Transforming Eye Health and AVR’s Impact on Vision Research

Professor Stephanie Watson OAM

Professor Stephanie Watson, chair of Australian Vision Research (AVR), discusses the transformative power of ophthalmology and the critical work being done by AVR. She highlights how vision is one of the most important senses, and losing it can drastically impact quality of life. Through groundbreaking research supported by AVR, patients’ lives are being improved with innovative treatments. Professor Watson emphasises that the research funded by AVR has supported a broad range of areas, from public health to ophthalmic innovations, and how continuous support can drive new discoveries. She stresses that donations to AVR not only advance research but also change the lives of patients and researchers alike, ultimately creating a global impact in vision science.

Video Transcript

Hello, I’m Professor Stephanie Watson. I’m chair of Australian Vision Research.

(What sets ophthalmology apart from other fields of medicine?)

Ophthalmology really provides the opportunity to transform people’s lives.

Vision is probably the most important sense.  And for people that lose their vision or suffer with eye diseases, it can have big impacts on their quality of life. Being an ophthalmologist, I’m fortunate to be able to make a difference, and help people to improve their quality of life through their vision.

(What are some of the contributions made by Australian Vision Research?

The most important contribution AVR has made to ophthalmology is not just supporting the research, but through supporting researchers.  Recipients of our earlier grants are now established clinician scientists or scientists working in vision science.

(What sets Australian Vission Research apart?)

Australian Vision Research aims to support the best quality ophthalmic research from Australian researchers. Our peer-review process enables us to find really high-quality work, and I hope that we can continue to support such work.

 We’ve funded a broad range of areas in ophthalmic research. But overall, I hope we can continue to fund high-quality work that we have to date.

(What is your message to AVR supporters and stakeholders?)

In Australia, ophthalmic research tends to be underfunded, yet worldwide, we’re punching above our weight. With the help of donors, we can really transform not just our research, but also the lives of our researchers and our patients most importantly.  

I would say that giving towards ophthalmic research actually pays back—pays back in terms of the further funding that the researchers can generate. But also the ideas that they can come up with and new treatments that can be used to transform people’s lives.

(How leaving a bequest can help to support Australian Vision Research?)

Australian Vision Research has received bequests in the past, and these bequests have really enabled the continued funding of research for periods of time.  Through a bequest, the support can be used to provide for a range of ophthalmic research initiatives and a range of researchers. This enables the research efforts of all Australian ophthalmic researchers to be supported and expanded.

With the ultimate aim of finding solutions that will give our patients better treatments and also bring new knowledge.