Retinal Research Group

The Retinal Research Group, led by Clinical Associate Professor Gerald Liew at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) and the University of Sydney, is dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, and treatment of retinal diseases. The group specializes in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vascular diseases, integrating cutting-edge clinical research with innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Key Research Areas
  1. Macular Degeneration (AMD):
    Investigating mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential cause of AMD. The group’s current project examines blood and DNA samples from individuals with and without AMD to identify biomarkers of mitochondrial function. These insights aim to develop targeted treatments and improve early identification of high-risk individuals.
  2. Diabetic Retinopathy and Cardiovascular Disease:
    Exploring the link between retinal microvascular remodeling and systemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
  3. Vision and Healthy Aging:
    Examining risk factors and interventions to improve outcomes for patients with vision loss due to aging and retinal diseases.
Research Techniques
  • Clinical Trials: Evaluating new treatments and diagnostic methods for retinal diseases.
  • Epidemiology: Leveraging population-based studies like the Blue Mountains Eye Study to explore associations between retinal health, systemic diseases, and lifestyle factors.
  • Advanced Imaging: Developing deep learning-based image quality assessment for optical coherence tomography (OCT) macular scans.
  • Risk Factor Assessment: Identifying genetic and environmental factors contributing to retinal disease progression.

Recent Achievements

  • Macular Disease Foundation Funding:  Investigating mitochondrial dysfunction in macular degeneration – towards new treatments and biomarkers.
  • Mitochondrial Dysfunction in AMD: Advanced understanding of mitochondrial biomarkers in AMD, paving the way for early diagnostic tools and novel treatments.
  • Retinal Imaging Innovations: Published multicenter studies on deep learning techniques for OCT image quality assessment, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
  • Vision and Systemic Disease: Demonstrated associations between retinal changes and systemic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and aging.
  • Dr Yasemin Kapuku: Research Officer

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