Gift of Sight

Gift of Sight The Gift of Sight Appeal funds world-class research into the prevention and treatment of blinding eye diseases.

Gift of Sight is based at the University of Southampton, supporting research into blinding eye conditions. Studies being undertaken into age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, inherited retinal diseases and childhood conditions such as nystagmus and amblyopia. Patients generously allow DNA samples to be taken, enabling scientists to identify genetic risk factors for eye disease. This helps th

e team work towards developing better treatments for affected patients. We are hugely grateful for philanthropic gifts, legacy bequests and fundraising events organised by supporters which are helping us to drive sight saving projects forward at a greater speed.

Today marks Nystagmus Awareness Day. Often called “wobbly eyes”, nystagmus causes rapid, uncontrollable eye movements th...
19/06/2026

Today marks Nystagmus Awareness Day.

Often called “wobbly eyes”, nystagmus causes rapid, uncontrollable eye movements that can affect vision, balance and coordination. Early diagnosis is vital, but treatment options remain limited.

At the University of Southampton, Dr Jay Self and Dr Helena Lee are recognised as leading nystagmus specialists. One exciting development is a series of prototype “Nystagmus Games” - designed to measure vision in a more realistic way, rather than relying on static eye charts.

As Dr Jay Self explains:

“The idea is that the games test a more realistic level of vision under time pressure, as the eyes are asked to move quickly around the screen. Once refined we're aiming to use the games in clinical trials, so that as a research community, we finally understand which potential treatments actually work.”

The next stage is to develop these games into accessible, child-friendly apps for use in clinics - helping to transform how nystagmus is assessed and treated. This vital work is only possible with further funding and any support would be greatly appreciated.

Cathy's Fight for Gift of Sight 🥊On 4th July, Cathy Murphy is stepping into the boxing ring for the very first time to r...
17/06/2026

Cathy's Fight for Gift of Sight 🥊

On 4th July, Cathy Murphy is stepping into the boxing ring for the very first time to raise funds for eye research.

As a Clinical Research Nurse in Ophthalmology, she sees every day how vital research is in improving the lives of people affected by sight loss. Now, she’s pushing herself beyond her comfort zone to support that work in a completely new way.

We’re so grateful to Cathy for taking on this incredible challenge. If you'd like to support her you can donate here:👉

Help Catherine Murphy raise money to support Gift of Sight

https://youtube.com/shorts/5JTyBDqo6uw?si=Odfl1eDGxJi3Pq_i“I want children with albinism to grow up in a world that is k...
13/06/2026

https://youtube.com/shorts/5JTyBDqo6uw?si=Odfl1eDGxJi3Pq_i“I want children with albinism to grow up in a world that is kinder, more understanding, and less limiting.”

Kristina is taking on the London to Brighton cycle ride - as a visually impaired tandem rider - to raise funds for both the Albinism Fellowship UK & Ireland and Gift of Sight.

Today, on Albinism Awareness Day, her story is a powerful reminder of why awareness, support and research matter. Kristina works closely with University of Southampton's Dr Jay Self, who is working to improve understanding and reduce sight loss for people living with albinism.

💛Watch her video below and support Kristina’s challenge here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/kristina-venning-rose-2

Nyd de videoer og den musik, du holder af, upload originalt indhold, og del det hele med venner, familie og verden på YouTube.

Well, the rain didn’t stop play! Thank you to everyone who joined us at our garden party yesterday evening. Despite the ...
12/06/2026

Well, the rain didn’t stop play! Thank you to everyone who joined us at our garden party yesterday evening. Despite the threatening clouds, the weather held and Little Court made a spectacular setting for a lovely gathering.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Patricia Elkington, who so generously hosted the event in her beautiful garden.

And a huge thank you to our raffle donors, who helped make the evening a success, including: Louis Pommery England, Waitrose (Leckford Farm Shop), Chalk Stream and Fiveboroughspizzauk. We truly appreciate your support.

This Saturday marks Albinism Awareness Day.We’re delighted to celebrate an incredible effort by Michael, who, over the p...
08/06/2026

This Saturday marks Albinism Awareness Day.

We’re delighted to celebrate an incredible effort by Michael, who, over the past few months, climbed 7 mountains across Wales and England and organised 3 darts events, raising an amazing £1,500 for albinism research through Gift of Sight.

Inspired by his friend's daughter, little Gracie, Michael took on this challenge alongside her family and friends to help raise both awareness and vital funds to support research into conditions affecting people with albinism.

From -10°C winter climbs to summer summits, every challenge made a difference.

Thank you for your determination and support and to everyone involved in these amazing events.

It's National Volunteers' Week and we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the amazing volunteers who help make Gift of ...
03/06/2026

It's National Volunteers' Week and we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the amazing volunteers who help make Gift of Sight events possible.

One example of this is Mrs Patricia Elkington, who is kindly opening her beautiful garden to us next week for an exclusive evening garden party. With the weather looking promising, we're looking forward to a wonderful evening.

Do come and join us!👉https://give.giftofsight.org.uk/littlecourt

Thank you also to the staff and scientists who are generously giving their time to support the event. Volunteering is a team effort, and we are so grateful to everyone involved. 💚

Have you got plans for Sunday, 27 September 2026? Why not take on the Walk the Test Way challenge and help raise funds f...
01/06/2026

Have you got plans for Sunday, 27 September 2026? Why not take on the Walk the Test Way challenge and help raise funds for Gift of Sight?

You can't beat those finish line smiles! 😃👇

Online registration is now open. If you sign up, please let us know - we'll send you FREE team polo shirts to wear on the day.

More details and sign up here: https://www.walkthetestway.org.uk/

What a delight it was to visit Louis Pommery England today and collect this generous prize for our raffle at next month'...
26/05/2026

What a delight it was to visit Louis Pommery England today and collect this generous prize for our raffle at next month's Garden Party - thank you so much!🥂

We're looking forward to a wonderful summer's evening at Little Court in Crawley, near Wi******er, on Thursday 11th June.

There's still time to get your tickets to the event - available here: https://give.giftofsight.org.uk/littlecourt.

We hope to see you there!

Address

University Road Building 37
Southampton
SO171BJ

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+442380599073

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Gift of Sight posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share