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Dr Dirk Seidel, Glasgow Caledonian University - £23,396

Macular damage impairs the ability to scan text. A healthy eye has pauses in the scanning process and this improves reading speed, accuracy and the overall pleasure in reading. This project will try to improve reading apps by mimicking these natural features of the eye.

Dr Samantha de Silva, University of Oxford - £24,930

Establishing the link between the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and lipid (fat) metabolism and learning what effect this has on the development of AMD.

Professor Susan Downes, Oxford University - £21,380

This project aims to identify the gene that causes some people who are prescribed hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to develop retinopathy after long term use.

The importance of research into macular disease

Research into macular disease is underfunded in the UK. However, we see first-hand how important research can be for those with macular conditions. Every day we hear of the hope and faith our members have in the research we fund, and in all the research that goes on in the field.

As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) we have to follow a number of research policies. These policies aim to ensure the best quality research is funded, and to support the research and patient communities, to drive forward positive change.

The Macular Society believes that stem cell research has the potential to bring great benefit to people with macular conditions. It therefore supports the use of all types of stem cells including embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells.

The research grant terms and conditions are available for download below.

The role of the Research Committee is to: 

Patients have a very important part to play in research. The Macular Society is able to support researchers by finding suitable and willing patients who can offer researchers the benefit of their experience of living with macular disease.

Patients have a very important part to play in research. Over a million people take part in studies and trials in the UK each year. Without them, we would not have the treatments we have today, and new and improved treatments would not be possible.