Applications for the Future Vision Foundation’s (FVF) 2025 research grants are now open.
The FVF, a not-for-profit initiative established by Vision Eye Institute in 2021, supports research that advances ophthalmic care in Australia as well as globally.
A media release said that since 2021 the FVF had supported nearly 40 projects, including research into using surgically discarded tissue to help bioengineer corneal tissue, further simplifying AMD progression risk model, and the use of automated text messaging for following up patients after surgery.
Those projects included:
- Feasibility of portable perimeters in an eye emergency department setting.
Principal investigator: Dr Neera Jain, Sydney Eye Hospital.
Presentations/publications: Australia and New Zealand Glaucoma Society Meeting 2024 (Dr Jain awarded Best Trainee Presentation); Optometry Connection Magazine March 2024; RANZCO Congress 2024.
This pilot study evaluated three new TGA-approved, portable visual field devices (laptop- or VR-based programs) in a Sydney emergency department. Each device showed promise in usability, accessibility, and integration into clinical workflows. Most patients favoured portable perimetry over standard automated perimetry. While Humphrey Visual Field testing remains the gold standard for glaucoma monitoring, portable devices offer a useful alternative in screening and remote care for low-risk, early-stage glaucoma patients. Read more.
- Using surgically discarded tissue for the fabrication of optically transparent endothelium for more surgical potentials.
Principal investigator: Prof Gerard Sutton, Vision Eye Institute.
Presentations/publications: International Society of Eye Research XXV Biennial Meeting 2023; Australian and New Zealand Corneal Society and Eye Bank Conference 2023; Insights in Collagen I and IV manufacture for bioengineering (submitted to journal); Bioengineering of basement membrane layers with Col-IV biomaterial (submitted to journal).
FVF said this research team developed a world-first method to extract pure collagen type IV from human lens capsule tissue that would otherwise be discarded post eye surgery. The collagen could then be used as the main ingredient for further bioengineered corneal tissue. This breakthrough offered a promising alternative to donor corneal tissue, potentially improving access to vision-restoring surgery for millions of patients worldwide. It was also a critical precursor step to the team being awarded a $35 million Medical Research Future Fund grant (the largest grant for an eye treatment in Australian history). Read more.
· Proposal of a simpler eye-level risk model incorporating reticular pseudodrusen for the clinical prediction of late age-related macular degeneration.
Principal investigator: Dr Matt Trinh, University of New South Wales.
Presentations/publications: ARVO Annual Meeting 2025; Clinical Exp Ophthalmology, July 2025.
This retrospective cohort study of 269 participants with early/intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over seven years introduced an abridged, eye-level version of the updated simplified AREDS risk model for predicting progression to late AMD. By focusing on key biomarkers such as large drusen, pigmentary abnormalities, reticular pseudodrusen in the primary eye, and late AMD in the fellow eye, the model reduced risk categories without sacrificing predictive accuracy. This eye-level risk stratification may improve clinical efficiency. Read more.
· Pilot post-surgery automated text follow-up program: characteristics, acceptability and role in ophthalmic patient care.
Principal investigator: Ms Gabriela Kalofonos, Forest Road Day Surgery.
Presentations/publications: Australian Ophthalmic Nurses’ Association Conference 2024 (oral presentation); RANZCO Congress 2024.
This nurse-led pilot study tested patient acceptability and usability of an automated text system for post-operative contact following routine cataract surgery. Nearly half of the 306 patients responded positively to the text message. The lack of response in the other half of patients was still considered positive, as confirmed by the absence of any issues during the clinical follow-up. These findings suggested a further opportunity in streamlining patient care and nurse utility, with the potential to increase time for direct patient care. Further analysis of non-responses and program expansion was ongoing. Read more.
- Analysis of toric intraocular lens rotation calculations for residual astigmatism post cataract surgery.
Principal investigator: Dr Lydia Zhou, Royal North Shore Hospital.
Presentations/publications: European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Congress 2023 (gold award for best poster); RANZCO Congress 2024.
Despite advances in technology, calculation of post-operative refractive outcome remains an estimate and residual refractive error may occur, especially in the presence of prior corneal surgery or irregularity. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of rotating toric IOLs to correct residual astigmatism using an existing nomogram after cataract surgery. Patients showed significant visual improvement, averaging a 3-line gain in UDVA and reduced astigmatism post-rotation. Toric IOL rotation to the optimal axis involves minimal intraocular involvement and risks, with results indicating this represents a potential enhancement option for patients with suboptimal visual outcomes. Read more.
Applications for the foundation’s 2025 research grants are now open until 20 October, 2025.
Those keen to know more can visit futurevisionfoundation.com.au for more information.
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