Vision Eye Institute (VEI)’s commitment to scientific research is paying dividends, with 24 of the organisation’s doctors either presenting posters, chairing sessions, or participating in panel discussions, at the recent Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists Congress in Melbourne (RANZCO 2025 Congress).
In 2021, VEI established The Future Vision Foundation (FVF), a scientific research fund, chaired by Associate Professor Tim Roberts, to encourage and support research among its staff and associated clinicians. According to Dr Chris Hodge, Chairman of the Advisory Committee, who also was involved in analysis and providing statistical support to the FVF, the aim of the FVF is to improve treatments and healthcare for VEI patients.
Each year, grants are awarded to support research with the expectation that the results will be published or presented. At RANZCO 2025 alone, 24 VEI doctors and staff presented posters covering a variety of research topics ranging from the anterior segment to the optic nerve. These were either driven by VEI initiatives or supported by FVF research grants.
24 VEI doctors and staff presented posters covering a variety of research topics ranging from the anterior segment to the optic nerve
Poster Presentations at RANZCO
Posters concerning the anterior segment included research on corneal crosslinking and effective cataract work-up. For one poster, biometrical data from 15,857 patients were retrospectively analysed in an effort to find a predictor for disproportional biometry. Biometry was the topic of another poster looking at refractive versus keratotic astigmatism. A novel poster looked at the action of GLP-1 agonists and their possible use in ocular disease, including keratoconus. Another poster explored variations in pupil size and axial length, again drawing from VEI’s database of almost 16,000 eyes.
Moving towards the back of the eye, a poster reported on a patient with optic nerve drusen who developed a non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) while using sildenafil. Another looked at diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Non-clinical, but equally fascinating posters covered the use of AI in generating continued professional development, and ways to quantify the burden of pre-operative cataract assessment, which will help streamline cataract surgery work-up.
A topical poster documented VEI’s carbon footprint and explored how small changes may make a difference, while another focussed on determining who patients trust the most with regards to gathering information about their eye conditions.
VEI Doctors Chair Multiple Congress Sessions
Congress sessions chaired by VEI doctors included a rapid-fire session on cataract, cornea and refractive surgery by Associate Professor Abi Tenan and Dr Alex Ioannidis; and one on cataract co-chaired by Dr Jeremy Diamond, who was officially awarded his RANZCO fellowship. This was not surprising, given his extensive experience removing over 15,000 cataracts, which makes him one of the more experienced cataract surgeons in Australia. Dr Jason Cheng chaired a glaucoma session, while Dr Mei Tan co-chaired a rapid-fire session on medical retina. Professor John McKenzie co-chaired a session on imaging in ocular oncology with Dr Daniel McKay as a panellist. Dr Rushmia Karim also contributed to a CPD session during the congress.
Dr Colin Chan Joins ASO Board
During RANZCO Congress, VEI’s Dr Colin Chan was invited to join the board of the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO). Dr Chan’s broad knowledge, clear outlook, and contacts throughout Asia will serve the ASO well as it advocates for ophthalmologists’ interests regarding anticipated regulatory changes within the health sector.
The Future Vision Foundation is already assessing internal and external grant submissions for 2026. Grants awarded will continue to support research that will ultimately contribute to ophthalmic research and innovation in Australia.
Dr Lewis Levitz is the National Medical Director of Vision Eye Institute.
To learn more about The Future Vision Foundation visit: https://futurevisionfoundation.com.au/
