Research to Combat Blindness

The Macular Degeneration Foundation is investing in major research to find reasons and answers so that all Australians can see a future.

The inaugural Macular Degeneration Foundation Research Grants Program has, on World Sight Day, awarded pre-eminent world leading researchers nearly three-quarters of a million dollars to support crucial research to shed light on prevention and early detection in order to save the sight of many Australians.

Announcing the grant winners at Admiralty House in Sydney today, Governor-General of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, CVO, said "The work of the Macular Degeneration Foundation is critical in raising public awareness of macular degeneration and slowing its prevalence. The Macular Degeneration Foundation, a charity, relies on much community support in spreading the message. "It has achieved mighty outcomes during its short existence and Australia is now a world leader in public awareness of macular degeneration," she said.

The recipients of the major grants are:

Professor Paul Mitchell Director Centre for Vision Research Westmead Millennium Institute, the University of Sydney.

Professor Robyn Guymer Deputy Director Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne.

Other investigators:

Prof Greg Hageman, Associate Professor Paul Baird and Dr Chi Luu

In addition, the Blackmores Dr Paul Beaumont Fellowship is awarded to:

Dr Liubov Robman Senior Research Fellow Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne

Click here to read more about the recipients and their research

Click here to download the media release

Click here to see the Australia-wide advertising campaign

12 October 2011