Eyes and Vision

The purpose of the UCLPartners Eyes and Vision Programme is to translate innovations into improved Eyes and Vision health in London, the UK and the world. UCLPartners brings together the world-leading academic research of UCL and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology with the unique patient resource and outreaches of Moorfields Eye Hospital, UCLH, the Royal Free, Great Ormond Street Hospital and other Eye Units and hospitals.

The Programme has three main areas of focus.

1. Fast track development of innovative new therapies

The Eyes and Vision Programme is working to accelerate the translation of research into clinical trials of innovative new therapies. We are developing one of the largest ophthalmic Clinical Trials Units to enhance earlier phase studies, particularly for world-leading initiatives such as stem and gene therapy. We have established a new, MHRA-certified human stem cell unit for human therapeutic development; as well as a functional assessment and quality of life (QUALY) unit to redefine the effects of visual loss on function, with an emphasis on meaningful patient-orientated outcomes.

The Programme is establishing innovation schemes for Eyes and Vision therapies (including surgical innovations), with an innovators’ fund soon to be launched. We will also be creating new integrated posts to facilitate the development of trials and new therapies. We also work with industry to bring our new therapies and innovation into clinical use.

2. Transforming patient pathways

The Programme is also focused on closing a second major “gap in translation” – that between clinical trials and health care delivery.

We have worked with Moorfields Eye Hospital and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology to extend the application of “Open Eyes”, a groundbreaking, clinically-driven electronic patient record which can be owned by the patient. Using Web-based open source software, Open Eyes tracks individual patient pathways and outcomes across hospital, home and high street. We are also linking Open Eyes with Biobank’s established research to facilitate rapid imaging and testing procedures, which will increase data quality and speed from patient visits.

The Programme is also working to deliver clinical benchmarks for local and national standards, including CQUIN. Further, we are strengthening multidisciplinary education to facilitate higher quality care, particularly in communities with higher risk of visual impairment.

3. Integrating NHS and University Eyes and Vision Units

The Programme is helping create an integrated strategy for NHS and UCL Eyes and Vision services – essential for maximising the translation of innovations and education into better clinical outcomes. A Joint Governance committee is already running, and work is underway on developing a joint strategy process, joint intellectual property mechanisms, and linked funding processes.

For more information, please contact Professor P T Khaw, Director of Eyes and Vision at UCLPartners.