The facility will research the prevention and cure of eye diseases

The facility will research the prevention and cure of eye diseases.

Part of the funds has come from the Humane Research Trust, which has supported the university's work in biomedical research for 20 years.

The organisation plans to spend nearly �250,000 on research over the next five years - boosting income from contracts.

The laboratory carries out contract work for a wide range of commercial organisations.

Advancing eye research

Dr Gibson said: "This group has already made a great contribution to advancing eye research to the benefit of visually disabled through developing tissue technologies of the highest standard."

Head of department Dr George Duncan said: "We are going to be working on trying to prevent a number of eye diseases and these include cataracts, glaucoma and age related macular degeneration.

"This involves working on a range of human tissue which needs to be kept in a clean and safe environment.

"That's exactly what this laboratory provides us with."

Dr Gibson added: "The new laboratory will provide the modern, high-tech facilities needed to pursue research at a world class level.

"I was pleased to hear that the Wellcome Trust are to provide support in the region of �150,000 for a new research project on cataracts to be carried out in the new lab."