New academic roles expected to boost WA eye research

The UWA, in conjunction with its affiliate, the Lions Eye Institute (LEI), has proposed to establish the Ian Constable Chair in Discovery and Translational Ophthalmic Science. The chair will focus on new treatments for major blinding diseases such as cataract and macular degeneration and will be supported by a research team.UWA vice-chancellor Prof Paul Johnson said positions on the team would include a postdoctoral fellowship and continuous PhD program to attract leading international research scientists. [This] announcent recognises Prof Constable’s legacy during a medical career spanning almost 50 years, he said.LEI managing director Prof David Mackey added that the creation of a science-based chair and support team would boost eye research in WA. The LEI has a long history of translating scientific research into improved treatments for people with blinding eye disease, he said. There have been some major advances, such as the world’s first artificial cornea, gene therapy for macular degeneration, and dissolving tubes for the treatment of glaucoma. But the goal of saving sight continues and we need to constantly strive to develop new treatment pathways. Prof Constable said achievents by the LEI had pioneered major internationally funded programs. These translational achievents inspire us to broaden our scientific capabilities through this chair so that we can pursue other challenging blinding eye diseases, he stated.The UWA and LEI are seeking to raise $10 million to establish the role, although it was said that more than $5 million had already been raised through donations from the Australian Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness (AFPB) and supporters, including Dr Sjakon Tahija of Jakarta, Indonesia, a former clinical fellow who has been named international ambassador for the new chair.The new chair will be based at the LEI.Prof Constable’s contributionProf Constable was appointed to the Foundation Lions Chair of Ophthalmology at UWA in 1975 at the age of 32, having previously worked in retinal research at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in the US.Within two years of his arrival in WA, he had set up the state’s first ophthalmic training program. He introduced new surgical procedures for the treatment of vitro-retinal disease and spearheaded vital outreach services to rote aboriginal communities.In 1983, he founded the LEI, which is said to now be recognised internationally as a centre for clinical excellence and a leader in scientific research.Today, the LEI ploys more than 200 researchers, clinicians and support staff. It incorporates one of Australia’s largest ophthalmic practices, including a day surgery unit and a laser vision centre. The LEI also houses the Lions Eye Bank, Lions Optics, Lions Outback Vision, and the Lions Save-Sight Foundation WA.