CERA asks for contributions to help cure inheritable disorders

Australia’s leading ophthalmic research institute has launched the appeal on behalf of Dr Thomas Edwards, an ophthalmologist at the Royal Victorian Ear and Eye Hospital who is focusing on gene therapy as a way of treating diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.“Through my research, I know that the best prospect for a cure for inherited retinal disorders lies in gene therapy. During my time at Oxford, I learned how to perform the latest retinal surgery techniques. Now that I am back in Melbourne at CERA, I want to combine my clinical and research skills to develop new treatments for incurable inherited eye diseases in Australia,” Thomas said.“My hope is that we will soon be entering an era where, for the first time, a treatment exists for patients with incurable inherited retinal degeneration that halts or even reverses vision loss.”According to CERA, retinitis pigmentosa is ideal for testing the impact of gene therapy because there is a solid understanding of the genetics of this condition.“Until recently, someone with retinitis pigmentosa was deed incurable,” managing director of CERA Professor Jonathan Crowston, said, adding, “But with the advent of gene therapy and Tom’s work, treatment is a possibility.”CERA is hoping the donations will help it establish the first Australian clinical gene therapy trial for an inherited retinal eye disorder.Donations can be made here.