Today, on International Women's Day, the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) hosted a special event to honor the remarkable women contributing to eye research. This event served as a platform to celebrate the advancements and contributions of talented researchers and doctors in the field of ophthalmology.
CERA, a not-for-profit Medical Research Institute located at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and closely affiliated with the University of Melbourne, stands as a beacon of excellence in eye health research. Renowned for its innovative approach, CERA is ranked #4 in the World University Rankings for Ophthalmology and serves as Australia's only WHO Collaborating Centre for the prevention of blindness.
Among the fantastic researchers and doctors at CERA are Dr. Jennifer Fan Gaskin, Principal Investigator in Ocular Fibrosis, and Professor Robyn Guymer AM, CERA's Deputy Director and Head of Macular Research. Their dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the advancements in eye health research.
My wife Jacqui Maree and I were proud to make a donation to CERA, in the knowledge that it will be used to support new research aimed at helping women with diabetes safeguard their vision during pregnancy. Our donation enabled the purchase of a state-of-the-art AI-assisted portable camera, unveiled at CERA's International Women's Day celebrations.
Led by Professor Lyndell Lim and Associate Professor Andrew Symons, the research aims to provide innovative ways for women with diabetes to monitor their eye health during pregnancy, reducing the risks associated with sight-threatening eye diseases. The study will introduce a streamlined approach to provide eye screenings to pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes, ensuring timely assessments and necessary referrals.
This groundbreaking research will have a profound impact on improving the eye health outcomes for women with diabetes. As we commemorate International Women's Day 2024, let us recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in eye research, driving innovative advancements in preserving vision and enhancing eye health for all.
