Page 43 - Demo

Supporter news 43Our members and supporters have been a huge part of this, through your incredibly generous donations. We set an ambitious fundraising target of %u00a350,000 to support this project, and we%u2019re getting closer by the day. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported our campaign, no matter how much you have given us. We%u2019re so grateful to you all. By the time you read this, in early 2025, we will hopefully have awarded the grant. However, due to the timelines involved in publishing Insight, I%u2019m writing this in early November, while the applications are being reviewed. We thought you would want an update on where we are, and the next steps.We received seven full applications, which all proposed fascinating and useful research projects. Examples include: %u2022 Improving our understanding of the genetic risks of developing glaucoma; %u2022 Investigating the activity of nerve cells within the retina;%u2022 Creating advanced data models to enable personalised medicine. We were pleased with the breadth of applications, as we had interest from doctors, optometrists and scientists from across the UK. With the project being part of our landmark 50th anniversary celebration, it%u2019s especially important to us that the research we fund has a lasting impact on glaucoma care. Therefore, the decisionmaking process is rigorous and timeconsuming. We%u2019re convening a panel comprising doctors, optometrists and scientists, all with experience in running significant glaucoma research projects. We also have patients represented. Each will review the applications using a standardised form, which assesses the project on criteria such as:%u2022 Is the proposed research addressing a significant issue in glaucoma?%u2022 Have the researchers made a compelling case for how their research will answer the question?%u2022 Could the research improve the lives of people with glaucoma?We also want to ensure the researcher we fund will be a supportive and engaging ambassador for Glaucoma UK. Therefore, the last step in the process will be for shortlisted candidates to meet with Glaucoma UK staff. We want the spirit of our founder Ronald Pitts Crick to live on, with a Fellow who supports our charity and works to improve the lives of people with glaucoma.As soon as we%u2019ve confirmed the recipient of our Fellowship, and managed the contract, we will announce the news, including to our members and everyone who has supported our fundraising efforts. We also plan to invite the recipient to our AGM and annual lecture in March, so our members will be amongst the first to meet our new Fellow! Although our 50th anniversary year is sadly over, our fundraising efforts continue, and this Fellowship will cost at least %u00a3200,000 over the next three years. If you would like to support our work, please consider donating, by visiting www.glaucoma.uk/donate or calling 01233 648 164.