UK’s first glaucoma biobank funded by Fight for Sight

Fight for Sight has funded the UK’s first glaucoma biobank on a large scale to personalise glaucoma care.

Lead researcher on the project Dr Anthony Khawaja and his team will use the Moorfields Glaucoma BioResource biobank to allow better genetic prediction of which patients are likely to see their glaucoma worsen and as a result require more intensive treatment. The biobank’s data has come from a study undertaken by Dr Khawaja, identifying over 100 genetic factors related to developing glaucoma.

Dr Khawaja said: ‘If we’re able to successfully develop this resource and establish a genetic prediction model, we hope to better detect the most serious cases of glaucoma to prevent sight loss, and to identify low-risk glaucoma patients to reduce over-treatment and resource misuse.’