New UCL-China partnership to drive eye research

The formal agreement will foster greater collaborations with the College of Optometry at Peking University (PKU), a strategic partner of UCL.

The MoU proposes exploring the development of collaborative education provision in the areas of ophthalmology, optometry and vision science.  There is also the ambition to establish virtual learning projects as well as collaborative research projects in the field of ophthalmology.

Professor Alan Thompson, UCL Dean of the Faculty of Brain Sciences, said: “We are delighted with this new agreement, which will be an important component of UCL’s strategic relationship with the great Peking University.

"International collaboration and partnerships are crucial to the Faculty’s aim to solve the greatest health and wellbeing problems in the brain sciences.

"We look forward to working with PKU on these innovative research and education projects in the fields of ophthalmology, optometry and vision science.”
The UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields lead the way in vision research and education, producing the most influential research on eye and vision health in England and training the next generation of vision health experts.

Furthermore, UCL was rated as the best place in the world to study ophthalmology by the Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR) for the education programmes jointly delivered with Moorfields. Therefore, a partnership with Peking University Health Science Center (College of Optometry) will strengthen and expand this powerful relationship.

David Probert, chief executive of Moorfields Eye Hospital, said: “I welcome this partnership which brings together three leading eye and vision research centres who share a passion for clinical excellence, ground-breaking research and providing inspiring education opportunities. I look forward to seeing the influence on eye care this collaboration will bring through sharing knowledge, resources and best practices.”

Professor Andrew Dick, Director of the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, said: “This agreement marks the start of an excellent collaboration between three prestigious global institutions. Together, we will create new opportunities for talented students across UCL and PKU to come together and work to develop unique innovations in the field of ophthalmology and drive our research forward.”

Professor Zhao Mingwei, Executive Dean of the College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, said: “As the top medical school in China, the Peking University Health Science Center attaches great importance to the development of optometry and visual sciences. I look forward to seeing the successful establishment of active and effective collaborations in both clinical care and research through the transnational and cross-regional alliance between top institutions from both UK and China. I also hope that this collaboration can help facilitate the comprehensive development of ophthalmology, optometry and vision sciences for both sides of this important collaboration.”

Links

• UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
• UCL Brain Sciences
• Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust
• Peking University Health Science Center

Media contact

Henry Killworth

Tel: +44 (0)20 7679 5296

Email: henry.killworth [at] ucl.ac.uk