How Does Glucose Protect The Retina And Optic Nerve Against Ischaemia?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,171.00
Summary
Raised blood sugar levels are generally considered to be bad for nerve cells, especially those in the eye. But we have made a groundbreaking discovery finding that in the short-term, sugar can rescue nerve cells in the eye from death caused by lack of blood flow. In this project we will investigate how this remarkable effect is achieved.
Targeting At Risk Relatives Of Glaucoma Patients For Early Diagnosis And Treatment (TARRGET)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$595,375.00
Summary
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in Australia but early detection and treatment can prevent blindness. We will recruit patients with advanced glaucoma from an Australia wide registry and refer their close relatives to have an eye exam and genetic testing to see if they are at risk of glaucoma. We will evaluate how a coordinator can improve the uptake of this screening program referring people to local eye care providers and in rural WA providing screening in 16 remote locations.
Clinical Trial Of A Suprachoroidal Visual Prosthesis For The Profoundly Vision Impaired
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,098,802.00
Summary
For 15 years we have been designing a bionic eye. We have made a device called the Phoenix99 and shown in short term animal tests that it is both safe to implant but also that it potentially performs better than any other device in the world. We are requesting funds to complete longer term animal testing of the device and then commence a small human clinical trial to demonstrate the benefits of the technology – specifically that it is able to help blind people navigate without assistance.
Translating Genetic Determinants Of Glaucoma Into Better Diagnosis And Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$9,466,000.00
Summary
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. By 2020, it will affect 80 million people, and in Australia over the next decade, the overall cost of glaucoma will reach $4.3 billion per annum. This Program will use genetic advances to personalise treatment. Blindness will be prevented in individuals at highest risk, new ways to treat patients will be developed, and better outcomes for patients will result from less treatment and monitoring of low risk cases.