Julian is passionate about spreading the word about eye research and is supported by a growing number of specialist and patient advocates. Eye research continues to  deliver solutions that will give those with avoidable and unavoidable sight loss more hope, independence, mobility, financial independence and emotional well being.

In partnership with a wide range of professional membership organisations, associations and social networks, VisionBridge can now offer more than 200 advocate speakers who offer their time to give talks, share up-to-the-minute information and offer invaluable insights into eye health, cutting edge technologies and patient experiences.

VisionBridge’s Network of patient advocate speakers can share inspirational personal accounts of overcoming sight loss challenges and making a success of their lives. They can also provide invaluable tips on improving employment and life chances. Patients are invited to share experiences of their point of diagnosis, clinical procedures and post-operative support with a view to improving clinical management and the quality of the experience for future patients.

Scientific and specialist (lay as well as CET accredited) speakers provide fascinating  insights into the current understanding of topics including:

  • Molecular patterns and processes of eye disease
  • Biomechanics and bioengineering
  • Surgical procedures and instrumentation
  • Diagnosis and detection
  • Testing, measuring and monitoring
  • Drug treatments and delivery
  • Genetics, gene and stem cell therapies
  • Implant and vision enhancement technologies
  • Vision neuroscience
  • Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

 

Target audience profiles for VisionBridge talks, presentations, networking and media broadcasts include:

  • Ophthalmologists and optometrists
  • Dispensing opticians
  • Ophthalmic nurses and all related healthcare professional (HCP) staff
  • Students and junior doctors
  • GP’s and health professionals
  • Corporate organisations
  • Commissioning bodies
  • Sight-loss charities and related voluntary sector organisations
  • Membership and trade bodies
  • Patients and the public.

“Contributing to good vision is not just an intellectual vocation but a moral cause”
Dr Pirro Hysi, St Thomas’ Hospital, London

“Full marks for initiating such a wonderful concept – world renowned speakers, details of latest research and developments plus very importantly increasing the awareness of the need to continue to raise money to make such headways into fighting the many varied causes of sight loss. VisionBridge is a winning combination for all concerned.”
Pat Cameron Davies, Secretary/Treasurer of the Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians

“VisionBridge comes at a critical time in eye research when we can harness the revolution in biological sciences, engineering and computing to prevent and cure the causes of vision loss. The network highlights the importance of multidisciplinary working and provides a platform to emphasize that the realization of benefits from exciting laboratory work requires time and, above all, funds. I have no doubt that in combining our voices we can strengthen our role as patient advocates in the elimination of preventable blindness and focus the minds of our funders on the outstanding resources that lie within the vision research community”
Professor James Morgan, Professor of Ophthalmology, Cardiff University

For more details on speaker profiles, topics and availability, please contact Julian.