Ground-breaking ophthalmology trial has eye on Bradford recruits

Monday, 20 August 2018 07:00

An international, ground-breaking clinical trial seeking to find a new way of treating wet macular degeneration (a condition that causes the loss of central vision, usually in both eyes) is looking to recruit patients in Bradford.

Staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary’s award-winning Ophthalmology Research Network (BORN), part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, are taking part in the clinical trial, sponsored by PanOptica, Inc.

Currently, the most common treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) involves regular injections of a drug into the back of the eye. The research trial is investigating whether these injections could be replaced by eye drops, an approach which has the potential to transform treatment for patients.

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Professor Faruque Ghanchi, said: “Macular disorders are the leading cause of blindness, and a decade ago treatment options were limited. The current standard medicine used in treating wet AMD relies on injections and, although eye drops remain the most popular way of administering ophthalmic medicine to the eye, they are not available to treat this condition.

“There is a growing need for research to find better treatment options. This is a great opportunity for Bradford patients with newly diagnosed wet AMD to directly participate in such research.”

More from Local and National News

Leeds Man Jailed for 12 Years After Horrific Campaign of Domestic Abuse

A Leeds woman has bravely spoken out in court after suffering extreme physical and psychological abuse from Nathan Russell, who has now been jailed for 12 years.
MK’s Most Popular Library Expands with Flexible Spaces for All

Milton Keynes Central Library is undergoing major updates: more public computers, flexible book storage, a dedicated study area and larger children’s zone make it more adaptable and inclusive.
West Yorkshire Police Officer Charged with Sexual Assault

A 43-year-old West Yorkshire Police officer has been charged with three counts of sexual assault relating to incidents in York city centre.
Bradford’s Cllr Kamran Hussain Recognised Nationally for Outstanding Community Leadership

Bradford councillor Kamran Hussain has been shortlisted for Community Champion at the 2025 LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards — highlighting his significant impact across the district.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland Opens for 20th Anniversary Season at York Designer Outlet

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland returns for its milestone 20th year, unveiling new festive features, dazzling decorations and the North’s largest outdoor ice rink.
Final Leeds Brown Bin Collections Before Winter ‘Hi-Bin-ation’

Leeds’ garden waste collections will pause for winter as the final round of brown bin pick-ups begins from 17 November.
Detectives Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Dewsbury Disorder

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after a 21-year-old man was critically injured during a violent incident in Dewsbury.
Millions of Tenants Protected Under New Awaab’s Law Reforms

From 27 October, new housing safety rules known as Awaab’s Law come into force — compelling social landlords to fix emergency hazards within 24 hours and protect millions of tenants from dangerous conditions like black mould.
Bradford Expands ‘New York’ Style Housing First Approach to Tackle Homelessness

Bradford Council is expanding its successful Housing First programme — inspired by New York and proven in Finland — to offer ten more places, helping more people with complex needs move from homelessness into stable, supported housing.
Kensington Palace Marks 150th Birthday of Punjabi Princess and Suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh

A major new exhibition, The Last Princesses of Punjab, will open at Kensington Palace on 26 March 2026 to celebrate the 150th birthday of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh — the trailblazing Punjabi royal and suffragette — exploring the lives of the remarkable women who shaped her story.
SENDIVERSE Festival Unites Bradford Through Creativity and Inclusion

A celebration of creativity and belonging, The Leap’s SENDIVERSE Festival brought together over 1,700 people across Bradford for a series of inclusive arts and cultural events designed with and for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Burnley Collision

Police are appealing for information after a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a crash on Crown Point Road, Burnley.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm