Our neuroscience and ageing research into the basis of eye disease and ageing processes facilitates the development of new methods for detecting, monitoring and treating neurodegenerative and age-related eye conditions.

Age-related eye disease accounts for more than 70% of all vision loss in the UK, with macular disease being the leading cause.

Our research provides an ideal platform for the development of new and improved methods for the detection and management of visual problems relating to the nervous system and ageing.

Our research is enhanced by strong links with the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, the Dementia Research Institute (DRI), and the Cardiff University Brain Imaging Research Centre (CUBRIC).

Staff members

Research groups

Our neuro-degeneration and ageing theme is pursued within six collaborative groups:

• Neurodegeneration to regeneration (N2R)
• Eye Movement Experimental Research Group (EMERG)
• Structural Biophysics
• Ocular Therapeutics Group
• Ophthalmic Public Health Group
• Macular Research Group

Our research is aimed at understanding the causes of ocular degeneration and the development of novel eye care treatments and products for improved ocular health.

To address the world-wide shortage of corneal donor tissue for the treatment of corneal disorders and pathologies, we have joined forces with Linkoping University, the University of Montreal and LV Prasad Eye Institute, in an international collaborative effort to develop a suitable artificial corneal replacement.

We also continue to collaborate closely with clinician-scientists in Osaka University to harness the power of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to generate transplantable eye tissue capable of restoring visual function.

In the field of glaucoma and inherited optic neuropathy, our research investigates novel therapeutic agents, which include adult stem cells, as well as their secreted constituents (e.g. exosomes). We test these novel neuroprotective therapeutic strategies in state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo models, and human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal cultures.

Staff members

Research groups

Our stem cells, regeneration and repair research is pursued within three collaborative groups:

• Neurodegeneration to regeneration (N2R)
• Structural Biophysics
• Ocular Therapeutics Group

Our visual and ocular development research uses patient centred and basic science approaches to investigate normal and aberrant visual and ocular development.

In 2017, our Down’s Syndrome Vision Research was awarded the UK’s most prestigious academic award – a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – for its pioneering research and treatment of vision problems in children with Down’s syndrome.

Staff members

Research groups

Our visual and ocular-development theme is pursued within four collaborative groups:

• Eye Movement Experimental Research Group (EMERG)
• Structural Biophysics
• Ocular Therapeutics Group
• Ophthalmic Public Health Group