NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre

04/03/2026

☕ Interested in learning about how population science can be utilised to investigate visual health in children and young people?

Join us for our next coffee hour with Professor Jugnoo Rahi, Professor of Ophthalmic Epidemiology and Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist.

This is a friendly informal event where you will have the opportunity to hear about Jugnoo's research, ask questions and provide input that could shape the future of eye care research.

When: Thursday 26th March | 3-4pm
Where: Coffee Junction, 42 Provost Street, London N1 7SU

Register for free: https://moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/?post_type=event&p=6859

Moorfields Eye Hospital | UCL Institute of Ophthalmology | Friends of Moorfields | Moorfields Eye Charity

02/03/2026

We’re delighted to announce Varshie Jeyarajah as the second awardee of the NIHR Moorfields BRC Career Enhancement Programme, starting today!🎉

Varshie is an Advanced Clinical and Research Orthoptist at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Through the programme, she will benefit from dedicated research time, mentorship and support to further develop her work.

The Career Enhancement Programme offers part-time funded research time, mentorship, and PPI support to help pre- and post-doctoral researchers across Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology take the next step in their research careers.

Congratulations Varshie, we look forward to seeing your research develop over the coming year! 👏

28/02/2026

This we’re highlighting four of the rare eye conditions our researchers are working to better understand and treat.

From inherited retinal diseases such as Usher syndrome, Retinitis Pigmentosa and Stargardt disease, to neurological conditions like Charles Bonnet Syndrome, rare eye diseases can have life-changing impacts on vision, independence and quality of life.

At NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, along with our partners, we work to uncover the genetic causes of rare eye diseases, understand how they develop, and develop new diagnostics and treatments. Increasing awareness of these conditions is essential. Through research and innovation, we aim to translate discovery into meaningful patient impact that improves lives.

Moorfields Eye Hospital | UCL Institute of Ophthalmology | Moorfields Eye Charity | Friends of Moorfields | Esme's Umbrella Awareness Charity for Charles Bonnet Syndrome

27/02/2026

This afternoon continued Moorfields Eye Hospital with visits from members of the Moosajee Lab and Davidson Lab 💙

From identifying genes behind rare eye conditions to demonstrating DNA extraction, our researchers expressed how their work is driving real patient impact.

Thank you to everyone who joined us today and stopped by to speak with our teams. It’s a privilege to showcase research in action, particularly in the field of rare eye disease.

27/02/2026

Tomorrow marks Rare Disease Day and we’re live at Moorfields Eye Hospital! 💙

This morning members from the Carr Lab at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and the Moorfields NIHR BioResource teams have been engaging with clinicians and patients. They have been sharing how genetic and stem cell research are driving new treatments for rare eye conditions and how patients can get involved in research.

More highlights from today coming soon!

27/02/2026

February is Retinitis Pigmentosa Awareness Month! 👁️

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a rare genetic eye condition that causes progressive vision loss through gradual degeneration of the retina, often starting in childhood.

We are spotlighting research led by Samantha Malka, Genomic Research Manager at the NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre. Sam identified a single variant in the TMEM216 gene that remains hugely significant for patients with RP from Black African and Caribbean communities.

In our Moorfields clinics, this variant is the underlying cause of disease in around 20% of Black RP patients. For many individuals and families, identifying this variant means finally receiving a clear genetic diagnosis, often ending years of uncertainty. A confirmed diagnosis helps inform family planning decisions and may help pave the way for future gene-based therapies.

More broadly, this discovery highlights the critical importance of improving diversity in genetic research. Historically under-represented communities hold vital insights into disease, reinforcing the value of initiatives such as the NIHR BioResource Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) programme in driving more inclusive and equitable advances in care.

This kind of genetic research brings us closer to better care and future treatments for people with RP.

Read the full story: https://moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/arvo-samantha-malka-presents-new-findings-in-retinitis-pigmentosa/

26/02/2026

What if your voice is exactly what research has been missing?

Your story, background and perspective are the things that help shape better treatments and more inclusive research.

Everyone brings something valuable to health research and your involvement could help shape future care.

Want to take part? Sign up today: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

25/02/2026

Are you or someone you know affected by Usher Syndrome?

Join us for a dedicated Usher Syndrome Information Day on Saturday the 21st of March. This event is free to attend and offers a chance to hear about the latest research developments as well as time to connect with others in the community.

When: Saturday 21st March | 9:00am-5:00pm
Where: Jeffery Hall UCL, London

Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usher-syndrome-information-day-2026-tickets-1982890647304?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

We look forward to seeing you there!

24/02/2026

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month! 👁️

AMD is one of the leading causes of irreversible sight loss. Geographic atrophy is the advanced form of AMD which causes the loss of central vision, making reading, recognising faces and everyday tasks extremely difficult.

This month, we’re highlighting recent research supported by NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre that restored reading vision to AMD patients.

The PRIMA clinical trial utilised a tiny wireless retinal implant designed to replace the function of lost photoreceptor cells. Implanted beneath the retina and used alongside glasses with a built-in video camera, the device converts light into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

Moorfields Eye Hospital was the sole UK site in the European trial. Participants who had lost central sight were able to read letters, numbers and words again using prosthetic vision. After surgery and rehabilitation, many could read multiple lines on a vision chart through an eye that had previously been blind in the centre.

For people with advanced AMD, there are currently no treatments that restore lost vision. This approach represents a different and promising direction by not slowing disease progression, but attempting to restore central vision.

Read the full story on our website: https://moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/pioneering-prima-eye-device-restores-reading-vision-to-blind-eyes/

Read the BBC article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0qpz39jpj7o

21/02/2026

Applications are still open for the NIHR20 Research Leaders Prizes, celebrating 20 rising research leaders and 20 research delivery leaders as part of

The prizes recognise individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation and impact across health and care research. Winners receive a £10,000 professional development award, bespoke leadership support and formal recognition at the 2026 NIHR Academy Conference.

Applications close on 18 March 2026, don't miss your chance to apply!

Find out more and apply: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/nihr20/research-leaders-prizes

Celebrate 20 years of excellence! Apply for our prestigious prizes recognising outstanding health and care researchers. Applications open 21Jan 2026.

20/02/2026

In the summer a major NIHR grant was awarded to a research collaboration between London and Birmingham to support pioneering immune cell imaging research 👁️🔬

The project brings together teams at Moorfields, UCL and Birmingham to develop a novel drug-device combination that could allow clinicians to image individual immune cells in real time inside the eye.

By harnessing the eye’s natural transparency, the team aims to transform how inflammatory conditions such as posterior uveitis are diagnosed and monitored. This could helping reduce diagnostic delays, improve treatment decisions and ultimately protect patient sight.

This is a great example of cross-BRC collaboration driving innovative research.

Read the article on our BRC webpage which also features a short film about the research with Dr Colin Chu and Dr Lisa Hilll: https://moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/major-grant-secured-to-transform-immune-cell-imaging-research/

20/02/2026

Wondering whether research results truly represent everyone?

If only a few people take part in research, the results can’t work for everyone. By taking part, you could help create stronger, more accurate healthcare for everyone.

Want to take part? Sign up today: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/