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                                         Professor Robyn Guymer (Photo: The Centre for Eye Research Australia)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Can we slow progression to vision loss?

Hosted by: Dr Ulrike Schumann

Abstract

In this talk I will cover the basics of age-related macular degeneration then look at a potential strategy to slow its progression towards vison loss with an Australian designed and made laser which aims to slow the progression to late vision threatening disease. We will review the basic science behind the possible benefit of the laser as well as the clinical trial results .   

Biography

Robyn Guymer is Professor of Ophthalmology at Melbourne University and a deputy director of the Centre for Eye Research Australia. She is also a senior retinal specialist at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. She is a clinician scientist who leads a team of researchers primarily investigating Age related macular degeneration (AMD) and has co-authored over 400 peer reviewed papers. She is currently investigating new strategies for treating early stages of AMD and is working to identify novel imaging and functional biomarkers and surrogate endpoints to improve the feasibility of conducting early intervention trials. She has been a principal investigator in many industry sponsored trials, serves on several pharmaceutical advisory boards and is a member of several international working groups on macular diseases. She is an inaugural fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.  In June 2018 she was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to medicine in the field of ophthalmology, particularly age related macular degeneration as a clinician, academic and researcher and in 2021 was inducted into the Victorian honour roll of Women.