In the Netherlands, thousands of people suffer from an inherited eye disease called Leber Opticus Atrophy, also known as Leber's disease. This rare eye disease affects the function of the cells in the optic nerve, often causing a rapid decline in vision in both eyes, possibly resulting in near complete blindness. But there is hope for those suffering from this devastating eye disease and future generations, thanks in part to a new collaboration.

CORPUS and Eye Fund join hands for research into inherited eye diseases

The Eye Fund and CORPUS, the interactive travel adventure through the human body, are joining forces to enable research into inherited eye diseases. The collaboration will hopefully accelerate funding for the research of Dr. Jan Wijnholds (biochemist and associate professor) and his research team at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), with the goal of preventing blindness caused by Leber's disease and other inherited eye diseases.

CORPUS: the place where every story counts 

Wikke and his story will be visible in Corpus in various ways in the near future.

General director of CORPUS, Hanneke Hansen, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: "At CORPUS, we show how unique the human body is, and even in the situation of patients like Wikke, that uniqueness is preserved. Wikke (15) shares his personal experience, "I can't go anywhere independently. That's the worst part for me." We deeply respect Wikke and his determination to use his personal situation to help others and future generations. That is why we are happy to commit ourselves so that this research can get started."

Life after diagnosis: limitations and frustrations 

At age 11, Wikke discovered that he could barely see with his left eye. After several examinations, Leber's disease was suspected. The final diagnosis led to intense emotions and a difficult period for the entire family. Wikke's life changed drastically. He had to quickly learn to use the aids and could no longer participate in activities such as playing soccer.

Towards a future without hereditary blindness 

With good research results from Dr. Wijnholds, clinical studies can start in about 7 years in cooperation with the Rotterdam Eye Hospital. This is to also translate the DNA repair technique into a safe application in humans. Wijnholds is optimistic. 'I have been around as a scientist for a while. These techniques are really very promising. I believe that in the future we will find a way to prevent blindness in Leber's disease. We just have to try this as hard as we can for all those patients.'

Your support is important: let's fight blindness together 

The Eye Fund and CORPUS are now calling for contributions to this meaningful research. Every contribution, large or small, can make a significant difference in the fight against inherited eye diseases. For more information about Leber's disease, LUMC's research, and to make a donation, we invite you to visit the Eye Fund's website at www.oogfonds.nl/leber.

About Eye Fund

The Eye Fund works ambitiously towards a society in which blindness and low vision no longer occur. We do this by increasingly funding effective, patient-centered, innovative and promising scientific research in the Netherlands. We realize that in many cases vision loss can be prevented by timely detection and treatment of eye disorders. Therefore, we provide general education to the Dutch public about eye diseases, with the goal of good eye health. The Eye Fund receives no subsidy and is supported by donors, companies and the National Postcode Lottery.

About CORPUS 

CORPUS wants to encourage its visitors to exercise, motivate them to eat responsibly and inspire them to live healthy lives. We let private and business visitors discover the wonders of the human body. At the same time, a visit to CORPUS raises awareness of the fact that everyone is basically the same - and yet very unique. We do this through the 55-minute "journey through the human being" in which young and old alike are introduced to the human body. In addition to the 'journey through the human body', CORPUS also has the CORPUS Congress Centre: a versatile location with a surprising number of possibilities, suitable for every business event.

Note to editors:
For questions about this press release or interview requests, please contact Nicolette Mouw (communications manager for the Eye Fund) at n.mouw@oogfonds.nl or 06 - 57 26 97 44 or with Sanne Overschie (Marketing, Education & Events Officer CORPUS) at sanne.overschie@corpusexperience.nl or 071-7510286.