YORKSHIRE has been found to be one of the highest-performing regions for eye disease research through the NHS since 2010, with the research led by a Bradford eye doctor.

The Yorkshire and Humber region is the fourth-highest performing region in England, with 8,831 people taking part in research studies from 2010 to 2018.

The Ophthalmology studies looked into eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, which both can lead to blindness.

Professor Faruque Ghanchi, consultant ophthalmologist at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is co-author of the new research.

He said: ““Yorkshire and Humber has a strong track record for research in eye conditions and this has steadily grown over recent years.

“Our patients have been great in volunteering for research that helps to find answers to some blinding conditions.

“Our clinical researchers have been at the forefront of development of new treatment options for retinal conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and better understanding of genetic disorders of the eye.”

Prof Ghanchi’s research has been published in Eye, the scientific journal of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, publicising the work done by the National Institute for Health Research.

It is hoped the paper will boost the financial support for eye health research, which currently only receives one per cent of the £2 billion research spend in the UK.

Thanks to non-commercial and commercial investment in research, 15,500 patients per year are now offered innovative treatments for life-changing common diseases.

Almost two million people live with sight loss in the UK, and it costs the UK economy an estimates £28 billion per year.

Ophthalmology is the single busiest outpatient specialty in hospitals in the UK.

Prof Rupert Bourne, lead author and national specialty lead for ophthalmology at the NIHR said: “Over the last eight years, the Ophthalmology community has been instrumental in putting eye research in the UK on the map, particularly in novel research areas such as gene therapies, drug delivery systems, robotic surgery and artificial intelligence.

“Many of these studies are international in scope and this report showcases the collaborative nature of eye research in the NHS.

“It’s clear the UK continues to punch above its weight when it comes to innovative research for eye disease, but sadly eye health is not the research priority it should be.

“A long term strategy of investment and advocacy is crucial if we’re to continue to transform prevention and treatment for patients with eye disease, and help ease the financial burden on the NHS.”