New institute eyes early disease diagnosis

A North East university is advancing plans for a £4.2 million research institute designed to transform the early detection and prevention of disease.

Professor Sir Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, visited the University of Sunderland’s City Campus on Thursday, June 4 to hear more about the Northern Ophthalmic Research and Innovation Institute.

Known as NORI, the institute is being hosted by the University of Sunderland and will use eye health technology and secure data to help researchers and clinicians better understand disease risk and development.

The project will link routine eye scans with NHS and community health data, supporting earlier diagnosis, more personalised care and improved health outcomes across the North East and beyond.

Routine eye scans, often carried out by opticians and eye clinics, can reveal early signs of serious conditions including heart disease, diabetes, dementia and stroke, sometimes years before symptoms appear.

By bringing this information together securely, NORI aims to support a more prevention-focused approach to healthcare and create a model for data-enabled medicine.

Professor Whitty said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit NORI, and to hear more about their innovative research programme. 

“Meeting the team, I was struck by the strength of the cross-sector partnerships, and the shared vision, that makes this research possible. 

“I look forward to following NORI’s progress as they advance their ambitious research agenda.”

The institute is based close to the new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital, which is due to open later this summer.

NORI is backed by a five-year, £4.2 million co-investment between the University of Sunderland and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

Partners also include Sunderland City Council, South Tyneside Council, Durham University, Newcastle University and vision loss charity Fight for Sight.

Professor Whitty’s visit marks a key step ahead of NORI’s formal launch later this year.

Professor Matthew Campbell, professor of human metabolism and co-director of NORI, added: “Professor Whitty’s visit highlights the growing national significance of the work being undertaken through NORI, and reflects a recognition of the opportunity that exists here in the North East.

“NORI was created with a bold ambition: to transform how we understand and use the eye as a gateway to earlier diagnosis, personalised intervention and healthier ageing. 

“Working alongside our partners, we are creating a globally distinctive innovation ecosystem that has the potential to place the North East at the forefront of prevention, early detection and data-enabled healthcare.”

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