History

The Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) was established in 1996. In little more than a decade, it has grown into Australia’s leading eye research institute.

Led by internationally renowned glaucoma specialist Professor Jonathan Crowston as Managing Director, CERA today has an international team of more than 100 staff and students working to save sight for millions of people worldwide affected by eye disease.

CERA’s original research focus was primarily in population health and clinical epidemiology. In recent years, the institute has built a comprehensive research program that includes a significant laboratory component and translation of research into clinical practice. Leading clinician-scientists are working specifically on the three major blinding eye conditions: macular disease, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma. A surgical research unit is pioneering new and improved eye surgery techniques. In recognition of the breadth, depth and quality of its work, CERA was awarded a Centre for Clinical Research Excellence grant for Translational Clinical Research in Major Eye Diseases by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council in 2009.

CERA has grown out of the University of Melbourne Department of Ophthalmology, which was established in 1963. The Department and CERA continue to work closely together today and share space, staff appointments and resources. Both entities have been located at the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital since their inception.

CERA’s founder Professor Hugh Taylor served as its Managing Director for ten years. His deputy Professor Tien Wong succeeded him in the leadership role before returning to Singapore in 2009 as Director of the Singapore Eye Research Institute. He continues as a part-time Principal Research Fellow at CERA. In 2009, Professor Jonathan Crowston was appointed CERA Managing Director.