Our mission, vision & values
Discover Sight Research UK’s mission to beat sight loss, our vision for a future free from preventable blindness, and the core values driving our pioneering eye health research.
Sight Research UK began life as the National Eye Research Centre, founded in 1986 by David Easty MD FRCS, Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Bristol and Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.
The charity began as a Bristol-based research centre, focusing on projects to improve treatment for corneal eye conditions, enabling the establishment of the UK’s first Corneal Transplant Service.
The charity grew out of the generosity of the many eye hospital patients in Professor Easty’s care, who were keen to support research for new treatments. As donations grew over time, we began to support research across the UK in leading ophthalmology centres within universities and hospitals, covering all eye conditions in children and adults.
Since we were founded, we have invested nearly £18 million in research projects that bring scientists ever closer to answering some of the most fundamental questions about eye health and how eye disease develops.
Sight Research UK, as we are today, is committed to turning scientific discoveries in to tangible health benefits for people at risk of sight-threatening conditions, working collectively to beat sight loss and blindness forever.
Our mission
Using our Scientific network across the UK, we champion and accelerate innovative eye disease research.
Through targeted investment into the most promising science, we will deliver meaningful impact for those living with sight loss.
Since 1986, we’ve awarded almost
£18 million in research grants
Our vision
A clearer future for those living with sight loss.
Our values
We believe in S.I.G.H.T
Sustain
We sustain long term progress against sight loss and blindness by investing in impactful research and building a future where sight loss can be prevented treated or even cured
Independence of thought
We champion independence ofthought empowering researchers to explore pioneering ideas that can transform lives
Galvanise
We galvanise our national network to accelerate breakthroughs and drive meaningful change in the landscape of UK eye health
Humanise
We humanise science by ensuring research leadsto real improvements in peoples lives
Transform
We transform the future of eye health through research partnerships and patient driven progress
