[WATCH] University gets €132,000 donation for ophtalmology research

The research team will conduct DNA tests from a random sample of some 2,000 Maltese people to find out whether the Maltese are more genetically prone to certain eye illnesses than other populations

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca (right) had wanted to branch out the remit of the Community Chest Fund to illness prevention. Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday
President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca (right) had wanted to branch out the remit of the Community Chest Fund to illness prevention. Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday
University gets €132,000 donation for ophtalmology research

The University of Malta has received a donation of €132,000 to conduct research on the prevalence of eye diseases and conditions in the country.

The donation was granted by the Malta Community Chest Fund, as part of President Marie-Louise Coleiro's plans to branch out its remit into preventing illnesses.

The research team, spearheaded by ophthalmologist Francis Carbonaro, will conduct DNA tests from a random sample of some 2,000 Maltese people to find out whether the Maltese are more genetically prone to certain eye illnesses than other populations. 

At a press conference at the San Anton Palace, University of Malta rector Alfred Vella hailed the Community Chest Fund's donation as a "quantum leap" for the funding of university research.

"The University's challenge when it comes to research is not one of human resources but of funding," he said. "We hope that this deal will pave the way for more community funding into research."