UWA research centre helps to fight blindness
Wednesday, 09 November 2011
In its fight to prevent blindness, the Lions Eye Institute (LEI) in Nedlands is continually delivering results from progressive and innovative research.
Local Federal Member for Curtin Julie Bishop yesterday visited the University of Western Australia based research centre to learn more about the outstanding work being undertaken by Professor David Mackey and the LEI team.Included in LEI’s efforts is the Raine Eye Health Study, the 20 year follow-up of the 2,000 participants from the Raine Study, which is researching the eye health of young adults. The study is important in providing data for future researchers investigating eye diseases including glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Ms Bishop said she was particularly interested in the Institute’s Western Australian Eye Protection Study, commencing in 2012, which will evaluate eye protection in adolescents and adults participating in sport and outdoor activity.
To better understand the research being undertaken by LEI, Ms Bishop underwent an ophthalmic examination which assessed early damage to eyes under UV autofluorescence light.
“Ophthalmic examinations show the extent of damage caused to the eye from not wearing protection including sunglasses and a hat,” Ms Bishop said.
“Given the harsh weather conditions in Western Australia I encourage local residents to ensure they wear sunglasses this summer as well as slip, slop and slap to avoid sunburn.
“Protecting our eyes from the sun is important in limiting future eye diseases and I applaud the Lions Eye Institute on the outstanding work being undertaken.”
Researchers at the Institute are currently recruiting sporting groups to look at the frequency of early sun damage in the eye and invite clubs and outdoor sports enthusiasts to contact the Lions Eye Institute on 9381 0756.
LEI also encourages the remaining members of the Raine Study who have not yet had their eye examined to contact the Institute.
Charlotte McKnight photographs Julie Bishop’s eyes as part of the Western Australian Eye Protection Study
