Research team

Helen Griffiths

Helen is a Research Technician and has worked in the Gift of Sight laboratory for five years, making her the longest serving member of staff. Helen’s role in the research laboratory is to provide technical support to research projects, this includes DNA extraction from patient blood samples, managing and analysing sample data and screening for mutations in genes associated with blinding eye conditions.

Angela Cree

Angela is the Vision Research Manager and deals with the day-to-day administration of the laboratory and its staff. She organises training schedules for students, writes grant applications and assists with the research in the laboratory. A busy mother of three Angela likes to visit friends, eat out, research her family history and fit in some gardening and swimming. Angela is a member of the Gift of Sight Board and actively assists with fundraising events.

Xiaoli Chen

Xiaoli has worked in the Gift of Sight laboratory for the past 2½ years as a Research Technician and has now achieved funding to enable her to continue her work as a PhD student. Her project will be entitled “Characterisation of Adult Ocular Stem Cells and their use in Regenerative Medicine”. Out of work Xiaoli enjoys playing badminton and travelling.

Jay Self

Dr Jay Self is finishing off his PhD with us and will also be returning to clinical work to finish his training as a clinical ophthalmologist. With a three year old and the recent arrival of a second child Jay has very little time for hobbies at present but enjoys sport. Jay is a member of the Gift of Sight Board and is willing to attend local schools to speak about both the Gift of Sight Appeal and careers in Ophthalmology.

Heather Thomson