About us

From bench to bedside: research with a lasting impact

Gift of Sight supports research that connects scientific projects directly to patient care.

Our laboratories are based at University Hospital Southampton, where researchers work closely with clinical colleagues in Southampton Eye Unit. Many patients travel from across the UK and the Channel Islands for specialist care.

This close relationship enables a “bench to bedside” approach, meaning discoveries made in the laboratories can be explored more quickly in a clinical setting. Where appropriate, patients may also be invited to take part in clinical trials, helping to shape treatments for patients in the future.

How your support makes a difference

Donations to Gift of Sight help move vital research forward and supports our vision science team by:

• Enabling early‑stage research projects to get off the ground

• Funding essential laboratory consumables and equipment

• Supporting early‑career researchers and young scientists

Larger gifts and legacies help fund PhD studentships, which are vital in training the next generation of academic scientists.

Your support helps bridge the gap between promising ideas and life‑changing treatments, ensuring innovative research gets the start it needs.   

Our History

Gift of Sight was established to fund world-class research into the prevention and treatment of blindness.

In 1994, Southampton Eye Unit moved to a purpose-built facility at Southampton General Hospital (now University Hospital Southampton). The premises have since been expanded and around 100,000 outpatients are seen annually, with numbers growing rapidly. This is in part due to improved imaging by opticians, which stimulates more referals, and more knowledge of treatments available thanks to research. Whilst treatments help manage many conditions, these can be time-consuming for patients and staff.  New, less invasive, therapies are urgently needed.

Gift of Sight was launched by Professor Andrew Lotery in 2004 under the Wessex Medical Trust to support academic eye research. In 2006, it moved to the University of Southampton.

Over the past two decades, generous support has enabled the vision science team to grow significantly and expand its work.

Celebrating 20 years of vision research

For over 20 years, Professor Andrew Lotery has led the Vision Research group at the University of Southampton. In a special anniversary brochure, he reflects on two decades of discovery, collaboration and progress, highlighting the range of conditions studied and the advances made possible through research and supporter generosity.  View the 20 years of research brochure here. 

 

 

 

 

Meet the team

Gift of Sight is led by Professor Andrew Lotery, with day‑to‑day management and fundraising activity supported by:

• Ailsa Walter; and

• Jennie Mugridge

We work closely with researchers, clinicians, patients, and supporters to ensure that every gift helps advance vision research and protect sight for future generations.

Please Contact Us to get involved.