New investigator awarded glaucoma research grant

CERA was awarded six of the 13 available grants from the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia (ORIA) in October.

More than $250,000 will be distributed across four research units to help fund studies into conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and myopia.

Fleur O’Hare of the Glaucoma Research Unit received a New Investigator grant of $45,000, jointly funded by Glaucoma Australia, to investigate the auditory function in individuals with glaucoma.

“Preliminary research suggests that some glaucoma patients experience auditory hearing processing impairments, a potential sign of generalised sensory nerve problems,” Ms O’Hare said.

“The results of the study will provide us with new ways of detecting glaucoma and a better understanding of the impact of glaucoma on the central nervous system.”

For the study, researchers will recruit individuals with open-angle glaucoma between the ages of 40 and 65, who have reportedly ‘normal’ hearing.

For more information please contact Fleur O’Hare on 03 9929 8791.

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Restored vision helps grandfather pursue lifelong dream

At 73, Sid Powley is not a typical university student but the Visual Arts undergraduate at Victoria University says he’s embracing campus life and the opportunity to hone his artistic skills.

“Whenever I see a white surface I just want to draw on it, to put my mark on it somehow. Art allows me to express myself,” Sid said.

Two years ago however Sid was forced to abandon his art after blurry and distorted vision made it difficult to focus. After consulting an ophthalmologist, Sid was diagnosed him with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a severe form of the disease characterised by rapid central vision loss.

Sid was treated with regular injections into the eye of Lucentis, a drug shown to stop the progression of wet AMD, and in some cases improve a patients vision. The treatment improved his sight dramatically.

Professor Robyn Guymer, head of Macular Research at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), and an ophthalmologist at the Eye and Ear Hospital, said Sid is fortunate he was diagnosed early.

“While there’s no cure for wet AMD, the good news is that there are several treatments that are very effective when applied early. That’s why early diagnosis is so important,” Professor Guymer said.

For Sid, the improvement to his vision has been life changing, allowing him to fulfil his lifelong dream of studying art.

“If you or someone you love is experiencing changes in vision, don’t ignore the signs. Book an eye test, it could save your sight,” he said.

To read the full story click here: Restored vision helps grandfather pursue lifelong dream

View Sid’s story on Channel 7 news

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Landmark survey reveals startling levels of vision loss in Indigenous communities

The rate of blindness in Indigenous adults is more than six times higher than non-Indigenous Australians.

This is one of the findings of the National Indigenous Eye Health Survey, launched by Governor General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC.

The study was undertaken by researchers at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and the School of Population Health at the University of Melbourne.

“This is the first comprehensive study of its kind and the first time in 30 years we’ll have national data on the impact of eye disease on Indigenous communities,” said Professor Taylor, Harold Mitchell Chair of Indigenous Eye Health, University of Melbourne.

“The survey puts into sharp focus the frighteningly high level of avoidable vision loss and the unacceptable deficiencies in Indigenous eye health.”

Download the National Indigenous Eye Health Survey key findings

Download the National Indigenous Eye Health Survey summary report

Download the National Indigenous Eye Health Survey Full Report