20 November 2024
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh visited UCL Institute of Ophthalmology to learn about research into genetic eye disease on Monday 18 November.
The Duchess toured the institute’s inherited corneal disease laboratory, alongside the lab’s principal investigator, Professor Alice Davidson, and Fight for Sight chief executive, Keith Valentine.
Davidson’s research focuses on the genetic origins and molecular mechanisms underlying inherited corneal diseases, in order to develop new diagnostic methods and treatments.
There is currently a global shortage of tissue available for inherited corneal disease surgeries, meaning less invasive preventative or disease-delaying treatments need to be developed.
Inherited corneal diseases are placing an increasing burden on individuals due to the ageing society, Davidson said.
The Duchess was given a demonstration of laboratory techniques, including DNA isolation and amplification and sequencing methods that are used to discover genetic origins of disease.
Davidson said: “My research aims to address this clinical need through advancing our knowledge of the genetic causes and mechanisms that underlie this group of conditions, to enable the development of new and innovative diagnostic strategies and genetic therapies.
“I am very grateful for Her Royal Highness’s interest in our work and the ongoing support of Fight for Sight.”
Davidson is currently supervising two Fight for Sight-funded projects, and has been working with the charity since 2015.
The Duchess of Edinburgh was the royal patron of Vision Foundation from 2003–2023, before it merged with Fight for Sight in 2023. She is also global ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
Valentine said he was “delighted” to show the Duchess of Edinburgh around Davidson’s labs.
“We don’t just invest in projects, we invest in people, building a vibrant community of researchers across the country, fostering collaboration and accelerating progress in eye disease research,” he said.
“It’s an honour to show the Duchess firsthand the incredible eye research that’s happening right here in the UK, and the critical role UCL’s institute plays in the research ecosystem,” Valentine added.
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