Glaucoma research award winners announced

Two research projects exploring new ways to treat glaucoma have received funding through the 2024 Glaucoma UK and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Research Award.

A project led by Dr Lisa Hill, of the University of Birmingham, which seeks to develop a novel treatment for primary open angle glaucoma, has received £99,652 in funding.

Dr Victoria McGilligan, of Ulster University, was also recognised with £99,919 in funding for her research project that aims to develop an antibody therapy for the treatment of glaucoma.

McGilligan’s research aims to switch off inflammation in the cells of the eye by targeting a group of proteins known as ‘inflammasomes.’

McGilligan shared that she is “truly delighted” to receive the reward – which will not only support the research but help early-career researchers to stay within the field of glaucoma research.

“We look forward to working with Glaucoma UK and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists to help promote their important contributions to improving patients’ lives,” she said.

Hill’s research will focus on the extracellular matrix (ECM) in order to develop a new approach to treating primary open angle glaucoma.

“We believe our new treatment will help prevent and treat the ECM dysfunction, and so provide better outcomes for patients. We are really excited to be working closely with Glaucoma UK and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists on this project and are grateful for their support,” Hill said.

Head of research at Glaucoma UK, Joanna Hodgkinson, shared that both projects offer the potential of developing new treatments to prevent sight loss due to glaucoma.

“We know that for many people, lowering eye pressure through existing treatments doesn’t prevent further sight loss, so it’s wonderful to be exploring new possibilities,” she said.