Forbes Manson

Dr. Forbes Manson is a Senior Lecturer in Ophthalmology at The University of Manchester's Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics. He serves as Director of International PGR, leads MSc programs in 'Disease Modelling and Genome Engineering' and 'Genomics of the Eye', and tutors medical students. His PhD (Aberdeen, 1990) and postdoctoral work at Edinburgh focused on retinal genetics, including pioneering RPGR mutation research.

Research Focus: Dr. Manson investigates ocular disease genetics using small molecule therapies and CRISPR-Cas9 editing. Key areas include:

• Bestrophinopathies treatment development
• Primary open-angle glaucoma genetics
• Ion channel dysfunction mechanisms
• Stem cell disease modeling

His 58+ publications show consistent focus on inherited retinal disorders, with recent work emphasizing computational modeling of ion channels and therapeutic interventions. He leads the active BETTER trial (2023-2025) testing Ravicti for bestrophin-1 mutations.

Advising: Currently mentors 3 PhD students and has supervised 11+ graduates researching ocular genetics and therapy development. Collaborates extensively with ophthalmology, biophysics, and genomics specialists.