Eye Genetics is a diverse team working between the Centre for Genomic Medicine and The Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. We see patients and families with conditions that affect vision and are thought to have a genetic or inherited basis. These may affect both children and adults.
This includes a wide range of conditions, such as microphthalmia/anophthalmia, congenital cataract, anterior segment dysgenesis and childhood glaucoma, inherited retinal dystrophies including retinitis pigmentosa, rod-cone and cone rod dystrophy, macular dystrophy, Leber congenital amaurosis and optic neuropathy including Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.
Over recent years the underlying genetic cause of many inherited eye conditions has been identified. Where appropriate we also provide molecular genomic testing. In conjunction with the state of the art investigations and imaging techniques available at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, these modern techniques are able to provide much more accurate diagnostic information.
We are committed to sharing our expertise. We are a training centre for doctors and genetic counsellors and we organise a number of specialist courses.We have an active research programme with an international reputation at the forefront of innovation in fundamental and translational research.
Our clinics aim to provide information and, where necessary, to help to clarify diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis is important for patient management and treatments plans, genetic counselling and allows families to understand the prognosis and risk to family members.
Paediatric Ophthalmology
We run clinics that are dedicated to children’s eye problems. These are run jointly between Genomic Medicine (Professor G Black, Consultant Geneticist and Ophthalmologist, Georgina Hall, Consultant Genetic Counsellor, Theo Gale, Genetic Counsellor, Helen Jolley, Genetic Counsellor) and the Royal Eye Hospital. These are run twice a month, on Fridays, and allow a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management. These clinics are situated on the 6th floor of St Mary’s Hospital (Genomic Medicine).
Adult Ophthalmology
We run clinics that are dedicated to adult eye disorder. These are run by Genomic Medicine twice a month, on Fridays. These clinics are situated on the 6th floor of St Mary’s Hospital (Genomic Medicine).
Inherited Retinal Disease
Fortnightly retinal genetic clinics are run between genomic medicine (Professor Graeme Black) and the Royal Eye Hospital (Professor P Bishop, Consultant Ophthalmologist). These clinics are run on Fridays on the ground floor of the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (Eye B).
Where requested we are happy to see patients, who are referred by GPs and specialists from across the UK. This may be for a second opinion or where there is no genetic ophthalmic service locally.
We also offer urgent appointments. These are usually available only at St. Mary’s Hospital but occasionally at out-reach clinics if space is available.
2021 Consent for a Genomic Test
FAQ: Genomic eye panel tests for Ophthalmologists
Genetic Eye Clinic Liaison Officer
Patients, and families, living with visual disability often require practical information and support. We have a genetic Eye Clinic Liaison Officer and work closely with Henshaws Eye Clinic Liaison Officers based at MREH.
