For the second consecutive year Professor Jamie Craig, Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor and head of ophthalmology at Flinders University, has been nominated for the prestigious SA Scientist of the Year.
Prof Craig, a leading glaucoma researcher, developed a groundbreaking saliva test to identify patients at high genetic risk for the disease. He is also conducting trials on laser treatments to prevent vision loss in at-risk individuals.
This genetic risk score is now in clinical use throughout Australia, ensuring high-risk individuals receive effective sight saving treatment before irreversible vision loss can occur.
Together with his team, he partnered with industry to develop genetic tests for guiding glaucoma detection and management. SA Pathology was the first site in Australia to offer this test, which is now available in eight countries. To date, over 4,000 tests have been performed in South Australia, with more than 4,500 people tested worldwide.
Prof Craig’s research, funded by a $2.9 million MRFF Genomics Health Futures Grant announced in 2023, aims to improve the triage and monitoring processes for early-stage glaucoma patients within the health system.
He said it was an honour to be recognised for his research endeavours among a group of talented scientists contributing towards life-changing research.
“Glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness and is influenced by family genetics, affecting an estimated 80 million people globally, including 300,000 Australians over the age of 40. Our research team at Flinders is ensuring thousands of treatable cases don’t go undetected and people are treated before damage and vision loss are irreversible,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to be a finalist again in the SA Scientist of the Year category. This nomination is an acknowledgement of the tireless work our research team is undertaking to improve people’s lives and provides inspiration to continue our pursuit of effectively detecting and treating causes of blindness.”
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Flinders University to trial SLT for high risk glaucoma patients in world first
