Ophthalmology Research
The research carried out in the Ophthalmology department at the NNUH is mainly glaucoma related.
The Glaucoma Research Unit Director is Mr David Broadway who is involved with various aspects of glaucoma related research. At present his areas of interest are as follows:
Basic Science
Mr Broadway carries out collaborative work together with Dr Julie Sanderson in the Schools of Pharmacy and Biological Science at the University of East Anglia. Currently there are 2 PhD students and an MD student working in the Sanderson lab.
The current research carried out in the Sanderson lab is based around the use of Human Organotypic Retinal Cultures (HORCs) with respect to understanding the pathways of retinal ganglion cell death in relation to glaucomatous insults, the long-term aim being the development of novel neuroprotective strategies for the treatment of glaucoma. With respect to this work there is a healthy relationship for collaboration with Professor Keith Martin’s lab in Cambridge.
Epidemiological research
Mr Broadway is a co-investigator on the Norfolk EPIC Eye Study, collaboration with Cambridge University and the University College London Institute of Ophthalmology. The Norfolk EPIC Eye Study is the largest ophthalmic epidemiological study of its type, the major aim of which is to identify life-style determinants of glaucomatous neuropathy.
Adherence with glaucoma medication studies
Mr Broadway carries out collaborative work together with Dr Debi Bhattacharya in the School of Pharmacy at the University of East Anglia. Currently there is a PhD student working in this aspect of research. The current research is investigating the potential benefits of a patient education and support programme for improving adherence with topical anti-glaucoma medication.
National and International Clinical Trials
Mr Broadway is a Principal Investigator for The UK Glaucoma Treatment Study, The UK Glaucoma Risk Factor Study and the EAGLE (Effectiveness in Angle-closure Glaucoma of lens Extraction) Study.
Commercial studies
Mr Broadway has been and is a Principal Investigator for a number of pharmaceutical industry run commercial clinical trials, that are carried out within the NNUH Ophthalmology Department.
Clinical in-house research
In addition to the research outlined above, both Mr David Broadway and Mr Tom Eke encourage in-house clinical research and audit relating to various aspects of glaucoma.
Glaucoma Fellowships
The NNUH Ophthalmology Department has 3 glaucoma fellowships
- Junior Glaucoma Clinical Fellow: The aim of this fellowship is to offer training in the management of glaucoma, such that the fellow becomes competent in running glaucoma clinics, can perform routine glaucoma laser procedures and develop surgical skills appropriate in performing cataract surgery in glaucomatous eyes. The fellowship does not routinely offer training in glaucoma filtration surgery. Mr Broadway and Mr Eke co-supervise the fellowship.
- Senior Glaucoma Clinical Fellow: The aim of this fellowship is to offer training in the management of glaucoma up to the standard appropriate for the fellow to be able to sub-specialise as a future Consultant and includes training in glaucoma filtration surgery. Mr Broadway and Mr Eke co-supervise the fellowship.
- Glaucoma Research Fellow: The aim of this fellowship is to carry out research towards obtaining an MD (or PhD) working in the Sanderson lab (neuroprotection basic science research). The research fellow also has a part-time clinical (non-surgical) commitment. Mr Broadway and Dr Sanderson co-supervise the fellowship.