A collage of six photos from a Rare Disease Day event at Moorfields Eye Hospital showing researchers from the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology engaging with visitors. Scientists are posing in groups wearing “Talk to me, I’m a Scientist” badges in front of an NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre roll banner. In one image, a scientist is demonstrating strawberry DNA extraction in a large test tube and is holding up the red DNA extract to the camera.

For #RareDiseaseDay our BRC and @moorfieldsfriends.bsky.social hosted @ucleye.bsky.social researchers for a public engagement event.

Visitors learnt about rare eye disease research through stem cell science, new therapies and hands-on DNA demonstrations.

🔗: moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/nihr-moorfie...

A promotional graphic for NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre advertising a “Coffee Hour” event with Prof Jugnoo Rahi. The event is scheduled for Thursday 26th March, and the text mentions “Free coffee and pastry!” The design includes the NIHR logo at the top left, an illustration of a coffee cup with steam on the right, and a photo of Jugnoo wearing an orange patterned blouse on the left.

☕ Interested in learning about how population science is used to investigate visual health in children and young people?

Join us for our next coffee hour with Professor Jugnoo Rahi!

📅: Thurs 26 Mar | 3-4pm
📍: Coffee Junction near Moorfields

Register here: moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk?post_type=ev...

🚨 LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!
🚨 Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more about the psychology of trial participation & discover practical tips to support inclusive research design
🚨 If you are affiliated with either of the six BRCs listed below book now 👉 bit.ly/46EtZ8P
@oxhealthbrc.bsky.social

Thank you for sharing this! We’re very grateful to you and all our research participants. Working with people living with Usher syndrome is essential to advancing understanding and improving care. 😊

At the top of the image is a circular headshot of Varshie Jeyarajah with the NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre Logo to the left. Below reads the following quote: “Being part of the Moorfields BRC community is a fantastic opportunity, and I'm really looking forward to the mentorship and support the programme offers. My goal is to use this experience to refine my research and help bridge the gap between our clinical observations and new evidence-based treatments, ultimately ensuring we’re providing the best possible care for our patients. Career Enhancement Programme Awardee, Varshie Jeyarajah

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

As an Advanced Clinical & Research Orthoptist @moorfields.bsky.social she’ll benefit from protected research time and mentorship.

Congratulations Varshie! 👏

This #RareDiseaseDay we’re spotlighting four rare eye conditions our researchers are working to better understand and treat.

From Usher syndrome to Charles Bonnet Syndrome, we’re developing new diagnostics & treatments and raising awareness to improve patient lives.

Four researchers from the Davidson lab stand behind an NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre information table displaying educational materials and eye models. A poster about Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy is visible behind them.

Three researchers from the Moosajee lab wearing “Talk to me, I’m a Scientist” badges stand together in front of an NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre banner inside Moorfields Eye Hospital.

A researcher from the Davidson lab demonstrates a strawberry DNA extraction experiment to a visitor, holding up a small test tube containing red liquid while explaining the activity at an NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre stand.

This afternoon #RareDiseaseDay continued at @moorfields.bsky.social 💙

Researchers from the Moosajee Lab and Davidson Lab shared how their work. From identifying genes behind rare eye conditions to demonstrating DNA extraction, their research is driving real patient impact!

Three members of the NIHR Moorfields BioResource team stand together in front of a Moorfields Eye Hospital display and research banner. Behind them is a stem cell differentiation board used for public engagement activities.

Members of the Carr Lab speak with visitors at an information table inside Moorfields Eye Hospital. The table displays eye models, educational materials and interactive activities about genetics and vision research.

Three researchers from the Carr lab wearing purple “See Science” t-shirts and “Talk to me, I’m a Scientist” badges stand smiling in a hospital corridor during the Rare Disease Day event.

Tomorrow is #RareDiseaseDay and we’re live @moorfields.bsky.social

This morning the Carr Lab @ucleye.bsky.social and Moorfields @nihrbioresource.bsky.social teams have been engaging clinicians and patients, sharing how genetic and stem cell research is driving new treatments for rare eye conditions

At the top of the image is a circular headshot of Samantha Malka with the NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre Logo to the left. Below reads the following quote: In our Moorfields clinics, this single TMEM216 variant is the underlying cause of disease in around 1/5 of Black Retinitis Pigmentosa patients. Identifying this variant enables many patients to finally receive a clear genetic diagnosis, often ending years of uncertainty. Samantha Malka

It's #RetinitisPigmentosaAwarenessMonth

RP is a rare genetic condition causing progressive sight loss. Research by Sam Malka identified a variant responsible for 1/5 Black RP patients in our clinics, improving diagnosis and supporting future treatments.

🔗: moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/arvo-samanth...

Usher Syndrome Information Day 2026 Join us in person for Usher Syndrome Info Day 2026 to learn, share, and connect with the community!

We are hosting an #UsherSyndrome Patient #Information Day on Sat 21st March in London with @moorfieldsbrc.bsky.social.

Its free and will be hugely informative to those touched by this rare condition. Please register to attend using this link👉🏼 www.eventbrite.com/e/usher-synd...

A navy blue social card titled Usher Syndrome Information Day 2026. Below is written Saturday 21st March, 9:00am to 5:00pm, Jeffery Hall UCL, London. To the right text reads Register Here with a QR code beneath. There is an orange decorative flourish underlying the text. At the bottom of the page are logos for NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, SEPUL Bio by Thea and Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Are you or someone you know affected by Usher Syndrome?

Join us next month for a chance to hear about the latest research developments as well as time to connect with others in the Usher community.

📅 Sat 21 March | 9am-5pm
📍 Jeffery Hall UCL

Book your place: www.eventbrite.com/e/usher-synd...

An older person wearing a black hat and special glasses sits at a desk using assistive technology to read enlarged text on a computer screen. The screen displays large black text on a yellow background that reads, “I went to the hospital to get my eye checked up.” Another person sits beside them, observing.

February is #AMDAwarenessMonth 👁️

This month we are highlighting pioneering research supported by Moorfields BRC and conducted @moorfields.bsky.social. This study helped restore reading vision in people with advanced AMD using a tiny retinal implant.

🔗: moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/pioneering-p...

📢One month left to apply for the #NIHR20 Research Leaders Prizes!

There are 20 prizes available recognising outstanding leadership across research and research delivery, including a £10k award for professional development support.

Applications close 18 March!

🔗: www.nihr.ac.uk/nihr20/resea...

At the top of the image is a circular headshot of Dr Colin Chu with the NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre Logo to the left. Below reads the following quote: “The immune system plays a crucial role in nearly every known disease. However, imaging and tracking individual immune cells directly in patients remains a significant challenge. By overcoming this, we hope to unlock transformative advances relevant to many other systemic conditions, such as autoimmunity, infections and cardiovascular diseases.” Dr Colin Chu, Lead investigator and clinical academic ophthalmologist at UCL & Moorfields

In summer a major NIHR grant was awarded to a London–Birmingham collaboration advancing immune cell imaging.

The team aims to image individual immune cells in real time to improve diagnosis and treatment of posterior uveitis.

🔗: moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/major-grant-...

@colinchulab.bsky.social

A promotional graphic for NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre advertising a “Coffee Hour” event with Prof Jugnoo Rahi. The event is scheduled for Thursday 26th March, and the text mentions “Free coffee and pastry!” The design includes the NIHR logo at the top left, an illustration of a coffee cup with steam on the right, and a photo of Jugnoo wearing an orange patterned blouse on the left.

☕ Join us for our next Coffee Hour

Prof Jugnoo Rahi will discuss vision impairment in children and young people and how population health science can improve care and outcomes.

📅 26th March | 3-4
📍Coffee Junction near @moorfields.bsky.social

Register: moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk?post_type=ev...

Four women are smiling in front of a NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre display at Moorfields Eye Hospital during an International Day of Women and Girls in Science event. Posters about gender equality hang above them, and an NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre branded table with leaflets and cupcakes is visible beside them. Behind them a NIHR branded roll banner reads Help us make research even better.

Yesterday we hosted a lunchtime drop-in at @moorfields.bsky.social for #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience, bringing together clinicians, researchers, patients and volunteers.

Across our BRC, women are leading work in genomics, AI imaging and regenerative therapies👩‍🔬👩‍⚕️

A navy blue social card titled Usher Syndrome Information Day 2026. Below is written Saturday 21st March, 9:00am to 5:oopm, Jeffery Hall UCL, London. To the right text reads Register Here with a QR code beneath. There is an orange decorative flourish underlying the text. At the bottom of the page are logos for NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, SEPUL Bio by Thea and Moorfields Eye Hospital.

We’re excited to announce our Usher Syndrome Information Day, hosted by @moorfields.bsky.social in partnership with the NIHR Moorfields BRC. Join patients, families, clinicians and researchers.

📅Sat 21 March | 9am–5pm
📍Jeffery Hall, UCL, London

Book your place: www.eventbrite.com/e/usher-synd...

Happy 200th birthday UCL! 🎉

We are proud to celebrate #UCL200 as part of the NIHR Moorfields BRC partnership with @ucleye.bsky.social.

For over 200 years, UCL has championed bold ideas and fair access to education. Today, this spirit continues through world-leading eye and vision research.

Test tubes filled with purple liquid in a laboratory rack next to a conical flask filled with a transparent liquid. There is a DNA double helix at the forefront of the image and hexagonal molecular graphics overlaid.

The first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1 trial evaluating STK-002, an investigational treatment developed by @stoketherapeutics.bsky.social for Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy, the most common inherited optic nerve disorder.

🔗: moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/the-first-pa...

Prof Alice Davidson and Dr Subhojit Chakraborty stand side by side inside a café, smiling at the camera. Both are wearing lanyards, with café tables and wall art visible in the background.

Prof Alice Davidson speaks to a seated audience in a coffee shop. Attendees are sat in booths facing Alice and are engaging with the talk whilst enjoying coffee and pastries.

At our latest Coffee Hour Prof Alice Davidson shared how genetics research is helping us better understand inherited corneal conditions and could improve treatments and earlier diagnosis

Read more: moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/coffee-hour-...

Join us next time: moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk?post_type=ev...

At NIHR Moorfields BRC we pioneer discoveries in eye health and vision science to improve the lives of people facing sight loss

Proudly hosted by @moorfields.bsky.social in partnership with @ucleye.bsky.social we work to preserve sight and drive equity through innovation

Follow us to stay updated!

A group of young people and adults stand in a circle in a bright hospital reception space, holding printed scripts and reading together smiling, as they take part in an acting exercise. Two others are sat around a table in the foreground watching and listening. On the table are drinks, fruit, and papers. There are posters on the walls and a reception desk in the background.

The latest Eye Young People's Advisory Group ( #EyeYPAG ) blog is live!

Young people shared feedback with researchers from City St George's and King's College London, helping improve study design and how research is explained to younger audiences.

Read more: generationr.org.uk/take-a-peek-...

A promotional graphic for NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre advertising a “Coffee Hour” event with Prof Alice Davidson. The event is scheduled for Wednesday 4 February, and the text mentions “Free coffee and pastry!” The design includes the NIHR logo at the top left, an illustration of a coffee cup with steam on the right, and a photo of Alice in a scarf and striped top on the left.

☕ Don’t miss our next Coffee Hour!

Meet Prof Alice Davidson and hear how genetics research is helping improve understanding and care for inherited corneal conditions.

📅 Wed 4 Feb | 3-4pm
📍Coffee Junction near @moorfields.bsky.social

Free registration: moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk?post_type=ev...

A circular headshot of Professor Sir Peng Tee Khaw sits in the centre of a page surrounded by 2 decorative patterns made up of 3 coloured hexagons. The NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre logo sits in the top left corner. Sir Peng is wearing glasses, a suit with a red tie and is smiling at the camera.

👁️January is #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth and we’re highlighting Prof Sir Peng Khaw, BRC Co-Director.

Sir Peng is a global leader in glaucoma who helped develop the Moorfields Safer Surgery System and pioneered techniques that have made glaucoma surgery safer and improved outcomes for patients worldwide👏

Current burden and future projections of glaucoma in the United Kingdom Background/aims Up-to-date, stratified estimates of the number of individuals affected by glaucoma in the UK are lacking. This study aimed to estimate the current and future glaucoma burden in the UK ...

One million people in the UK have glaucoma, the commonest cause of irreversible blindness. While this fate afflicts 10% of sufferers in their lifetime, 50% of people in the UK living with glaucoma don't know they have it @ucleye.bsky.social @moorfieldsbrc.bsky.social
bjo.bmj.com/content/earl...

At the top of the image is a circular headshot of Dr Lee Jones with the NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre Logo to the left. Below reads the following quote: “I am incredibly grateful to receive this award. The funding will allow me to build meaningful collaborations, bring together an interdisciplinary team, and work closely with patients and the public so the fellowship reflects what truly matters to patient communities. These activities will be invaluable learning opportunities for me and will strengthen the quality and competitiveness of my future fellowship application.” Career Enhancement Programme Awardee, Dr Lee Jones.

We’re excited to announce Dr Lee Jones as the first awardee of the NIHR Moorfields BRC Career Enhancement Programme🎉

His award provides protected time to develop a fellowship application, build collaborations and strengthen PPI. Huge congratulations Lee!

@ucleye.bsky.social @moorfields.bsky.social

Over 1 million estimated to have glaucoma in UK Over one million people are estimated to currently have glaucoma in the UK, a figure projected to reach more than 1.6 million by 2060, according to a study led by UCL and Moorfields researchers.

Over 1 million people are estimated to currently have glaucoma in the UK, a figure projected to reach more than 1.6 million by 2060, largely due to the ageing population, according to a study led by Prof Paul Foster @ucleye.bsky.social @moorfieldsbrc.bsky.social

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📢 Applications for the #NIHR20 Research Leaders Prizes open today!

NIHR is marking its 20th anniversary with the NIHR20 Research Leaders Prizes, celebrating individuals shaping the future of health and care research.

Find out more and apply: www.nihr.ac.uk/nihr20/resea...

An ophthalmologist examines a patient’s eye using a specialist microscope in a clinical setting. There is diagnostic imaging displayed on a screen in the background.

👁️As we mark #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth, new research in BJO shows glaucoma cases in the UK are higher than previously thought and could rise to over 1.6m by 2060.

The study highlights the importance of earlier detection and service innovation.

Read more: moorfieldsbrc.nihr.ac.uk/uk-glaucoma-...