Charitable donation supports eye research

Lim, from the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA)’s Clinical Trial Research Centre, received the funding as part of the Alfred Felton Bequest. The charitable foundation, established in 1903, supports the development of ideas and catalytic projects that have the potential to enhance the physical and otional health of women, children and young people in Victoria.Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of legal blindness among people of reproductive age in developed countries such as Australia. National guidelines recommend pregnant women with diabetes undertake a comprehensive eye examination in their first trimester, but less than 50% comply with this advice.Lim said although it’s thought diabetic retinopathy is exacerbated by pregnancy, there are still major gaps in the understanding of how it affects the disease.“Our project aims to improve the immediate access of pregnant diabetic patients to recommended eyecare to prevent the development of this sight-threatening disease. We are also aiming to address the knowledge gap about the effect of pregnancy on the disease so that improved treatments can be developed for this special group of patients,” Lim said.“The generous support from the Alfred Felton Bequest will allow us to progress our clinical research at CERA into optimal screening programs during pregnancy to allow critical early intervention. Behind every healthy child is a healthy mother.”