Researcher Profile

RETVic Research Unit

OPHTHALMOLOGIST Dr Paul Connell is investigating new drug delivery techniques for  conditions that affect the back of the eye.

For clinician-scientist Dr Paul Connell, eye research is about improving patient outcomes.

"It's important to look to the next generation of eye care providers and constantly improve on our body of knowledge," Dr Connell said.

It was this enthusiasm for continuous development that led the Irish-born and educated ophthalmologist to CERA, where he was awarded the prestigious Gerard Crock Fellowship.

In between consulting at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Dr Connell is investigating a world-first treatment for endophthalmitis which he hopes will eventually be modified to treat other eye conditions. 

Endophthalmitis is a sight-threatening complication of some eye operations. It occurs when bacteria enters the eye and causes infection.

Existing treatments are flawed and often multiple interventions such as drops, injections and even further surgery is required.

The potential solution, says Paul, is a small implant containing antibiotic that can be inserted into the eye during or after surgery.

"The implant delivers the antibiotic continuously over a set period of time, removing the need for other post-operative treatments and eliminating the difficulty some patients face when applying drops," Dr Connell said. 

"It can be comfortably fitted into the eye and is designed to degrade and disappear over time," he said.

Dr Connell believes the implant, which is due to undergo human trials as early as 2011, has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of eye disease.

"It's hoped the technology will eventually be modified to treat other ocular disease requiring regular therapy, such as AMD and glaucoma."

The implant is being developed in collaboration with the Bionic Ear Institute and PolyActiva. The development of the treatment is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Institute.