Research
I have made a large contribution to the knowledge and understanding of malarial retinopathy and how it relates to cerebral malaria, and am a foremost expert in this field. As a result of my research, malarial retinopathy is included in the WHO treatment guidelines for severe malaria and the main medical textbooks. Its diagnostic and prognostic value is recognised by 80% of surveyed physicians in endemic regions, and insights into pathogenesis from my malarial retinopathy research have influenced treatment trials in cerebral malaria. I currently have a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award to investigate the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of the eyes to identify children with cerebral malaria at risk from severe brain swelling and lack of oxygen in the brain.
The retina is the only tissue where inflamed blood vessels can be directly visualised, and yet retinal vasculitis is a feature of uveitis which is very poorly assessed. I developed and validated a new severity grading scheme using wide-field retinal angiography for use in clinical practice and trials. We have also demonstrated that the assessment could be automated using machine learning. By improving end-points in uveitis, I collaborate with other experts in the field aiming to improve clinical trial design and the pipeline of anti-inflammatory drugs available for uveitis patients.
I am currently principal investigator (PI) for phase 2 studies of new treatments for dry AMD and uveitis, but have experience as PI for numerous phase 2 and 3 trials, and also recently first-in-human phase 1 studies. I have collaborated with the Dept of Electrical Engineering to develop a low-cost handheld OCT for cerebral malaria research, and this has given me knowledge of leading a novel medical device trial. Awareness of the importance of sustainable healthcare has fuelled my interest in how established medicines could be repurposed for AMD and I am developing a clinical trial in this area.
Peer-reviewed publications: 88; citations >3.200; h-index 27 (Web of Science)
Research groups
Research grants
Age-related and oxidative stress response changes in RPE with implications for AMD
MINISTRY OF FINANCE (INDONESIA)
May 2018 - October 2022
Adalimumab vs placebo as add-on to Standard Therapy for autoimmune Uveitis: Tolerability, Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The ASTUTE pragmatic randomized controlled trial
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
April 2020 - March 2024
Predicting Acute and Post-Recovery Outcomes in Cerebral Malaria by Optical Coherence Tomography
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
April 2022 - March 2026
Treatment of Diabetic retinopathy in Malawi
BRITISH COUNCIL FOR PREV OF BLINDNESS (UK)
August 2013 - February 2015