A collage comprising a portrait photo of Siddarthan (left), Ruth (middle) and Shachi (right)

We have appointed three new members to key committees who bring expertise, passion and knowledge to the charity, furthering our mission to support eye health and change patients’ lives.

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to key governance roles.

Professor Siddharthan Chandran, dean of medicine at the University of Edinburgh, has joined the grants and research committee; Ruth Keattch has been appointed to the investment committee; and Shachi Blakemore has been appointed as a trustee in addition to her role on the audit and risk committee.

Professor Siddharthan Chandran

Professor Chandran is a consultant neurologist with a specialism in regenerative neurology. 

His research focuses on finding stem cell treatments for degenerative conditions such as motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis.

As a neurologist interested in the emerging discipline of regenerative neuroscience, it is an honour to be able to help advance the grand mission of Moorfields Eye Charity to help advance knowledge and practice to transform lives.

Professor Chandran

He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the grants and research committee.

He is expected to take over as chair and be appointed to the board of trustees when Lee-Ann Coleman steps down in 2024.

Ruth Keattch

Ruth has been appointed to the investment committee based on her extensive experience in investment management. 

She will work with the committee to ensure that Moorfields Eye Charity’s investments are managed effectively to support our mission and goals.

Ruth is expected to take over as chair and be appointed to the board of trustees when Noland Carter steps down in 2024.

I look forward to working with the charity during such an ambitious phase of development, and gaining a deeper understanding of the wonderful programmes it supports.

Ruth

She has witnessed the effects of sight loss on family members and was herself a patient at Moorfields a few years ago.

Her personal experience will help deepen the charity’s empathy and comprehension of the challenges faced by individuals living with sight loss, and their loved ones.

Shachi Blakemore

Shachi has been appointed as a full trustee after serving on the audit and risk committee since 2022.

Professionally, as a partner in a leading accountancy firm specialing in not-for-profit organisations, she works with a number of medical and health charities, including hospital charities.

I am keen on working with Moorfields Eye Charity for both personal and professional reasons. I have family members members with eye health issues and enormously value the charity’s contribution.”

Shachi

She hopes to bring her experience to help and support the charity at a time when it is undergoing change to implement significant growth plans for the future.

Advancing our mission

We are pleased to welcome more outstanding individuals to our board and committees. 

Their expertise and passion for our mission will help us make an even greater impact on the lives of those affected by eye conditions. 

We look forward to working with them as we move to increase our capacity to fund more innovation and research at Moorfields to benefit patients.