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Centre for Eye Research Australia

CERA is Australia's leading eye research institute.

27/08/2025

Professor Hugh R Taylor AC's new autobiography ‘Opening Eyes’ chronicles his journey from volunteering with Fred Hollows in Bourke, New South Wales, to his transformative work fighting trachoma and the establishment of the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA).

His efforts to both understand eye disease and develop community health strategies to reduce their impact – particularly closing the eye health gap for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population – is a lifelong journey now put to paper.

It was an opportunistic request to travel with Fred Hollows AC on a long weekend to Bourke where he saw firsthand the impact of trachoma while assistant director of the then new National Trachoma Eye Health program.

"That is what got me interested in community health and Aboriginal health," says Professor Taylor.

The book follows Professor Taylor's research and community outreach work – which was foundational for the World Health Organization (WHO)'s strategy for eliminating trachoma and saved the vision of countless people.

Professor Taylor has also played a crucial role in combating river blindness. "I've just celebrated the 5 billionth dose of ivermectin for treating river blindness," he says.

The book details Professor Taylor's development of the Melbourne Visual Impairment Project, which led him to set up both the Lions Eye Donation Service and CERA. He's proud of what has been accomplished in the following three decades.

"It's fantastic to see it listed in the top four eye research institutes in the world. The new facilities, Cerulea Clinical Trials, and the other spin offs they’ve had – I’m so proud of CERA,” says Professor Taylor.

Professor Taylor believes both gene therapy and artificial intelligence are poised to revolutionise eyecare but remains focused on how discoveries in the lab can make their way to the people who need them.

"We need to make sure that our quality eye care is reaching everybody who needs it."

CERA Managing Director Professor Keith Martin says the book captures a remarkable story.

“As CERA approaches its 30th anniversary, I am proud to lead a pioneering world class institute that is a lasting testament to Hugh’s extraordinary vision.”

'Opening Eyes' is now available for purchase on Amazon in print, as an e-book and an audiobook.

Photo 1: Professor Hugh R Taylor AC holding his autobiography
Photo 2: Professor Taylor and CERA Deputy Director Professor Lauren Ayton AM at the book launch.

26/08/2025

Dr Sushma Anand, Professor Robyn Guymer AM and Dr Sloan Wang were recently the grateful recipients of prestigious Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) grants to support their projects aimed at advancing diagnosis and treatment of macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2, Stargardt's disease and age-related macular degeneration.

Last week, the MDFA hosted the Research Awards Ceremony at the historic Admiralty House. Her Excellency, the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, presented the awards to a delighted Dr Anand and Associate Professor Rick Liu, who accepted the awards on behalf of Professor Guymer and Dr Wang.

We're immensely proud of our researchers and deeply grateful to the MDFA for their continued support of CERA's sight-saving mission. Congratulations to all of the well-deserved recipients!

Photo 1 (from left): Governor-General Mostyn, Dr Anand, MDFA Research Committee Chair A/Prof Anthony Kwan
Photo 2 (from left): Dr Anand, Professor Liu (on behalf of Prof Guymer and Dr Wang), Governor-General Mostyn, Dr Danuta Sampson (Lions Eye Institute), A/Prof Kwan

22/08/2025

📚 👀 For Children's Book Week, Head of the Lions Eye Donation Service Dr Heather Machin has stepped out of the hospital and into the world of publishing with the launch of her book: Grandad’s Last Wish.

Grandad’s Last Wish is the story of Kevin and his Grandad who love to sail paper boats together. Through Kevin’s eyes, the reader learns that Grandad is not well, and that his last wish is to become an eye donor when he dies. Kevin learns how Grandad’s donation will restore the sight of people waiting for a transplant, as well as helping doctors train, and scientists develop new treatments.

“I was inspired to write Grandad’s Last Wish because of my experience working as both an eye nurse in operating theatres and as the Head of the eye bank here in Melbourne,” Dr Machin says.

“I wanted to create a story that helped demonstrate, particularly to young men, that donation was something very rewarding they can do as both the donor or the family member authorising the donation for their loved one.

"I hope this inspires people to consider becoming an eye donor and really consider the impact of what that gift can achieve.”

Grandad’s Last Wish is now available from Amazon, and a portion of each sale will be donated to the Lions Eye Donation Service.

Read More: https://www.cera.org.au/childrens-book-shines-light-on-eye-donation/

21/08/2025

Uni students: Join us next Monday 25 August 2pm-4pm at the 2025 CERA Student Open Day! Meet our world-class researchers and hear about our research projects, which can be tailored to Honours, Master of Biomedical Sciences, Masters by Research and PhD degrees.

At Open Day, you'll have the chance to:
💡 Attend informative sessions on our courses and projects
🔬 Tour our labs and facilities
🤝 Meet our researchers and current students.
🎓 Find out about student life at the CERA.
✅ Learn about our admission process and scholarship opportunities

Feel free to share the event details and bring a friend along on the day. A light afternoon tea and drinks will be provided.

Register here 👉 https://ow.ly/rpxA50WJhrQ

Have any questions? Email: education@cera.org.au

We look forward to meeting you!

Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences at UniMelb

20/08/2025

In 2026, CERA is boosting its glaucoma and inherited retinal disease research programs with international expertise expanding our research programs.

👉 Professor Pete Williams, a globally recognised glaucoma and neuroprotection researcher, will establish a new Neuroprotection and Repair research program in Australia that will work to protect the nerves that are damaged in glaucoma. He will maintain dual roles at CERA and Karolinska Institutet, strengthening collaborations between Australia and Sweden.

👉 Dr Jiang-Hui ‘Sloan’ Wang will return to CERA from the US to establish a new Ocular Genetic Therapeutics research program, focusing on developing new and better ways to deliver gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt’s disease and Usher syndrome.

Both scientists will relocate to Australia in January 2026, bringing new research capabilities and expanding CERA’s global collaborations.

CERA Managing Director Professor Keith Martin says: “The pioneering research of Pete Williams and Sloan Wang will add an exciting new dimension to CERA’s discovery science program.

“Both are outstanding scientists with strong research track records and a commitment to translating laboratory science into real-world outcomes for people living with vision loss and blindness.

“Pete and Sloan bring valuable international experience which will expand our global reach and increase our research impact.”

Full story: https://www.cera.org.au/new-recruits-boost-glaucoma-and-inherited-retinal-disease-research

15/08/2025

This National Science Week, we get to know PhD candidate and rising star of clinical science, Luozixian (Zach) Wang, who works in our Cellular Reprogramming team.

– What is your research focus at CERA?

"I work with Associate Professor Raymond Wong, focusing on developing new ways to restore the function of cells in the light-sensing retina at the back of the eye.

"The aim is developing a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, a type of inherited retinal disease. Our research could also potentially be used to develop treatments for other retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt's disease.

"My research explores how to biologically reset the function of aging or degenerating retinal cells without changing their cell type. In addition, I use various advanced techniques to better understand the complex molecular makeup of the human retina."

– What is the aim of your project?

"Special proteins called transcription factors control which genes are active in a cell and therefore control how the cell works.

"When certain transcription factors are combined, they can reverse some aspects of cellular function associated with aging by turning on genes that are normally switched off in degenerating cells. However, if the cocktail is too strong, it can completely change the cell fate, increasing the risk of abnormal and undesired cell growths such as tumours.

"My goal is to find a mix of these special proteins that can rejuvenate aging or degenerating retinal cells without changing their cell type."

– What inspired you to get into science?

"During my undergraduate studies, I was fascinated by the mystery of life. I wanted to understand what defines a living organism and how life works at the molecular level. This curiosity led me to study genetics, cell biology and molecular biology. I later applied this knowledge in hands-on research, working on projects such as the genetic mechanisms in butterflies and pathogen resistance in plants.

"These early experiences inspired me to pursue my current research in understanding the fundamental regulation of cellular life."

Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences at UniMelb

15/08/2025

This National Science Week, we get to know PhD candidate and rising star of clinical science, Abera Saeed, who works alongside our Ophthalmic Neuroscience and Macular Research teams.

– What is your research focus at CERA?

"Our teams' work sits at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and eye health, which I really enjoy. I’m supervised by leaders of the field: Professor Peter van Wijngaarden, Professor Robyn Guymer AM, Associate Professor Zhichao Wu and Dr Xavier Hadoux."

– What is the aim of your research?

"I’m using a novel hyperspectral camera to uncover new insights into age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It’s about seeing the retina in ways we’ve never been able to before, capturing subtle spectral changes that could help us better understand the disease."

– What first inspired you to get into science?

"I’ve always been drawn to science, but it was during medical school that my interest in Ophthalmology really took hold. I was fascinated by how innovative and technology-driven the field is, and I loved the idea of blending clinical care with research.

"My first ophthalmic imaging project during medical school opened the door to this world, and when I heard about CERA’s work, I knew it was where I wanted to be."

Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences at UniMelb

13/08/2025

Exciting news for CERA spin-out company Mirugen with the announcement of AUD$4.5M investment from a syndicate comprising University of Melbourne Genesis Pre-Seed Fund, Tin Alley Ventures and Brandon Capital.

We're also thrilled to welcome Mirugen's new Executive Chair Charlotte Casebourne Stock .

Co-founded at CERA by Keith Martin and Raymond Wong, Mirugen aims to use the regenerative power of the retina's stem cells to prevent and reverse damage to the light sensing photoreceptors in the back of the eye.

The aim is to develop a treatment for the incurable inherited retinal disease, retinitis pigmentosa, which affects 1.5 million people worldwide.

It could also be a potential treatment for other retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt's disease which affect 190 million.

Read more: https://www.cera.org.au/investment-advances-cell-reprogramming-research/

12/08/2025

🚲🚲🚲 A huge thank you to everyone involved in the 31st Lions District 201 V3 Ride for Sight across Gippsland – with cyclists raising a record-breaking total of $122,500 to support our efforts to turn research into real world treatments for people affected by vision loss. 🚲🚲🚲

Special thanks to Team Sisters’ Sharon Oates, Kerry Fitzgerald and Leesa Willmott whose efforts contributed $50,800 to this year’s total – Strzelecki Lions Club member Frank Hirst who topped the individual leaderboard by raising an impressive $4000 – and Chairman Ian de Bruyne who has been part of every Ride for Sight since its inception.

Since 1994, the local District 201V3 Lions Ride for Sight has raised over $1.2 million for CERA. In recognition of Ian De Bruyne’s ongoing dedication, Lions Clubs International recently awarded him with a Melvin Jones Fellowship.

Lions Clubs globally recognise outstanding individuals by bestowing the award named after its founder Melvin Jones. This award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism.

“Although I was surprised, I feel honoured to receive this Fellowship,” Ian said.

In attendance was CERA’s Executive Manager Communications, Fundraising and Advocacy Janine Sim-Jones GAICD, Head of Philanthropy Diana Gibson and Glaucoma Research Fellow Dr Flora Hui – who were officially presented with the cheque for the record-breaking sum.

“To again be the recipient of such generous support is a reminder of the collective power of people who want to make a difference in the lives of those with vision loss and blindness,” Janine said.

CERA Managing Director Professor Keith Martin said he was grateful for the generosity of riders, support crew, community members, local Lions clubs in the Gippsland region that hosted the riders’ breakfasts, lunches and dinner, and the organising committee.

“Without their ongoing support, effort and passion for raising money to support eye research, none of this would have been possible,’’ he said.

Photo 1 (from left): Janine Sim-Jones and Ian De Bruyne, with Dr Flora Hui and Diana Gibson proudly holding the cheque
Photo 2 (from left): Team Sisters’ Leesa Willmott and Kerry Fitzgerald (Sharon Oates not pictured), Ian De Bruyne (holding his award), Frank Hirst, Lions Club of Korumburra President Jan Hutton and member Steve Ronaldson

08/08/2025

On World Ophthalmologist Day, we're celebrating the eye surgeons researching ways to save sight. At Cerulea Clinical Trials and around the country, ophthalmologists are trialling an implant, designed to protect the sight of the many Australians living with moderate to severe glaucoma.

Professor Michael Coote, CERA’s Principal Investigator of Glaucoma Surgical Research, developed the implant to aim to reduce eye pressure more effectively than existing glaucoma treatments. The device works by creating an additional channel for fluid drainage, dispersing it through over 150 exit channels. After pioneering the project in 2010, Professor Coote co-founded VividWhite in 2017 to advance this sight-preserving technology.

CERA's Managing Director, Professor Keith Martin, brings his surgical expertise to the trials. As one of the participating surgeons, he's directly involved in implanting and evaluating the device's performance, providing crucial insights into its effectiveness and safety.

Dr Jennifer Fan Gaskin is coordinating the trial at Cerulea, overseeing patient recruitment and ensuring adherence to protocol - playing a vital role in gathering and analysing data on the implant's efficacy.

This collaborative effort extends beyond CERA and Cerulea, involving multiple clinical trial sites nationwide. With support from MTPConnect and private investors the implant may one day revolutionise glaucoma care for 300,000 affected Australians.

Pictured: Prof Martin, Prof Coote (holding the implant) and Dr Fan Gaskin.

07/08/2025

We're delighted to present our 2024 Annual Review, which celebrates the collective effort behind CERA's sight-saving research. This year's edition recognises the vital contributions of scientists, supporters, industry, research partners, funders and people with vision loss. Together, we're developing innovative ways to detect and treat eye diseases, prevent blindness and restore sight.

This year, we're proud to offer the Annual Review in multiple formats – an interactive web edition, downloadable PDF, and an audio version – ensuring accessibility for all.

The 2024 Annual review showcases numerous highlights, including the official launch of Cerulea Clinical Trials, advancements in glaucoma, inherited retinal disease and macular research, and the introduction of our Consumer Advisory Group.

We invite you to explore our achievements and the partnerships driving our research forward. From our state-of-the-art discovery research laboratories to our new clinical trials centre, we're forging dynamic collaborations to accelerate progress in vision research.

Your support makes our work possible – whether through participation in studies, generous donations or spreading awareness of our cause.

Read, download or listen to the Annual Review: https://ow.ly/7Wn650WB6cA

05/08/2025

🌟 Three leading CERA researchers have been awarded prestigious grants in the Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA)’s 2025 funding round. 🌟 Their projects have the potential to advance diagnosis and treatment of macular conditions including macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2, Stargardt's disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 👁️

🔬 Dr Sushma Anand's project, supported by the Grant Family Fund, explores using exosomes – tiny natural particles released from cells – as ‘delivery vehicles’ to transport medicines and genes directly to the eye. This approach could potentially improve treatments for MacTel type 2 and Stargardt's disease, which both lead to loss of central vision.

👁️ Professor Robyn Guymer AM's research, funded by an MDFA Research Grant, investigates the potential link between low night-time oxygen levels – a common sign of obstructive sleep apnoea – and neovascular (wet) AMD. Her findings could potentially enable earlier screening and prevention strategies.

🧬 Dr Jiang-Hui (Sloan) Wang, another Grant Family Fund recipient, is tackling a key challenge in gene therapy for Stargardt disease – safely and efficiently delivering the large ABCA4 gene to the retina to help fix the faulty gene causing the condition. His work could advance gene therapy technologies and potentially lead to new treatments.

A huge thank you to the MFDA for their generous support and vision in funding these important projects aimed at saving sight.

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Hope in sight

Vision is precious and no one should ever lose the gift of sight.

We’re deeply committed to conducting eye research with real-life impact and finding ways to prevent people from going blind.

As an international leader in eye research, we use our world-class knowledge and expertise to achieve better treatments, and faster diagnosis of eye disease. Our goal is to prevent vision loss - and ultimately, find cures to restore sight.

As true innovators, our scientists are on the brink of new discoveries every day.

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