Charity governance
We are able to fund sight-saving research only thanks to the generosity of the public.
We are able to fund sight-saving research only thanks to the generosity of the public. Over the past 40 years, we have invested millions of pounds to ensure clearer futures for those living with sight loss.
In the last 10 years alone, we have awarded more than £3.25 million financing research grants that have sought to uncover novel technologies and treatments that could one day prevent sight loss. This has been made possible because of you. Thank you so much for your support.
We are grateful for each and every donation, regardless of its size, and we take care to spend our donors’ gifts prudently and for maximum impact.
You can access our latest published financial results and annual review on our Reports and accounts page.
Our focus always has been to utilise our donors’ money to bring about public benefit, and of course that is ultimately bringing forward an end to sight loss and blindness. To ensure that we work towards this end goal, we have followed a strategy which supports early career scientists and early-stage projects, to promote and carry forward the enthusiasm and motivation needed for new discoveries in the need for a leap of faith.
As we continue to navigate the fundraising world through the lasting effects of COVID-19, with more competition for every pound than ever before, and an immensely unsettled global outlook, we acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead in implementing our increased fundraising plans.
However, we remain staunchly committed to delivering on our aim of investing in more research
which could have significant impact for those living with, or threatened by, sight loss and blindness.
Our latest Impact Report demonstrates that for every £1 Sight Research UK has invested in research into new advances in sciencе, therapeutics, diagnosis and interventions (from 2019 to 2025), researchers have been able to yield an additional £4,099 of funding. This yield has enabled commercial, academic, government, and research charities to advance their work as result of our initial investments. It demonstrates the potential of this research to be of future public benefit.
(Source: Annual Researchfish Report 2025)
Income
| DONATIONS (INC GIFT AID): | £183,137 |
|---|---|
| LEGACIES: | £592,860 |
| INVESTMENTS: | £89,640 |
| GIFTS IN KIND: | £5,000 |
Income Total: £870,637
Expenditure
| RESEARCH: | £340,412 |
|---|---|
| CHARITY MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE: | £328,726 |
| FUNDRAISING COSTS: | £24,501 |
Expenditure Total: £693,639
Our research network
In 2024 – 2025, Sight Research UK funded 28 research projects across 14 institutions across the United Kingdom.
World-leading universities and hospitals form our national web of research excellence, totalling 28 active grants in the 2024 – 2025 financial year.
Our scientific network spans from Edinburgh to Plymouth, with Translational and Seed projects pushing forward sight-saving treatments in glaucoma, myopia, age-related macular degeneration, and many other eye conditions.
The 14 institutions where we are supporting eye research projects include:
- The University of Edinburgh
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Ulster University
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- The University of Lincoln
- The University of Leicester
- The University of Birmingham
- Cardiff University
- The University of Bristol
- The University of Plymouth
- The University of Southampton
- Brunel University of London
- Moorfields Eye Hospital
- University College London
As our strategy evolves, we will continue to
review the needs of the team to ensure that we have sufficient skills and capacity to realise our
objectives, vision and mission.
As of 2026, we employ 8 members of staff across Senior Leadership, Marketing and Communications, Grants, Operations, and Fundraising. You can find out more about the Sight Research UK team, including our Board of Trustees and charity workers on the Our team page.
