Women in science and vision research 2026
11 February 2026
To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, taking place on 11 February 2026, Moorfields Eye Charity spoke to two of the research and clinical staff members at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology who are funded by the charity, to learn more about their work and what inspired them to build a career as a woman in science.
Achini Makuloluwa - Research training fellow
Achini completed her ophthalmology training in vitreoretinal surgery. She is currently pursuing a charity funded research training fellowship PhD at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology under the supervision of Professor James Bainbridge, consultant ophthalmic surgeon. Her research focus is on proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), which is an eye condition characterised by anomalous scarring of the retina leading to complex and recurrent retinal detachments with poor vision prognosis.
Moorfields Eye Charity has been instrumental in supporting my professional development at the end of my clinical training by awarding me a generous grant that supports all facets of my research, thereby allowing me to undertake my PhD as a research training fellow. I am very grateful to the charity managers who took the time to guide me throughout the application process.
Achini Makuloluwa
Achini’s PhD has three parts: conducting a phase 1 clinical trial led by Mr Mahi Muqit, consultant ophthalmologist, looking at anti-scarring agents; laboratory-based studies to understand the cells involved in the development of PVR under the direction of Mr Colin Chu, Wellcome Trust clinical research career development fellow at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and honorary consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields, and his lab; and detecting early signs of PVR on non-invasive eye scans.
Although I have encountered gender bias in my professional roles, I have been very fortunate to not feel gender was a barrier with respect to my training and opportunities to pursue next steps in my career development.
Achini Makuloluwa
Achini’s advice to women and girls considering a career in eye healthcare is to focus on preparation, determination, and perseverance. While each journey may be different, she believes these are the key ingredients needed to excel in any career.
I am optimistic for a very positive future for women and girls being increasingly more visible in every level of eye health. I would say if a career in eye health is what you are set on, go for it as we do have a lot of support from across the profession.
Achini Makuloluwa
She shared that both her male and female mentors have consistently offered encouragement, support and given her every opportunity to succeed. In the future, she hopes to see increased representation and stronger leadership pathways.
My inspiration comes from my patients, who challenge me to seek better treatments and remain intellectually curious. I am also inspired by my mentors, who have provided both encouragement and critical guidance throughout my career to build on my training. Finally, my parents, whose unwavering support has given me the foundation and freedom to pursue my ambitions.
Achini Makuloluwa
Roni Maimon Mor - Career development award
Roni is a neuroscientist working as a research fellow at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. Her work is funded by Moorfields Eye Charity through a career development award.
Roni studies sight loss as a brain adaption process. When some parts of the eye stop sending information to the brain, it is unclear if the brain will automatically adapt to make the most out of the information that is still available to it. Understanding how the brain does or does not adapt can help develop ways to facilitate vision and guide better eye care practices.
This award is a vital first step in my career as an independent research leader; this type of bridging opportunity is incredibly useful at this stage of my career and, unfortunately, not common enough. I am incredibly grateful for it.
Roni Maimon Mor
Roni’s advice to women and girls interested in building a career in eye healthcare is to be proactive with personal growth, find a supportive supervisor, and she emphasises that how you narrate your story to yourself and others matters.
Tell your story with pride while being honest. Apply for things even if you’re not sure you’ll get them. A passionate, personal, well thought through cover letter that shows analytical thinking in the specific lab or topic you are applying for can go a long way.
Roni Maimon Mor
Over the years, Roni has found that mentors, colleagues and collaborators have been the most important aspect in advancing her career. From colleagues who provide critical feedback, mentors who help define the kind of scientist she wants to be, and supervisors who championed her and her work while she was on maternity leave.
The kind of work I am interested in doing, the kind that I hope will eventually have a meaningful impact on people’s lives, and advance our fundamental understanding of the neural visual system, cannot be done by a single person. The amount of expertise needed to make this vision happen requires collaboration across disciplines, across research and medical professionals.
Roni Maimon Mor
I hope that in the future we won’t need a “Women and Girls in Science Day” because it will be obvious that women belong in this field just as much as men do.
Roni Maimon Mor
