Sunderland sets sights on eye innovation

A North East-based health research initiative is set to reshape disease detection and prevention through a major investment in data-led eye health innovation.

The University of Sunderland is working alongside South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust to establish a new £4.2 million research institute designed to transform how eye and wider health conditions are identified and managed. 

The Northern Ophthalmic Research and Innovation Institute, known as NORI, will be based at the university close to Sunderland’s new Eye Hospital.

Officials say the institute, which will build on the city’s long-established expertise in ophthalmic care, will bring together routine eye scan data with securely held NHS and community health records, creating a joined-up data centre to support earlier diagnosis and more personalised care. 

Currently, eye health information and other medical data are held in separate systems, limiting opportunities to spot illness at an early stage.

By safely linking these datasets, NORI aims to improve understanding of how diseases develop over time and identify people at higher risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia and stroke, often years before symptoms appear. 

The approach is expected to support faster diagnosis, better prevention and improved health outcomes across the region and beyond.

Matthew Campbell, professor of human metabolism at The University of Sunderland and co-director of NORI, said: “This represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our region. 

“With millions of eye appointments taking place every year, we have a real opportunity to turn routine eye scans into a power tool for prevention and early diagnosis.

"Bringing together cutting-edge eye imaging, secure data platforms, and world-class research expertise, we can support a step-change in our region’s health and prosperity prospects.”

David Steel, consultant ophthalmologist in Sunderland and honorary professor of ophthalmology at Newcastle University and co-director of NORI, added: “We’re delighted to announce NORI and this groundbreaking partnership between our Trust and the University of Sunderland.

“By connecting eye imaging with general health information, we can detect and predict many serious diseases much earlier than before. 

“This means we can prevent illnesses before they develop, helping people live longer, healthier lives. 

“NORI will help us to do just that and strengthen Sunderland's reputation as a world leader in eye care and research.”

The five-year programme is backed by a £4.2 million co-investment between the University of Sunderland and the NHS trust, with support from Sunderland City Council, South Tyneside Council, Durham University and Newcastle University, as well as vision loss charity Fight for Sight. 

Work is now underway with partners, with NORI set to formally launch in 2026 alongside the opening of the region’s new Eye Hospital.

Vicky Mitchell, executive director of planning and business development at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, added: “The institute represents a clear commitment to improving health by focusing on prevention using digital means and driving innovation in the North East. 

“It comes at an important time, as we prepare to open our new Eye Hospital next year in the heart of the city and at an exciting time for health and social care in Sunderland as we embark on the Neighbourhood Health Implementation programme.”

Professor Milan Radosavljevic, deputy vice-chancellor (commercial) at the University of Sunderland, added: “The launch of NORI creates solid foundations for pioneering research and innovation on a truly global scale, and marks a pivotal moment for Sunderland and the wider region.

"By harnessing this vital data and expertise, we are creating a model of preventive healthcare that benefits communities across the north-east and far beyond.”

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