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                                    Research 27health information about themselves, including blood samples, data such as height and weight, and give permission to access their health records. The blood samples provide the researchers with information about the volunteer%u2019s genes. Researchers will be able to use this rich data set to make new discoveries about human health and diseases. For example, they could identify people at risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer%u2019s, cancer and diabetes and then use the information to test possible new diagnostic tests or treatments. Why is it relevant to people with glaucoma? Our genes are an important factor in glaucoma. The data collected about participants in Our Future Health could be used by glaucoma researchers to better understand which genes cause glaucoma, and who is most at risk of developing the disease. In the future, people who are at increased risk of developing glaucoma could be told about this. This information could be used to support earlier diagnosis, for example through targeted campaigns to encourage them to get their eyes tested, or screening programmes for certain groups of people. The information could also be useful for improving treatments, for example by seeing if there are links between the success of different treatments and someone%u2019s genes. That information could be helpful for people with glaucoma, and their eye specialist, to decide on the best treatment option for them. What does affiliate charity mean? As an affiliate charity, we%u2019re now a partner of Our Future Health. We%u2019ve agreed that we%u2019ll support one another, for example by sharing expertise and information, and by raising awareness of each other%u2019s research programmes where appropriate. For example, Our Future Health are doing some interesting and exciting work to ensure their volunteers are truly representative of the UK population. We hope to learn from this and their successes to help us reach the people most at risk of glaucoma sight loss. Can I take part? You can take part in Our Future Health if you%u2019re 18 or over and live in the UK. This includes anyone who has a medical condition or lives with a disability. You may have received something from Our Future Health already, such as a letter or email. Alternatively, you can sign up by visiting ourfuturehealth.org.uk. You will need to complete a questionnaire about your health and lifestyle, and then book an appointment at a nearby clinic. During the appointment you%u2019ll provide a blood sample and have some physical measurements taken. Currently, most of the clinics are in England, but they%u2019ve just opened some in Scotland and Wales and they%u2019re planning the roll-out in Northern Ireland. If there%u2019s not a clinic near you yet, you can still complete the lifestyle questionnaire, and you will be notified when an appointment near you becomes available. For more information or to take part,visit the website:ourfuturehealth.org.uk
                                
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