The Lions Eye Institute (LEI) is celebrating two major milestones in 2023: its 40th anniversary of saving and restoring the sight of Western Australians, and one million patient visits since the institute first started treating patients.
The organisation was founded by Professor Ian Constable AO in 1983. He was recruited to Australia from Boston, US, and was attracted to the role as he could see the significant need for improved eye healthcare in Western Australia.
“When I arrived in 1975, eye surgery was not universally available. Patients had to travel interstate for some conditions. Rural and remote services were very limited,” Constable said.
At the time, Perth-based Lions clubs had established and were running a successful Glaucoma Detection Clinic, operated from a now-iconic caravan. The clubs went on to form the Lions Save-Sight Foundation WA to expand on this work, resulting in LEI as its known today.
Over the years, the leadership baton has passed from Constable to Professor David Mackey AO and then to current managing director Professor Bill Morgan.
As a not-for-profit organisation, ongoing philanthropic support has been the cornerstone of LEI, leading to major discoveries, breakthroughs and inventions.
Some of these include:
- Inventing the first soft artificial cornea
- Discovering gene therapy to treat wet age-related macular degeneration
- Inventing the XEN Gel Stent, the most used surgical glaucoma implant in the world, and the Virna Glaucoma Drainage Device, an affordable treatment for glaucoma used in Indonesia
- Creating the Barrett Universal II Formula used in cataract surgery
- Pioneering the central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) bypass laser surgery procedure, a world-first cure for CRVO
- Making a significant scientific discovery into cytomegalovirus infections, which was awarded the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Scientific Research.
“Over the last 40 years, the Lions Eye Institute has discovered many new sight-saving treatments and therapies,” Morgan said.
“This is largely due to the ability of our medical researchers to work closely with our ophthalmologists, some of whom are researchers themselves, to ensure that patients receive the best possible and most advanced treatment available.
“However, none of this would be possible without the early and ongoing support of Lions clubs, the Lions Save-Sight Foundation WA, federal and state governments and the generosity of philanthropic supporters. Many have been on the journey with us ever since.”
MIGS device ‘changed my life’
For people living with glaucoma, the invention of the XEN Gel Stent has saved sight and changed lives. Co-invented by Morgan and Professor Dao-Yi Yu AM, the device was one of the first commercially available minimally invasive surgical devices (MIGS) to treat glaucoma.
One grateful recipient of the XEN Gel Stent is Jill, a patient of Morgan’s.
“In 2002 an ophthalmologist confirmed I had glaucoma, and advised me to see Professor Bill Morgan, who specialises in glaucoma. At the time, I was 54 years old and worried I might have to retire early,” she said.
“Professor Morgan initially treated me with drops but they didn’t work. I was then asked to be involved in a clinical trial for what is now known as the XEN Gel Stent. I am so grateful to the Lions Eye Institute. The XEN Gel Stents changed my life.”
Morgan said uncovering advances in treatments such as XEN were the driving force behind the LEI’s significant and ongoing commitment to world-class medical research and its translation into clinical practice.
“Often referred to as the most valued of our senses, sight is a gift to be treasured,” he said.
“The need has never been greater for the Lions Eye Institute to discover new treatments and cures for eye diseases, in order to provide better vision for all. We have a strong focus on the future eyecare needs of Western Australians and beyond.”
LEI in 2023
Since its beginnings on the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre in Nedlands, LEI has opened clinics in Murdoch, Midland and Broome.
In 2013, it introduced Lions Outback Vision to provide eye health care to the state’s remote, rural and Indigenous communities. Over the decades, LEI has undertaken clinical and research work in neighbouring countries such as Indonesia.
LEI also comprises a day surgery, Lions Eye Bank, Lions Laser Vision, a Clinical Trials Centre, optometry clinic and research laboratories.
Over four decades, the institute has grown to now:
- See up to 80,000 patients across Western Australia each year
- Undertake more than 70 clinical trials per annum
- Employ approximately 300 people
- Facilitate approximately 400 corneal and scleral transplants per annum
- Receive up to $5 million in donated gifts each year.
In recent years LEI has partnered with The University of Western Australia to establish the state’s first optometry school. The institute is also expanding research capacity with the appointment of two new professorial chair positions. These collaborations support LEI’s commitment to teaching the next generation of eye healthcare professionals.
The Lions Eye Institute’s 40th anniversary is being celebrated throughout 2023 lei.org.au/40-years.
More reading
Lions Eye Institute opens permanent clinic in Perth’s east
Lions Eye Institute appoints first-ever CEO
Lions Outback Vision officially opens Kimberley Eye Hub in Broome
