Research
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness in NZ. Glaucoma describes a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve – the delicate structure at the back of the eye, which transmits visual impulses from the eye to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve can lead to loss of vision or even complete blindness.
Often called the ‘sneak thief of sight’, most people with glaucoma experience no symptoms in the early stages, because vision loss is gradual and affects the peripheral (side) vision. Glaucoma is usually detected through an eye examination. When treated at an early stage, the vast majority of patients with glaucoma will avoid going blind.
Neurological Disease
Neurological diseases are diseases in which cells and nervous system connections stop working or die. These connections are essential for mobility, coordination, strength, sensation and cognition. Concussion, traumatic brain injury, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and schizophrenia are some of the major neurological conditions in NZ.
Neurological conditions can get worse over time and often have no cure. They may be genetic or be caused by a tumour or stroke. Vision Research Foundation aims to use novel approaches to identify the genetic, cellular and chemical basis of these diseases to develop and assess new treatment strategies.
Oculomics
Unlike anywhere else in the body, the eye offers a unique opportunity to observe nerve and blood vessel systems. Many diseases show changes within the eye, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, inflammatory diseases, kidney disease and neurological conditions. Sometimes the changes in the eye are the first signs of disease.
‘Oculomics’ is the association of biomarkers within the eye with systemic health and disease. Vision Research Foundation seeks to use the eye’s unique position as a window to the brain and body to further our understanding of eye-body relationships and support the development of new diagnostic and prognostic tools through non-invasive means.
Community Engagement
Significant health inequities exist in NZ. Māori and Pacific are under-represented in the science workforce. Women are also under-represented in research, which limits research outputs.
Vision Research Foundation is committed to raising awareness, promoting diversity, and reducing discrimination and inequities by facilitating high-quality research as well as working in schools, universities and the community. Our work aims to empower patients, clinicians and under-served communities, and to improve medical and research culture. We work with key stakeholders on community projects to provide evidence for interventions that address health inequities.
Research Pathways
Bench to Bedside
Vertical integration of research - taking innovations from the laboratory to the clinic.
Cutting Edge Technology
Integrating leading innovations and technological advances into research which can be translated into improving patient care.
Build Capacity
Development of the next generation of researchers with an emphasis on giving effect to Vision Mātauranga.
Clinical Transformation
Discovering treatments that make a difference in the lives of patients.
Basic Science Research
Explore the underlying mechanisms of the optic nerve retinal ganglion cells and how they respond to injury.