Involvement of the Human Retinal Endothelial Cell in Blinding Eye Disease. Endothelial cells line the blood vessels of the vascular networks that circulate blood through the tissues. The molecular constitution of each endothelial cell is different and specific to function, but may predispose to tissue-specific disease. Retinal endothelial cells ensure the nutrition and protection of a tissue critical to vision, but are key participants in retinal ischemic, inflammatory and infectious diseases th ....Involvement of the Human Retinal Endothelial Cell in Blinding Eye Disease. Endothelial cells line the blood vessels of the vascular networks that circulate blood through the tissues. The molecular constitution of each endothelial cell is different and specific to function, but may predispose to tissue-specific disease. Retinal endothelial cells ensure the nutrition and protection of a tissue critical to vision, but are key participants in retinal ischemic, inflammatory and infectious diseases that threaten vision. This project will investigate molecular activities of retinal endothelial cells that are relevant to retinal disease processes and explore future biological therapies directed against the human retinal endothelial cell that address efficacy and safety deficiencies of current treatments.Read moreRead less
Managing Depression Within Low Vision Rehabilitation Services: The Effectiveness Of Integrating An Evidence-based Therapy ‘Problem-Solving Therapy For Primary Care’ On Depression, Quality Of Life And Service Utilisation In Those With Low Vision
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,785.00
Summary
This research will evaluate the integration of an evidence-based treatment for depression into low vision rehabilitation services. It is anticipated that this new program will lead to sustained improvements in participants’ quality of life and mental health. This is the first time a system to manage depression has been implemented into low vision services worldwide and if successful this intervention could be suitable for application to other chronic health conditions.
A System For Measurement Of Vision-specific Quality Of Life Using Item Banking And Computer Adaptive Testing (ViSBank)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$831,155.00
Summary
When evaluating medical treatments, it is important to consider all effects from the patient’s perspective; their quality of life. This project utilises new technology to develop an adaptable, computerised, internet-based system to measure the effects of eye diseases and their treatments on patients’ quality of life. This system will provide for more accurate, precise and efficient measurement than existing methods.
Determinants Of Perfect Vision: The Raine Eye Health Study, An Ophthalmic Follow-up Study Of A Longitudinal Birth Cohort At Age 21 Years
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$59,295.00
Summary
Parents aim to do the best for their child�s development, however little is known about what is required for children to develop perfect vision. This study will analyse those modifiable antenatal, early life and childhood factors that influence visual acuity in later life. Using ocular data from the Raine Health Study, which prospectively follows a cohort of 1,500 young adults, we will describe normal eye function in early adulthood and investigate the genetic and environmental factors predispos ....Parents aim to do the best for their child�s development, however little is known about what is required for children to develop perfect vision. This study will analyse those modifiable antenatal, early life and childhood factors that influence visual acuity in later life. Using ocular data from the Raine Health Study, which prospectively follows a cohort of 1,500 young adults, we will describe normal eye function in early adulthood and investigate the genetic and environmental factors predisposing to visal acuity.Read moreRead less
Investigating The Mechanisms Underpinning The Dynamic Vessel Response In People With Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$18,808.00
Summary
Endothelial dysfunction has been well-hypothesised as one of the key players in the pathogenesis of DR. However, there is strong evidence suggesting a neurovascular coupling mechanism in the retinal circulation during flicker. It is therefore unclear whether reduced flicker light induced vasodilation observed in diabetes and DR is associated with endothelial dysfunction, an impairment of neurovascular coupling or both. This project aims to address this important knowledge gap.
Personalising the management of diabetes care in non-English speaking Australian adults with diabetic retinopathy. Reducing the public health burden of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy for non-English speaking Australians is a major challenge for health care providers, researchers, and health policy makers. In addition to improving self care, eye health, and quality of life, this intervention has considerable potential to deliver substantial savings to the Australian community. It will also pro ....Personalising the management of diabetes care in non-English speaking Australian adults with diabetic retinopathy. Reducing the public health burden of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy for non-English speaking Australians is a major challenge for health care providers, researchers, and health policy makers. In addition to improving self care, eye health, and quality of life, this intervention has considerable potential to deliver substantial savings to the Australian community. It will also provide a novel and valid diabetes management program and contribute to future health policies related to personnel, resources and funding allocated to diabetes, eye care, and rehabilitation. This project will raise the skill of existing diabetes educators and serve to generate closer coordination of care between tertiary eye care services and primary care settings.Read moreRead less
Understanding progressive vision loss in the eye disease glaucoma. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible vision loss in elderly Australians, although determining treatment failure is currently very dif?cult. This project will radically improve the measurement of glaucoma progression and treatment failure. We will also address fundamental questions regarding how glaucoma destroys vision.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101931
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Functional imaging with cellular resolution in the living eye. Adaptive optics allows the visualisation of individual cells and capillaries in the living human eye. This project will use adaptive optics to explore the normal function of these microscopic objects, and how this function changes in eyes suffering from disease. This will aid in developing new ways to diagnose and treat debilitating eye diseases.