A NSW Government website

Off

Ophthalmology Research

The ophthalmology department is one of the largest ophthalmological teaching units in Australia and provides quaternary level care to patients with the diseases of the eye and visual system. The team of 15 specialist eye surgeons undertake more than 500 operations and deliver care to more than 4,000 ambulatory care patients annually, along with providing extensive consultations to other disciplines and patients at RPA.

Our Key Research Themes

  • Reconstruction techniques and outcomes
  • Adult ocular adnexal rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Neuro-ophthalmology of invasive fungal sinusitis.

Selected Grants

Amount awarded Grant and project details
$25,000,000 National Medical Research Council (Singapore), 2022-2027
Large Centre Grant Glaucoma. Tackling and Reducing Glaucoma Blindness with Emerging Technologies (TARGET). 
Investigators: Tin, Schmetterer, Perera, Wong, Crowston, Lamoureux. - Crowston- Theme CI.
$7,500,000 National Research Foundation (Singapore), 2021-2026
Developing Hyperspectral OCT as a clinical test to detect neural dysfunction in degenerative diseases of the optic nerve and retina.
Investigators: Schmetterer L, Crowston J, Torok P.

Our Publications

2024

Niederer RL, Samalia PD, Chen YH, Goh JK, Cornish EE, Guest S, McCluskey PJ, Lim LL, Sims JL, Lightman S, Tomkins-Netzer O. Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy: clinical presentation and risk of stroke and transient ischaemic attack. Br J Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb 21;108(3):398-404. doi: 10.1136/bjo-2022-321517.
Dutta Majumder P, Agarwal S, Shah M, Srinivasan B, K P, Iyer G, Sharma N, Biswas J, McCluskey P. Necrotizing Scleritis: A Review. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2024 Sep;32(7):1405-1419. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2206898. Epub 2023 Jun 6.
Thng ZX, Putera I, Testi I, Chan K, Westcott M, Chee SP, Dick AD, Kempen JH, Bodaghi B, Thorne JE, Barisani-Asenbauer T, de Smet MD, Smith JR, McCluskey P, La Distia Nora R, Jabs DA, de Boer JH, Sen HN, Goldstein DA, Khairallah M, Davis JL, Rosenbaum JT, Jones NP, Nguyen QD, Pavesio C, Agrawal R, Gupta V; TITAN consensus guidelines group. The Infectious Uveitis Treatment Algorithm Network (TITAN) Report 1-global current practice patterns for the management of Herpes Simplex Virus and Varicella Zoster Virus anterior uveitis. Eye (Lond). 2024 Jan;38(1):61-67. doi: 10.1038/s41433-023-02630-9. Epub 2023 Jul 7.
Thng ZX, Putera I, Testi I, Chan K, Westcott M, Chee SP, Dick AD, Kempen JH, Bodaghi B, Thorne JE, Barisani-Asenbauer T, de Smet MD, Smith JR, McCluskey P, La Distia Nora R, Jabs DA, de Boer JH, Sen HN, Goldstein DA, Khairallah M, Davis JL, Rosenbaum JT, Jones NP, Nguyen QD, Pavesio C, Agrawal R, Gupta V; TITAN consensus guidelines group. The Infectious Uveitis Treatment Algorithm Network (TITAN) Report 2-global current practice patterns for the management of Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis. Eye (Lond). 2024 Jan;38(1):68-75. doi: 10.1038/s41433-023-02631-8. Epub 2023 Jul 7.
International Vitreoretinal B-Cell Lymphoma Registry Investigator Group. Presentation, Diagnostic Testing and Initial Treatment of Vitreoretinal Lymphoma. Ophthalmol Retina. 2024 Jan;8(1):72-80. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.08.012. Epub 2023 Aug 28.
Chrysostomou V, Bell KC, Ng SW, Suresh S, Karthik G, Millet M, Chung Y, Crowston JG. A new model of axon degeneration in the mouse optic nerve using repeat intraocular pressure challenge. Exp Eye Res. 2024 Jan;238:109722. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109722. Epub 2023 Nov 10.
Huang-Lung J, Chun Ho K, Lung T, Palagyi A, McCluskey P, White AJ, Boufous S, Keay L. Healthcare costs following falls and cataract surgery in older adults using Australian linked health data from 2012-2019. Public Health Res Pract. 2024 Jun 19;34(2):33342311. doi: 10.17061/phrp33342311.
Chua AW, Chua MJ, Harrisberg BP, Kumar CM. Retinal artery occlusion after ophthalmic surgery under regional anaesthesia: A narrative review. Anaesth Intensive Care. 2024 Mar;52(2):82-90. doi: 10.1177/0310057X231215826. Epub 2023 Dec 2.
Patterson TJ, Kedzierski A, McKinney D, Ritson J, McLean C, Gu W, Colyer M, McClellan SF, Miller SC, Justin GA, Hoskin AK, Cavuoto K, Leong J, Rousselot Ascarza A, Woreta FA, Miller KE, Caldwell MC, Gensheimer WG, Williamson T, Dhawahir-Scala F, Shah P, Coombes A, Sundar G, Mazzoli RA, Woodcock M, Watson SL, Kuhn F, Halliday S, Gomes RSM, Agrawal R, Blanch RJ. The Risk of Sympathetic Ophthalmia Associated with Open-Globe Injury Management Strategies: A Meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2024 May;131(5):557-567. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.12.006. Epub 2023 Dec 10.
Norman E, Fraser C, Lawlor M, Sammel A. A low Southend Giant Cell Arteritis Probability Score negates the need for a temporal artery biopsy in general and eye hospital cohorts. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2024 May 3;63(6):e170-e171. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead698.
Tran L, Vo J, Bell K, Perera S, Crowston J. Does Bevacizumab Improve Outcomes After Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation for Refractory Glaucoma?: A Meta-Analysis. J Glaucoma. 2024 Jun 1;33(6):444-455. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000002357. Epub 2024 Jan 9.
Airaldi M, Monteduro D, Tondini G, Pichi F, De Simone L, Cornish E, Casalino G, Zicarelli F, Oldani M, Staurenghi G, McCluskey P, Cimino L, Invernizzi A. Immunomodulatory Treatment Versus Systemic Steroids in Inflammatory Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Idiopathic Multifocal Choroiditis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2024 Jun;262:62-72. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.01.006. Epub 2024 Jan 14.
Broadhead GK, Grigg J, McCluskey PJ, Hong T, Schlub TE, Chu E, Chang AA. Saffron therapy for the ongoing treatment of age-related macular degeneration. BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2024 Mar 13;9(1):e001399. doi: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001399.
Loreto A, Merlini E, Coleman MP. Programmed axon death: a promising target for treating retinal and optic nerve disorders. Eye (Lond). 2024 Jul;38(10):1802-1809. doi: 10.1038/s41433-024-03025-0. Epub 2024 Mar 27.
Lawlor M, Huynh B, Humphreys K, Ogunbowale L, Kopelman MD, Plant GT. Observational cohort study of 100 patients presenting with functional visual loss: clinical characteristics and comparison with other functional neurologic disorders. Can J Ophthalmol. 2024 Dec;59(6):e727-e736. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2024.02.018. Epub 2024 Apr 2. 
Trewin BP, Dale RC, Qiu J, Chu M, Jeyakumar N, Dela Cruz F, Andersen J, Siriratnam P, Ma KKM, Hardy TA, van der Walt A, Lechner-Scott J, Butzkueven H, Broadley SA, Barnett MH, Reddel SW, Brilot F, Kalincik T, Ramanathan S; Australasian MOGAD Study Group. Oral corticosteroid dosage and taper duration at onset in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease influences time to first relapse. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2024 Oct 16;95(11):1054-1063. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2024-333463.
Arnould L, Balsat E, Hashimoto Y, White A, Kong G, Dunn H, Fan L, Gabrielle PH, Bron AM, Creuzot-Garcher CP, Lawlor M. Two-year outcomes of Xen 45 gel stent implantation in patients with open-angle glaucoma: real-world data from the Fight Glaucoma Blindness registry. Br J Ophthalmol. 2024 Nov 22;108(12):1672-1678. doi: 10.1136/bjo-2023-325077. 
Fraser JA, Costello F, Hamann S; Optic Disc Drusen Studies (ODDS) Consortium. PHOMS: An apt and accurate acronym. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol (Engl Ed). 2024 Oct;99(10):464-466. doi: 10.1016/j.oftale.2024.06.012. Epub 2024 Jun 21. 
Reid GA, Halmagyi GM, Whyte C, McCluskey PJ. Ocular vs neurosyphilis. are they the same? A guide to investigation and management. Eye (Lond). 2024 Aug;38(12):2337-2349. doi: 10.1038/s41433-024-03150-w. Epub 2024 Jun 24. 
Tan JCK, Hashimoto Y, Gabrielle PH, Garcher CC, White A, Dunn H, Walland M, Wechsler D, Arnould L, Lawlor M. Outcomes and Baseline Predictors of Failure in Primary Standalone Xen45 Gel Stent versus Trabeculectomy for Glaucoma. Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2024 Nov-Dec;7(6):539-550. doi: 10.1016/j.ogla.2024.07.002. Epub 2024 Jul 14.
Tribble JR, Jöe M, Varricchio C, Otmani A, Canovai A, Habchi B, Daskalakis E, Chaleckis R, Loreto A, Gilley J, Wheelock CE, Jóhannesson G, Wong RCB, Coleman MP, Brancale A, Williams PA. NMNAT2 is a druggable target to drive neuronal NAD production. Nat Commun. 2024 Jul 24;15(1):6256. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-50354-5. Erratum in: Nat Commun. 2024 Sep 17;15(1):8143. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-52439-7.
Reynolds M, Tan I, Nguyen K, Merheb V, Lee FXZ, Trewin BP, Lerch M, Shah S, Wolfe N, Buzzard K, Lechner-Scott J, Fabis-Pedrini M, Fok A, John N, Kneebone C, Yiannikas C, Brown DA, Kermode AG, Reddel S, Dale RC, Brilot F, Ramanathan S; Australasian MOGAD Study Group. The clinical relevance of MOG antibody testing in cerebrospinal fluid. Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2024 Sep;11(9):2514-2519. doi: 10.1002/acn3.52163. Epub 2024 Jul 28.
McMaster D, Halliday S, Bapty J, McClellan SF, Miller SC, Justin GA, Agrawal R, Hoskin AK, Cavuoto K, Leong J, Ascarza AR, Woreta FA, Cason J, Miller KE, Caldwell MC, Gensheimer WG, Williamson TH, Dhawahir-Scala F, Shah P, Coombes A, Sundar G, Mazzoli RA, Woodcock M, Watson SL, Kuhn F, Colyer M, Gomes RS, Blanch RJ. Temporary Keratoprosthesis and Primary Corneal Graft for Ocular Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2024 Dec;268:378-387. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.09.025. Epub 2024 Sep 28.
Bastani Viarsagh S, Agar A, Lawlor M, Fraser C, Golzan M. Non-invasive assessment of intracranial pressure through the eyes: current developments, limitations, and future directions. Front Neurol. 2024 Oct 23;15:1442821. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1442821.
Huynh B, Clement C, Nguyen V, O'Hagan S, Howes F, Macken P, Manning D, Lim R, Lusthaus J, Lawlor M. 12-month Safety and Efficacy Outcomes of a Standalone Trabecular Bypass Device. J Curr Glaucoma Pract. 2024 Jul-Sep;18(3):103-109. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10078-1447. Epub 2024 Oct 29.
McMaster D, Halliday S, Hussain SF, Kempapidis T, Bush LS, Colyer M, McClellan SF, Miller S, Justin G, Agrawal R, Hoskin AK, Cavuoto K, Leong J, Rousselot Ascarza AM, Woreta FA, Cason J, Miller K, Caldwell MC, Gensheimer W, Williamson TH, Dhawahir-Scala F, Shah P, Coombes A, Sundar G, Mazzoli R, Woodcock M, Watson SL, Kuhn F, Gomes RSM, Blanch RJ. Early versus delayed timing of vitrectomy after open-globe injury. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024 Nov 29;11(11):CD016086. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD016086.
Suresh S, Karthik G, Ouyang JF, Chrysostomou V, Tang SA, Petretto E, Crowston JG, Bell KC. SenMayo transcriptomic senescence panel highlights glial cells in the ageing mouse and human retina. NPJ Aging. 2024 Nov 30;10(1):60. doi: 10.1038/s41514-024-00187-9.
Huynh B, Kibret G, Wechsler D, Lee A, Lim R, Clement C, Lawlor M. Correction: Outcomes of iStent inject combined with cataract surgery in Asian eyes: Australian data from the Fight Glaucoma Blindness international registry. Int Ophthalmol. 2024 Dec 10;45(1):5. doi: 10.1007/s10792-024-03274-8. Erratum for: Int Ophthalmol. 2024 Apr 25;44(1):200. doi: 10.1007/s10792-024-03104-x.
Korb CA, Gerstenberger E, Lorenz K, Bell K, Beck A, Scheller Y, Beutgen VM, Wolters D, Grus FH. Correlation of Functional and Structural Outcomes with Serum Antibody Profiles in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated with Ranibizumab and Healthy Subjects: A Prospective, Controlled Monocenter Trial. J Clin Med. 2024 Nov 21;13(23):7033. doi: 10.3390/jcm13237033.
Klejn A, McCluskey PJ. Inflammatory arthritis and ocular complications: an overview. Med Today. 2024;25(11):51–61.
Lightman, S, Jabs, DA, McCluskey, P, Netzer, OT. (2024). Perspective on uveitis diagnosis and management in 2024. Oftalmolog 2024; 44(1):15-19.
Loreto A, Cramb KML, McDermott LA, Antoniou C, Cirilli I, Caiazza MC, Merlini E, Arthur-Farraj P, Mock ED, Zhao HT, Bennett DL, Orsomando G, Coleman MP, Wade-Martins R. SARM1 activation induces reversible mitochondrial dysfunction and can be prevented in human neurons by antisense oligonucleotides [Internet]. bioRxiv. 2024 Apr 2. doi: 10.1101/2024.04.02.587827.
Tan J, Hashimoto Y, Dunn H, Wechsler D, Kaushik S, Arnould L, White A, Lawlor M. Visual rehabilitation and predictors of delayed visual recovery in subconjunctival minimally invasive bleb surgery versus trabeculectomy and tube shunt surgery. AJO International 2024.