1. The Report

1.1 This report covers the contribution the Trust is making, in support of the Department of Health and Social Care DHSC to achieving solutions to the problems associated with eye disease, blind and partially sighted people, and describes progress with research governance and implementation of our R&D strategy. We believe that our approach will meet the requirements of the DHSC, incorporating both a local and national perspective to ensure maximum benefit from, and accountability for, the resources invested in our research portfolio.

1.2 The focus for this years report is on programmes of research addressing specific eye health problems and where relevant, organised along a pathway of care that reflects the wide range of research from 'basic science to better sight'. Close collaboration and partnership between the Institute of Ophthalmology (IOO) and Moorfields is essential. Our joint research strategy demonstrates that the combined site can offer -

· a centre of excellence in eye care and research
· a unique combined resource and multidisciplinary approach to research
· relevance to, and involvement of, patients, the community and the NHS
· training for excellence in future researchers and investigators
· a collaborative network of ophthalmic research both locally and nationally
· robust research governance - performance measurement for performance management
· development of support services to improve the research process

1.3 The report covers progress during 2001/02 towards meeting the objectives in the Trust's R&D strategy and the joint research strategy with the Institute. It also describes how these strategies are evolving to support the NHS R&D strategy and meet the NHS contract requirements. As a single clinical specialty in ophthalmology we believe that maximum benefit will be achieved with minimum resources if academic eye centres work together, locally, nationally and internationally to address gaps or weaknesses in the evidence base for best clinical practice. To this end we have supported the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and other academic centres in the development and publication of a five- year national strategy for ophthalmic research that focuses on specific diseases and prioritises research areas according to the existing evidence base. Our research programmes of research are based on this strategy and the implementation of "Research for a First Class Service".

1.4 For the first time this year, the DHSC requires the annual report in electronic format and also focuses on 'programmes' of research rather than individual research projects. This fits very well with the five-year strategy and reflects research activity in a much more useful and realistic way. It also enables us to describe an evolving and collaborative research portfolio as well as retrospectively demonstrate what has been achieved. Where relevant the programmes of research are described along a continuum that reflects a generic pathway of disease:

· Genetics, genotyping and risk factors
· Prevention and surveillance
· Symptoms, presentation and referral
· Information and communication
· Diagnosis, investigations and pathology
· Interventions - surgery,
medical,
radiological,
· Follow-up
· Nursing, community care, rehabilitation
· Psycho-social aspects