Fight for Sight awards funds

Dr Michel Michaelides from Moorfields Eye Hospital has been awarded the 2010 Hans and Mrs Gertrude Hirsch award from charity Fight for Sight for his research into new treatments for the inherited retinal disease achromatopsia.

Working with Professor Tony Moore, Dr Michaelides, who has a particular interest in inherited retinal disease, will use the £15,000 award for his research into gene replacement therapies for achromatopsia. He aims to identify people with the disease who still have some functioning cone photoreceptors and may be suitable for clinical trials. The award scheme, administered by Fight for Sight, was established with funding from the estate of the late Dr Hans Hirsch.