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Ophthalmology research in North West London showcased at successful online conference

21 October 2020
2 min read

Industry leaders in research were last week welcomed to an online conference hosted by the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) North West London.

The online event — which took place on 16 October 2020 — saw key figures in ophthalmology research across the region come together to share the groundbreaking work being done by local organisations.

Professor Francesca Cordeiro, Professor of Ophthalmology at Imperial College London and Ophthalmology Specialty Co-Lead for the NIHR CRN North West London, said: “This was a unique event which brought together people from industry, hospital and primary care.

“All participants were enthusiastic and involved, a real testament to the hard work of the CRN North West London. Not only will we plan to have more meetings in the future, but hope our experience will encourage other specialities to organise similar events, and champion initiatives such as the i-VAN.”

“Many of those discussions have continued since the event and I expect will lead to strong relationships that benefit our patients.”

Dr Christiana Dinah, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Macula Service Lead at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust and Ophthalmology Specialty Co-Lead for the NIHR CRN North West London, said: “We were very impressed with the turn out and the engagement of all attendees.

“It was refreshing to have a forum where NHS clinicians, the CRN and Industry partners could discuss barriers to research and suggest innovative solutions. Many of those discussions have continued since the event and I expect will lead to strong relationships that benefit our patients.”

In session one, attendees heard all about oculoplastics research from Miss Vickie Lee, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Imperial College Healthcare and London North West University Healthcare NHS Trusts. This was followed by an overview of diabetes research by Ms Sheena George, Consultant at the Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Christiana Dinah provided an overview of AMD clinical research in session two, followed by an overview of glaucoma research by Eduardo Normando, Senior Lecturer and Consultant at the Western Eye Hospital.

In session three, attendees heard from Professor Francesca Cordeiro, sharing how clinical research is taking place in the COVID era. It was also a chance to showcase the i-VAN — a new mobile until that can travel to conduct research at different sites.

Guests were also given opportunities to breakout into smaller discussion groups to share knowledge and ideas — a great opportunity to network and build new partnerships.