Significant grant secured for vital nystagmus research

Dr Lee Mcilreavy, lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, has secured funding from two leading eye research charities to fund research aimed at the early detection of nystagmus; a condition which causes constant involuntary movement of the eyes. The research aims to greatly improve the quality of life of those with the condition.

Fight for Sight, the UK’s leading eye research charity, and Nystagmus Network, the foremost charity in the UK providing support and information about nystagmus, are working in partnership to fund research into a complex condition characterised by repeated involuntary movement of the eyes that is associated with impaired vision.

The funding from Fight for Sight and the Nystagmus Network will be used to determine whether a novel eye tracking approach can correctly identify the patterns of eye movement made by those with infantile nystagmus.

Dr Lee McIlreavy, who is also an investigator within the Cardiff Research Unit for Nystagmus (RUN) said, “I am thrilled to be awarded this grant for such an important area of research. Our results of this study could lead to a simple and child-friendly test that does not rely on expensive technology. Our goal is to facilitate diagnosis, enabling children and their families to receive appropriate support and advice sooner."

Vivien Jones, President of the Nystagmus Network, said, “It is a pleasure to join with Fight for Sight in making this award to Cardiff University for their plan to develop a means of diagnosing infantile nystagmus in the community setting. We hope that this award will mean the plan can be brought to fruition with all the benefits this will bring to families in terms of more accessible diagnosis.”

Find out more about the Cardiff University Research Unit for Nystagmus (RUN)