For the first time, Australian ophthalmic research projects have received grant funding from the Future Vision Foundation.
Launched in 2021 by Vision Eye Institute as part of its 20-year celebrations, the not-for-profit research foundation encourages and supports research efforts of staff and associated clinicians, including staff with little-to-no formal research experience but interest to improve diagnosis, treatments and/or healthcare experiences for patients with eye conditions.
The grants are available for research funding, clinical resources to assist with conducting a study, collecting samples and analysing data; and mentoring and advice for less experienced investigators.
Acknowledging Vision Eye Institute’s “deep heritage in ophthalmic research to acquire new knowledge and improve patient care”, Associate Professor Tim Roberts, Foundation Chair said, “The Foundation has been a dream since Vision Eye Institute first began – born from a shared desire by many of us to improve diagnosis, to improve treatments and to improve healthcare experiences for patients with eye conditions”.
Seventeen applications received for the first round of funding were shortlisted by the Foundation’s advisory committee using criteria based on current NHMRC guidelines. The shortlist was considered by the board of directors, including Assoc Prof Tim Roberts, Fiona Davies, Joe Redner, James Thiedeman and Prof Fiona Stapleton.
Funded projects include research into vision-related quality of life of mild glaucoma patients with extended depth of focus IOL at cataract surgery and creation of a clinical guide to assist language and neuropsychological assessment in children with visual disorders.