What’s happening on Level 7?

The Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) is currently building a new clinical trials centre on Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

The new, cutting-edge centre will bring trials for new treatments being developed at CERA and overseas to Melbourne and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024.

Where to find us

Level 7 Peter Howson Wing is closed during the construction.

For CERA reception, please visit Level 8, Peter Howson Wing (via Blue lifts).

Clinical trials are continuing on Level 8 Smorgon Family Wing (via Green lifts) and at Eye and Ear on the Park (2 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne).

Temperature-sensitive and lab deliveries can still be made to Level 7, Smorgon Family Wing (via Green lifts).

About our new centre

The new centre will include a modern, relaxing patient lounge area – complete with assistance dog station – for trial participants and their carers.

It will also include state-of-the-art new imaging suites, vision lanes, laser and dark rooms, complemented by an eye care telehealth service and a referral network which will enable more people living in rural and regional areas to take part in trials.

CERA Managing Director Keith Martin says the new centre will become a go-to location for global clinical trials to prevent blindness and restore sight for people living with conditions like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal diseases.

Construction of the new clinical trials centre was announced in June 2023 by Breakthrough Victoria CEO Grant Dooley, Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas.

Breakthrough Victoria is a government-owned, independent investment fund manager that supports the commercialisation of new technologies that will benefit Victoria, and has contributed $10 million in backing towards the development of the centre.