The Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) has been redesignated a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Blindness.
This collaboration is working towards the WHO goal of reducing the global burden of blindness by bringing practical solutions to sight-threatening diseases worldwide.
The renewal of the long-standing partnership is enabling research with a global impact, said Associate Professor Lisa Zhuoting Zhu, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Blindness.
“CERA is developing innovative tools and strategies to prevent vision loss, while WHO is providing the platform to implement them across diverse health systems.”1
CERA is developing innovative tools and strategies to prevent vision loss, while WHO is providing the platform to implement them across diverse health systems
AI Screening Tools
Technology being developed at CERA is being amplified through collaborations with WHO. The group’s most ambitious project yet is an all‑in‑one artificial intelligence (AI) screening test that could detect eye conditions and other health problems linked to diabetes, such as cardiovascular risk and chronic kidney disease, in a single doctor’s visit.
Combining multiple checks into a single GP visit could increase early detection, streamline follow-up and ease pressure on specialist services.
“This all‑in‑one AI technology can screen for major diabetes complications,” Assoc Prof Zhu said. “It will be a game changer: saving time and raising awareness of diabetes complications.”
These innovations are especially valuable for communities with limited access to clinicians.
“AI‑powered tests are relatively low cost to implement, yet the benefits for remote and underserved populations can be enormous,” Assoc Prof Zhu said.
Myopia Reduction
CERA and WHO are also continuing to work together on reducing myopia among children.
Myopia rates have been dramatically increasing, with 50% of the world’s population predicted to be short-sighted by the year 2050.2
Research shows children who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of myopia, but outdoor time also increases exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation associated with skin cancer and conditions that affect the eye.
WHO Collaborating Centre Deputy Director Gareth Lingham is leading a national study to define recommendations for safe and effective outdoor‑time.
“Our aim is clear, evidence‑based messages that maximise myopia prevention while minimising UV risk – for example, advising optimal durations, timing and sun protection,” Dr Lingham said.
“Once we have clear recommendations, WHO can amplify them through their myopia campaigns and partner networks, so the messaging reaches families everywhere.”
References
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, CERA and WHO continue global partnership (news release) available at: cera.org.au/cera-and-who-continue-global-partnership [accessed Feb 2026].
- Holden BA, Fricke TR, Resnikoff S, et al. global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016 May;123(5):1036-42. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.01.006.
