Researchers promote eye research to public and patients during National Eye Health Week

Staff from the Department of Eye Research, based in Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH), engaged with people inside the hospital’s atrium between September 24 and 28, using each day as an opportunity to promote a different field of ophthalmological research.

The week-long event was filled with patient involvement as the team arranged for a number of local patients to attend and speak about their experience of taking part in a trial.

Among those was Michele Steventon, who in February 2018 was one of the first two European patients recruited to a study looking at a next generation device for the treatment of glaucoma.

Michele, from Saddleworth, was on hand to speak about her involvement in the study and offer a first-person perspective.

In addition to glaucoma, the week also covered research being conducted at MREH into cataracts, diabetes and macular disease, as well as ophthalmological research targeted specifically at children and young people.

Monika Cien, Clinical Trials Manager at the MREH Department of Eye Research, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

The National Eye Health Week was a great opportunity to showcase our work and raise patients’ awareness about the research undertaken in the eye hospital.

“I would like to say a big thank you to our research patients who attended and to all members of the public who came over and engaged with us. I would also like to thank all members of the research team who continue to work above and beyond.”