What is your current role?
I am an Associate Professor in Ophthalmology at the University of Southampton and an Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
Why did you choose to apply for an NIHR Clinical Lectureship?
I chose to apply for the NIHR Clinical Lectureship in Ophthalmology because I wanted to further develop myself as a clinician scientist at the forefront in paediatric ophthalmic research. The lectureship gave me the opportunity to enhance my expertise in both laboratory and clinical research methods, establish an incredible network of collaborations and develop an international research reputation in the area of translational paediatric ophthalmic research and infantile nystagmus.
What opportunities did the post provide? What did it enable you to achieve?
My award enabled me to greatly expand my research in my specialist area – the postnatal therapeutic modulation of abnormal retinal development in early childhood, in order to improve eyesight in albinism. Albinism is a condition characterised by abnormal pigmentation, abnormalities of retinal development, optic nerve misrouting and visual impairment. The average best-corrected visual acuity in albinism at 6/24 is below the UK minimum driving standard. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of treatment options for children affected by albinism.
During my time as an NIHR clinical lecturer, I have generated exciting pilot data, which for the first time demonstrates proof of concept for the postnatal therapeutic modulation of the developing albino retina with successful rescue of visual function in a murine model of oculocutaneous albinism. This important work has the potential to transform treatment strategies in albinism and will set a precedent for therapeutics development in other paediatric retinal neurodevelopmental disorders.
How has your work benefitted patients and the public, or how will they benefit in the future?
The impact of the award on my career has been significant. The research conducted as part of the lectureship led to the award of a prestigious MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship, which in addition to allowing me to complete my work developing an effective treatment for albinism, allowed me to establish a laboratory which is dedicated to the development and evaluation of novel therapeutics in paediatric retinal neurodevelopmental disorders.
Find out more about Dr Lee's current research here.