight funds scientific research that advances the understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of eye disease.

Keith Valentine said: “Professor Davidson’s journey in eye research began with us in 2015 when we awarded her an early investigators award through to today where she is currently supervising two projects with Fight for Sight.

“We don’t just invest in projects, we invest in people, building a vibrant community of researchers across the country, fostering collaboration and accelerating progress in eye disease research.”