Moorfields Eye Charity: new chair

Dr Louise Wood has been appointed the new chair of Moorfields Eye Charity and will succeed Mervyn Walker when he steps down in July. Dr Wood has worked at national and international levels for over 30 years in health research organisations. 

The charity is growing its grant-making expenditure to over £10 million a year when the new centre for advancing eye health opens in St Pancras, north London, in 2027.

It funds research into eye health and innovation in patient care to help patients at Moorfields Eye Hospital and globally. It is a partner in the new state-of-the-art eye health centre with the NHS trust and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, working to discover new treatments to transform lives.

Dr Louise Wood said: “I’m passionate about the delivery of groundbreaking research, innovations in health care and implementation of evidence-informed public policy to improve people’s health and address inequalities, growing the UK’s reputation as a leading international centre for eye health. 

“As demand for eyecare grows so must funding for research and innovation to ensure people receive the best possible care and treatments on a global level. Having cared for my mum who had macular degeneration, I know how vital this is for patients and their loved ones.”

Robert Dufton, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We’re delighted that Louise will be joining Moorfields Eye Charity at such a pivotal time. Louise brings expertise as a leader in science and health organisations and her drive for shaping policy and pushing forward leading-edge research and innovation will help millions of people with sight loss.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mervyn Walker for his commitment to the charity. I’m proud of our achievements over recent years under his leadership including setting our strategic direction and growing the charity to benefit Moorfields patients.”

Dr Wood’s previous roles include director of science, research and evidence at the Department of Health and Social Care and deputy chief executive of the National Institute for Health and Care Research. She has been chair of trustees of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) since December 2022 – Moorfields Eye Charity is a member.

Find out more about the charity’s work at moorfieldseyecharity.org.uk