Centre for Eye Research Australia

05/08/2026

For almost 30 years, Peter Clemenger AO has helped drive eye research forward at CERA.

We were proud to recognise that extraordinary contribution with the unveiling of the Peter Clemenger Conference Room at our East Melbourne headquarters, led by CERA Managing Director Professor Keith Martin and Peter Clemenger.

Peter and his late wife Joan Clemenger AO - through the Joan and Peter Clemenger Foundation - have helped make groundbreaking research possible, from funding Australia's first automated stem cell robot at CERA to supporting the growth of our research facilities and the next generation of vision-saving discoveries.

These contributions also helped launch the work of Professor Raymond Wong, whose research has since led to the spin-out of his company Mirugen.

His commitment to preventing vision loss extends beyond philanthropy. Through Clemenger BBDO, Peter also worked with CERA founding Managing Director Professor Hugh Taylor AC on public health campaigns that helped raise awareness about protecting eyes from UV damage.

As CERA marks its 30th year, we're grateful for Peter's ongoing support and proud to honour a legacy that continues to shape the future of eye research.

03/08/2026

🎙️ CERA researcher Dr Flora Hui recently spoke with ABC News about a TGA safety update concerning GLP-1-based medicines such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, which have been linked to a rare eye condition. 👁️

Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a rare condition that affects the optic nerve and can cause sudden vision loss.

“There is a small risk of developing NAION with these drugs so making informed choices are important, especially if you have many of the risk factors associated with NAION,” Dr Hui said.

While the condition is rare, Dr Hui encourages people taking these medications to have informed conversations with their eyecare specialist about individual risk factors, maintain regular eye examinations and seek advice if they notice any changes in vision.

🎧 Hear and read more from Dr Hui in her ABC interview below 👇

31/07/2026

👁️This Week, we’re shining a light on the gift of sight, and the incredible teamwork involved in corneal transplantations across Victoria.

Many people know about organ donation, but fewer people realise that you can also donate your corneas after death. A corneal transplant can be life-changing for someone living with corneal disease, injury or vision loss.

In Victoria, there is a dedicated network working together in this life-changing journey - from donor families who make an extraordinary decision in difficult times, the nurses who support them, the network involved in the donation and retrieval process, and the specialist teams in hospitals who perform these delicate procedures.

The Lions Eye Donation Service (LEDS)* coordinates eye donation, retrieves, and evaluates donated eye tissue. They receive referrals for eye donation from many sources, including DonateLife VIC, Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria, hospital staff, funeral directors, and families.

And, when every moment matters, transport is critical. Blood Bikes Victoria - a group of volunteer motorcyclists - helps support the safe and timely movement of donated corneas, helping ensure this precious tissue reaches hospitals and surgical teams as quickly as possible.

Our photo is from a morning tea in June when all organisations had the chance to come together to celebrate the 4 year anniversary of Blood Bikes Australia partnership with LEDS. We're proud to be part of this incredible donation network.

This DonateLife Week, we encourage everyone to learn more about eye and tissue donation and consider registering as a donor.

Join the Register today: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today

------

*LEDS is a joint venture between Centre for Eye Research Australia and The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

29/07/2026

It was great to welcome Georgie Crozier MP to CERA this week to discuss our research developing new treatments for vision loss and blindness.

In a lab tour led by Professor Keith Martin we showcased our work to translate our discoveries from the lab to the clinic with flagship projects including:

🧬The work of Professor Raymond Wong's Cellular Reprogramming team to develop a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa via spin out company Mirugen

🔬Dr Jiang-Hui (Sloan) Wang's work to develop a treatment for Usher syndrome 1B, his novel vector manufacture expertise and plans for a Vision Vector Core at CERA

💊The pioneering work of Pete Williams in optic nerve repair in glaucoma and other neurodegenerative diseases, and his collaboration with Flora Hui to investigate the impact of Vitamin B3 in protecting vision.

25/07/2026

It’s DonateLife Week.

You might be one of the many Australians who support organ and tissue donation but haven’t registered yet.

If that’s you, take a minute today to register as an organ and tissue donor through Medicare or at donatelife.gov.au.

Each year, the Lions Eye Donation Service at CERA provides donated eye tissue for hundreds of sight-restoring surgeries. Donated tissue also supports research and training, helping improve treatments and protect the vision of thousands more people into the future.

This DonateLife Week, register your decision and start a conversation with your loved ones about organ and tissue donation.

22/07/2026

After seeing age-related macular degeneration affect both of her parents, Sharon Oates was later diagnosed with the condition herself.

Rather than letting her diagnosis stand in her way, Sharon has turned her experience into action. Through her and her sister's cycling team, Team Sisters Riding for Sight they support vision research and raise awareness through the annual 201v3 Lions Ride for Sight.

We were delighted to see The Willmott family story featured in a recent edition of That's Life magazine.

Stories like theirs remind us why our work matters. Thanks to the dedication of supporters like Team Sisters, our researchers can continue improving early detection, developing new treatments, and working towards preventing vision loss for future generations.

Thank you, Team Sisters, for being passionate champions of vision research and helping create a future with less vision loss.

15/07/2026

Renowned melanoma researcher Professor Richard Scolyer's final message to Australians was simple: support research and consider taking part in clinical trials.

On ABC News, glaucoma patient and Cerulea Clinical Trials participant Tom Valenta shared his experience of taking part in three clinical trials since 2017.

"The thought that I can help in this area is very, very rewarding for me," Tom says.

Every person who joins a clinical trial helps move us closer to better treatments, better care, and better outcomes for future patients.

Cerulea Clinical Trials Chief Medical Officer Professor Lyndell Lim has seen firsthand how clinical trials can change lives.

"When I first started in ophthalmology and research, 20 years ago, we had no treatments for things like age-related macular degeneration, which is the major cause of blindness in Australia," she says.

"And now we've got a treatment that keeps people driving."

These advances only happen because people choose to take part in clinical trials.

Interested in learning more about clinical trials and what participation involves? Read the ABC News story below and discover why this matters.

In his open letter to all Australians, the late Richard Scolyer wrote of the pride he felt taking part in clinical trials. But what exactly is it like to participate?

14/07/2026

✨ Over the weekend, 201v3 Lions Ride for Sight Chairman Karl Henderson presented CERA with a cheque for $115,000 – the result of another incredible fundraising effort by the Gippsland Lions community. ✨

Since 1994, Lions Clubs across Gippsland have raised more than $1.2 million through the Ride for Sight, bringing together riders, volunteers, sponsors and local communities in support of our sight-saving mission.

A special thank you goes to Sharon Oates, Kerry Fitzgerald and Leesa Willmott of Team Sisters Riding for Sight. 🚲🚲🚲 Alongside participating in the ride, they made a significant contribution to this year's outstanding result by driving fundraising through community events and raffles.

We're grateful to the Gippsland Lions community and everyone who rode, volunteered, fundraised, donated or sponsored the event. Your support is helping advance research aimed at preventing vision loss and blindness. ❤️

Pictured: Lions Ride for Sight Chairman Karl Henderson presents the cheque to CERA Head of Philanthropy Diana Gibson, accompanied by Leesa Willmott and Kerry Fitzgerald from Team Sisters.

13/07/2026

Today, CERA Deputy Director Professor Robyn Guymer AM joined Mary Gearin on ABC Melbourne's Conversation Hour to celebrate CERA's 30th anniversary.

During the interview, Professor Guymer reflected on how three decades of research have helped transform age-related macular degeneration from a condition once thought untreatable into one where many people can now preserve their sight through effective treatments.

They also explored the latest advances in eye research and what the future could hold for preventing vision loss.

🎧 Listen to the interview below.

10/07/2026

📷 CERA researchers are developing a new AI-powered eye screening system to help detect complications of diabetes earlier and more efficiently. 👁️

National Diabetes Week is only a couple of days away, and we’re inviting people living with diabetes to join our Consumer Program and help guide this research.

👉 Why get involved?

Your lived experience with diabetes can help ensure new technologies and healthcare solutions are designed with patients’ needs in mind.

As a consumer representative, you will help us:
🔸 Share perspectives on living with diabetes
🔸 Provide feedback on research plans and study materials
🔸 Help shape how new screening tools are developed and implemented across healthcare settings.

Your insights will help ensure our research is practical, patient-centred and meaningful for the diabetes community.

👉 Who can join?

We welcome people who are:
🔸 Living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
🔸 Interested in contributing their experiences to support health research
🔸 Willing to provide feedback through occasional meetings or online discussions.

No research experience is required.

👉 What does participation involve?

Participation may include:
🔸 Joining online discussions or meetings a few times per year
🔸 Reviewing research materials or providing feedback
🔸 Sharing your perspective on how research can better support people with diabetes.

Your involvement is flexible and based on your capacity. You may serve as an advisor for up to 12 months, with the exact duration and time commitment entirely up to you.

Interested❓
To learn more or register your interest, email CERA Consumer Involvement and Advocacy Lead Fleur O'Hare: [email protected]