What We Do

Research

The Centre for Eye Research Australia has an extensive programme of research in clinical epidemiology, corneal studies, retinal vascular epidemiology, glaucoma, population health, ocular genetics, and macular research.

Our research findings have shown that eye disease is a large and unrecognised problem, especially among the elderly. We have also identified a number of specific, usually simple, steps that can significantly reduce the occurrence or impact of eye disease. These findings, which can be applied to the Australian population, have not only formed the basis for further research projects but have also set the agenda for eye care and research on a national scale.

Our epidemiology studies have focussed on: cardiovascular risk factors in age-related maculopathy, the main cause of vision impairment in the elderly; and the effectiveness of Vitamin E in the prevention of cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We found that Vitamin E was not effective in preventing the onset or progression of either cataract or AMD.

Ocular genetics research into glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and myopia have helped identify an important macular degeneration gene and the first glaucoma gene. We are also involved in a wide range of AMD research including clinical trials to evaluate new therapies for AMD.

Glaucoma research has concentrated on clinical trials to test new drug therapies, assess better ways to screen and detect undiagnosed glaucoma. We are developing an evidence-based protocol to guide the choice of therapy.

The main objective of the Retinal Vascular Imaging Centre (RetVIC) is to determine the association of retinal microvascular changes to risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, dementia, kidney and other vascular conditions. RetVIC aims to expand on this area of research and to translate it to clinical use. RetVIC will coordinate and conduct clinical trials and community screening studies, and perform cost-benefit and feasibility analyses to demonstrate the clinical utility of retinal vessel imaging for risk prediction.

Eye Health Promotion

With major support from the Victorian and International Lions Foundations, the Centre for Eye Research Australia has brought together the University of Melbourne, Department of Ophthalmology's work on low vision, and the detection of glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. Our data confirmed that vision testing of elderly people is a critical health issue. We have developed a simple vision test that allows for language, sensory and physical disabilities and is distributed worldwide by the World Health Organization (WHO) in several languages. It is also available online at www.lowvisiononline.org. Low vision courses have been run in a number of developing countries, especially Fiji. We developed a questionnaire to better understand the impact of vision loss. This questionnaire has been adopted in Australia and overseas to plan and evaluate rehabilitation programs. In conjunction with the Centre for Health Program Evaluation, the Eye Health Promotion Unit is developing procedures to undertake cost effectiveness and cost utility analyses of eye care.

The early detection of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy is an important area that the Centre has focussed on. It has worked in Aboriginal and non-indigenous communities in rural and urban areas. Our work at Rumbalara was a model for eye care programs in Aboriginal communities.

Corneal Donation

The Lions Corneal Donation Service has provided more than 3,000 cornea for corneal grafting, thus giving the gift of sight to those who have lost theirs.

We continue to develop innovative educational and promotional strategies to attract more donors. We are also involved in the evaluation of a new artificial cornea and several pterygium studies.

Education

The University of Melbourne, Department of Ophthalmology continues to run specialist fellowship programs, post-graduate doctorates and advanced medical science programs.