New research funding to help people with diabetes
28 November 2022
We’ve partnered with Diabetes UK, Fight for Sight and the Macular Society to launch a call for applications on new critical research to reduce the risk of sight loss for people living with diabetes. It aims to improve our understanding of who is at highest risk and provide more tailored treatments to prevent sight loss.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of eye problems in the UK.
Over 1,700
people living with diabetes face serious difficulties with their sight every year.
High blood sugar levels over a long time can lead to a complication called diabetic retinopathy, where blood vessels in the eye are damaged.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Learn more
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. Anyone with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes is potentially at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. You will not usually notice diabetic retinopathy in the early stages, as it does not tend to have any obvious symptoms until it’s more advanced.
Through this partnership with Diabetes UK, Fight for Sight and the Macular Society the ambition is to invest in brand new research. We hope it will stimulate advancements in understanding and ultimately transform patient care and treatments for people with diabetic retinopathy.
We’re thrilled to be working with so many partners on this new highlight notice. Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable sight loss in the UK, and this exciting collaboration will help researchers to make important strides in lowering the risk of people living with diabetes experiencing this devastating complication.
Anna Morris, Assistant director of research, Diabetes UK
We’re asking researchers to apply for funding, with cutting-edge ideas to help us improve our ability to detect and treat diabetic retinopathy before it gets worse. This can prevent avoidable sight loss for people living with diabetes.
Accelerating our understanding, advanced detection and treatments to help reduce the risk of sight loss in people living with diabetes is of critical importance. We’re proud to be part of this important partnership which will fund research with the potential to change lives.
Ailish Murray, Director of grants and research, Moorfields Eye Charity
Find out more and how to apply in our grants programmes.
The deadline for applications is 1 June 2023.
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