Glaucoma, characterised by progressive neurodegeneration of the optic nerve and loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.
Despite the availability of effective IOP-lowering treatments, many patients still experience vision loss.
So, how do we protect RCG? That is the question the recipient of Glaucoma Australia’s ‘Quinlivan’ Research Grant seeks to answer.
Glaucoma Australia and its Patron, the Governor-General of Australia, Sam Mostyn, this week awarded the 2024 Glaucoma Australia Quinlivan research grant to Associate Professor Andrew White (pictured, right) from the Centre for Vision Research at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR).
“Sight is precious, and an Australia free from glaucoma blindness is an important goal. Glaucoma Australia’s support of innovative research is a hand of hope to everyone affected by glaucoma,” the Governor-General said.
“Andrew has made his mark as a passionate advocate for the glaucoma community. He has devoted decades of research to identifying safer and more effective treatments for glaucoma – and improving outcomes for glaucoma patients. His work is an act of care and commitment that represents the very best of our nation.”
A/Prof Andrew White, a clinical scientist ophthalmologist specialising in glaucoma, brings credibility with his extensive clinical trial experience and leadership in vision research. His innovative work in glaucoma detection, treatment, and various clinical trials, including depot latanoprost and a novel neuroprotective agent, retinal photography for disease diagnosis in emergency departments (FOTO-ED) underscores his expertise.
A/Prof White’s innovative project will focus on the development of Irbesartan as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and management of glaucoma.
A/Prof White states that “Over the next five years, our research vision focuses on revolutionising the management of open-angle glaucoma through precision medicine”.
“This drug has been on the market since 1998. It’s a really good anti-inflammatory which has the potential to protect important retinal eye cells from dying. That could go a long way towards preserving sight in a lot of glaucoma cases.
“Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Australia,” he says. “We’ve got a lot of fairly effective treatments that revolve around reducing pressure in the eye. But for about one in five people with glaucoma, they don’t work.
“This research is about the 20% of people who can get worse with the current glaucoma
treatments and progress to lifelong blindness,” he said.
From his own clinical experience, Assoc Prof White says he understands the urgent need to find new treatment alternatives for glaucoma.
“When people can’t see, especially as they get older, they can’t work, they’re a risk of falls, their quality of life suffers, and they need a lot of looking after.”
“I hope to prevent a lot of that by keeping people seeing as long as possible.”
This research addresses a critical need in glaucoma treatment, focusing not just on reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) but also on neuroprotection for retinal ganglion cells (RGC), for which no pharmacological therapies currently exist. This dual approach could significantly enhance treatment outcomes for glaucoma patients, particularly those unresponsive to current IOP-lowering therapies alone.
Glaucoma Australia CEO, Adam Check said, “Associate Professor White has long been a
passionate advocate for the glaucoma community underpinned by his empathetic and innovative pursuit to advance glaucoma treatments for patients. As a staunch champion for the services delivered by Glaucoma Australia, it is a privilege to award this grant, on behalf of the glaucoma community. I congratulate him wholeheartedly”.
The Glaucoma Australia ‘Quinlivan’ research grants are awarded following rigorous evaluation, based largely on the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) process, along with peer review, to ensure that the successful applicants meet the highest standards. Submissions are reviewed by the Glaucoma Australia Independent Research Panel consisting of internationally recognised experts in glaucoma research including the fields of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Pharmacy.
The research funds would not be possible without the generous gifts of donors who support Glaucoma Australia’s William A. Quinlivan Research Fund.
For over 20 years, this research has played an integral role in developing improvements in eye health and glaucoma treatments. Contributions to the ongoing research are welcomed by making a tax-deductible donation to Glaucoma Australia.