Current Projects
In 2023 we are excited to be supporting these projects.
Dexamethasone In Orbital Cellulitis (DOC) Trial
Dr Jessica Tong, Dr Krishna Tumuluri, Dr Thomas Hardy, Prof Dinesh Selva
South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology
Paediatric orbital cellulitis is a serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality. Corticosteroids may reduce soft tissue inflammation and hasten clinical recovery. However, it may also mask or facilitate progression of infection. It remains unclear if corticosteroids should be used for orbital cellulitis and it has not become standard of care. Our study will be the first randomised controlled trial worldwide to determine the role of corticosteroids in orbital cellulitis in reducing complications and length of hospitalisation. We will conduct a multi-centre double-blinded randomised controlled trial in children. Enrolled participants will be randomised to receive either intravenous dexamethasone or placebo (normal saline). Primarily, we will determine if corticosteroids will shorten the duration of hospital admission time. Secondary outcomes to be assessed will be the number of surgical interventions required and visual outcomes. Follow-up time will be 6 months.
Profiling the choroidal genetics to determine its role in myopia and myopic macular degeneration
Dr Samantha Lee, Prof David Mackay AO, Prof Jeremy Guggenheim, A/Prof Puya Gharahkhani, Dr David Alonso-Caneiro, Prof Scott Read
Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia
The choroid is a structure at the back of the eyes that supplies nutrients to our light-sensitive cells. Changes to the choroid have been noted in people with short-sightedness or potentially-blinding conditions such as macular degeneration. By identifying the genes responsible for changes in the choroid, my research will determine whether these changes directly lead to these eye conditions. This will enable future development of new treatments for these choroid-related disorders.
Comparison of macro and micro vascular changes in diabetic patients
Prof. Tim Davis
Fremantle Hospital
Analysis of carotid artery function using ultrasound, and retinal circulation using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), will determine whether subjects with early diabetic retinopathy are more likely to develop carotid disease and vice versa.
Using OCTA in diabetic children to predict diabetic retinopathy prior to photographic retinal changes
A. Prof. Chandra Balaratnasingam
Perth Children’s Hospital and Lions Eye Institute
The utility of retinal perfusion scans in children with type 1 diabetes will be evaluated as an early indicator of vascular change. Early prediction of vascular changes would allow timely interventions to decrease retinal damage in type 1 diabetes.
Using AI analysis of retinal images for pregnant diabetic women to predict development of retinopathy and pre-eclampsia
Dorothy Graham, Mary Nangrahary, Brendan McQuillan, Phoebe Fitzgerald, Yogi Kanagasingam, Vignesh Raja, Chaaya Mehrotra, Scott White, Eileen Sung, Dorota Doherty
King Edward Memorial Hospital
Pregnant women with diabetes have increased risk of pre-eclampsia. This study is using artificial intelligence of retinal images to discover which markers indicate an increased risk of pre-eclampsia. Diet, serum lipids, and serum markers of placental function will be recorded. The expected completion date is 2025.
Comprehensive care for Stickler’s syndrome
Dr Rosie Dawkins
CERA (Centre for Eye Research Australia) - Melbourne
This project, “Comprehensive Care for People with Stickler's Syndrome” aims to develop a model of care appropriate to the Australian context. Stickler's Syndrome is associated with retinal detachments in children, that may result in blindness.
Pre-operative OCT definition of suspected ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN)
Tom Cuneen and Joel Mudri
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
Pre-operative anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) and post-operative histology will be compared in patients with clinically suspected ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). The OCT features that provide the most useful prognostic information will be determined.
Educational Grant
The Royal Australasian College of Ophthalmologists
An educational grant to the Royal Australasian College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) supports visiting lecturers, training materials, and clinical conferences to which the eye care community are invited.
Gene editing to correct inherited retinal diseases
A. Prof. Guei-Sheung Liu
CERA (Centre for Eye Research Australia)
A program to develop a novel gene editing and delivery system for correcting inherited retinal diseases.
Helen Smith Award
Helen was the founding CEO of the Perth Eye Hospital (PEH) in 1990, and also served as board member of the Eye Surgery Foundation (ESF) charity, in 2020 the ESF emerged into the Perth Eye Foundation (PEF).
Helen’s leadership was enormously instrumental to the success of both organisations and is now recognised by naming the major grant each year as the Helen Smith Award.
Winners
Australian Vision Research enterprise grant.
Project Archives
Perth Eye Foundation or its predecessor the Eye Surgery Foundation has partnered with a diverse range of organisations to improve eye health outcomes in Australia and beyond.
These include:
- RANZCO WA branch for visiting speakers
- The Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia
- The RANZCO Eye Foundation
- Glaucoma Australia
- Lions Eye Institute
- Lions Outback Vision
- The Association for the Blind in WA
- The John Fawcett Foundation in Indonesia
- The St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem
- The East Timor Eye Program in conjunction with the Royal Australian College of Surgeons