Help us to better understand inherited retinal diseases and improve our chances of finding treatments

Dear Supporters,

Inherited retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular dystrophy present us with a major challenge. Together they affect the vision of tens of thousands of people in the UK, often starting at a young age and leading to blindness. Unfortunately, little can be done yet to save the sight of people affected by these diseases. That’s why I’m asking you to give a donation today to help us fund more research into this important area.

These two images clearly show the difference
between a healthy retina on the left, and a
diseased retina on the right.

Thanks to your support in the past, scientists at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and clinicians at Moorfields Eye Hospital have made huge steps in understanding these diseases.

We know that the problem in each affected person is caused by a single gene either being absent or dysfunctional. If we can replace the absent gene, or correct its dysfunction, then we can prevent the disease from progressing and save a person’s sight. This approach is no longer science fiction and we have recently made real progress towards achieving this goal.

There is still much work to be done,
which is why we need your help!

Firstly, there are many different genes that can cause these disorders and many genes still need to be identified.

Secondly, we need to understand more about the genes we’ve already found and their role in the eye.

Thirdly, we then need to find a way to efficiently screen genes to find the one responsible for the disease in each patient and their family.

By helping us fund research into these areas we will be working together to save the sight of thousands of people.

Your donation is vital for eye research

Please support our work towards finding treatments for inherited retinal diseases by making a donation today. Your donation will go directly towards funding vital eye research.

There are different ways to make your donation, including an online payment option:

 

Your support is very much appreciated.

Kind regards

Andrew Webster
Senior Lecturer and Consultant Ophthalmologist
UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital

PS: Thank you for your support. Your donation will go towards funding more vital research into inherited eye disease.