Blindness, a debilitating condition affecting millions of people globally, has seen substantial advancements in potential cures in recent years. Ground-breaking research in gene therapy, stem cell treatments, bionic eyes, and artificial intelligence is paving the way for restoring vision. Below, we explore the scientific principles underlying each of these emerging therapies, including their current progress and potential timelines for clinical application in humans.

Game design has been increasingly incorporated into medical education based on principles of increasing engagement and motivation for learning. There is strong evidence that gamification and simulation can improve performance in motor-skill-based tasks and mixed evidence on the effects on short-term and long-term knowledge retention. Ophthalmology is a speciality which combines theoretical knowledge and technical proficiency so it provides an excellent atmosphere for the testing of game-based medical education methods. A search was performed for studies that used gamification in ophthalmology education. The search was purposefully kept broad due to the relative scarcity of studies on this topic and the exploratory nature of the review. This review assesses the different gamification methods in ophthalmology education and appraises their strengths and limitations, offering potential methods for future gamification studies to adopt. Simulators such as the Eyesi have many components of game theory in their development and provide tangible and translatable benefits to clinical practice. These improvements must be weighed against cost-benefit analyses in future studies. Further studies on gamified teaching should assess the short-term and long-term retention impact, and effects of knowledge, skills and behaviours versus a control group.

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO) is a manifestation of shingles involving the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. It results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which remains dormant in sensory ganglia following primary infection. It’s a condition with growing burden as in the United Kingdom, the incidence of herpes zoster is estimated at 1 in 4 will develop herpes zoster during their lifetime, with HZO accounts for approximately 10–20% of all herpes zoster cases. Approximately two-thirds of HZO cases occur in individuals over 50 years old.

KCNV2 retinopathy, also known as cone dystrophy with supernormal rod response (CDSRR), is a rare autosomal recessive retinal disorder resulting from mutations in the KCNV2 gene. This condition is characterised by distinct electroretinographic (ERG) findings, progressive photoreceptor degeneration, and significant visual impairment. This review aims to provide a detailed analysis of the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and emerging therapeutic options for KCNV2 retinopathy.

Foster Kennedy Syndrome (FKS), named after neurologist Robert Foster Kennedy (1884-1952), is a rarely reported phenomenon resulting in painless progressive loss of vision that is seen within neuro-ophthalmology. It is characterised by visual loss and optic atrophy in one eye and papilledema in the opposite eye due to a space occupying lesion intracranially. It presents sporadically with less than 1% of people with intracranial tumours affected.

Periorbital cellulitis is an infection affecting the eyelid and the surrounding area of the eye, anterior to the orbital septum. Periorbital cellulitis presents very similarly to orbital cellulitis, which is an infection affecting the eye and deeper tissues posterior to the orbital septum. Periorbital cellulitis typically results from the spread of infection following sinusitis or local trauma to the skin around the eye causing infection; from an insect bite or scratch. Orbital cellulitis is often due to the progression of periorbital cellulitis or trauma to the eyeball.

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) can occur following solid organ transplants or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with blood disorders, malignancies, immunodeficiencies or inherited metabolic diseases. Approximately 40-60% of recipients receiving allogenic HSCT from donors develop GvHD. It is a T-cell mediated process from the recipient due to tissue antigen mismatches between major or minor histocompatibility antigens. This complication can be acute or chronic in onset, affecting multiple organs and body systems including the eyes – also known as ocular graft-versus-host disease.

Winning "Best Presentation" at an international conference is a rewarding achievement, but it’s not just about the recognition—it’s a reflection of your ability to communicate impactful research effectively. At the 27th European Association for Vision and Eye Research (EVER) Congress in Valencia, I had the privilege of presenting my work on orbital abscesses, which earned me the award for Best Presentation in the Immunology/Microbiology section. This experience taught me valuable lessons on how to craft and deliver an award-winning presentation.

Eye transplantation has long been one of the most complex goals in medical science due to the intricate structure of the eye and its vital connections to the brain. While advances have been made in partial transplants like corneal grafts, the prospect of full eye transplantation has remained largely theoretical. However, recent developments, including the first whole eye transplant attempt in May 2023, have brought this ambitious goal closer to realisation. This article explores the current state of eye transplants, the advancements that have enabled recent breakthroughs, and the potential future of this field.

The medical contact lens and ocular surface association (MCLOSA) held their 30th annual meeting in the first week of December in 2024. This was a one-day event that allowed for good exposure in the fields of corneal and lens pathologies, an opportunity to network and an excellent insight into new research by viewing abstract and poster submissions related to topics of this association.