This issue is focused on inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) – a diverse group of conditions leading to vision loss due to genetic factors – including retinitis pigmentosa, choroideremia, Stargardt’s disease and Usher syndrome.

In our lead story, para-triathlete Maggie opens up about the challenges of living with Usher syndrome, and the opportunities it’s presenting.

We also delve into our cutting-edge research aimed at developing new treatments for IRDs. Discover the latest from our Genetic Engineering team on RNA editing, our collaboration to identify new genetic causes of IRDs and the advancements made by our bionic eye research team.

Excitingly, we introduce Cerulea Clinical Trials, our new not-for-profit centre that will expand access to new treatments, including gene therapies, through clinical trials.

Finally, this Spring edition sees the launch of our fifth annual Hope in Sight Giving Day appeal, which culminates on World Sight Day on 10 October.

It takes teamwork to make the dream work. That’s why, once again, every gift CERA receives during the appeal will be tripled up to the total value of $150,000. That means a donation of $50 transforms into $150 towards our groundbreaking research into improved understanding of and treatments for IRDs.

Thank you to the generous anonymous donor and CERA Foundation who are providing matched funding for the appeal.

Together, with your support, we can put hope in sight.

Professor Keith Martin
Managing Director
Centre for Eye Research Australia

Teamwork is powering Maggie Sandles through challenges and towards her dreams of Paralympic gold.

Researchers at CERA are working to expand gene therapy technology to increase the number of treatments for blindness-causing genetic disorders.

New research is working to find the specific cause of not-yet-understood inherited retinal diseases.

A clinical trial of Australia’s ‘second generation’ bionic eye has shown ‘substantial improvement’ in participants’ functional vision and quality of life.

Cerulea Clinical Trials, CERA’s new clinical trials centre, will bring people living with vision loss and blindness early access to sight-saving therapies.

Keith Teirney, 74, lives with glaucoma, leads an active life and supports CERA through community fundraising.