Unlocking genetic conditions: Susan and Holly’s story 

For loving mum Susan, her first thought upon being diagnosed with Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD) was not for herself but for her daughter Holly.

Susan had noticed her vision had often been blurry when waking up and felt like the severity was increasing as time went on. 

A few appointments later, she was ultimately diagnosed with FECD, a condition she now knows could one day be inherited by Holly.

After the initial shock of the diagnosis, Susan was determined to learn more about the condition and how she could help herself and Holly.

While looking online, she came across the work of Dr Alice Davidson at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (UCL), partially supported by the wonderful generosity of Moorfields Eye Charity donors.

Dr Davidson and her team investigate the genetic secrets behind conditions like FECD. By understanding why genetic mutations occur, they hope to develop targeted gene therapies to treat several conditions.

Susan was blown away by the dedication of Dr Davidson and her team and their fantastic progress towards helping patients like her.

Soon, Susan was participating in research studies at Moorfields, which Holly was also incredibly excited to help with. They discovered how crucial patient participation is to ground-breaking research like Dr Davidson’s.

From a place of trepidation, Susan’s involvement with research and supporting Moorfields has offered reassurance that brilliant researchers are working every day to help create a brighter future for FECD patients.

Breakthroughs into conditions like FECD are closer today than ever before. This is thanks to the dedication of researchers like Dr Davidson and amazing people like Susan and Holly.