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If you were asked to identify the one sense that you cannot imagine life without, most peoples thoughts would immediate go to preservation of your sight. Our vision is the cornerstone of how we perceive and interact with the world and our environment. Yet, the grim reality is that without dedicated research aimed at preventing vision loss caused by retinal degenerations a staggering 1 in 7 individuals over the age of 50 will go blind from a currently uncurable retinal degeneration called Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The molecular and pathogenesis of AMD is similar to other neurodegenerative disorders, such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s, as is the underlying inflammatory aspect disease progression.

Under the leadership of Associate Professor Riccardo Natoli and along with his dynamic research team, our mission revolves around uncovering the root causes of retinal and neuronal degenerations, the very process that erodes the critical functionality of the retina and the brain. As neurons, including photoreceptors of the eye deteriorate with age understanding the molecular changes that occur as a consequence of neuronal cell loss will enable a better understanding of disease and enable the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics.

Clear Vision Research Lab investigates various retinal diseases, including Retinopathy of Prematurity, Retinitis Pigmentosa, and Diabetic Retinopathy. However, it focus remains on pioneering innovative RNA and Extracellular Vesicle diagnostics and treatments s for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and other neurodegenerative conditions. In Australia, AMD reigns as the leading cause of blindness, imposing an annual economic burden of approximately 5 billion dollars (source: Deloitte – Eyes on the Future, 2011). Alarming projections indicate that by 2040, a staggering 1.7 million Australians will grapple with vision loss stemming from AMD, with a global incidence of ~280 million.

The Natoli Group passionates about developing the next generation of vision researchers as indicated by the Clear Vision Research Initiative. This visionary initiative not only aids in funding the next generation of vision researchers through prestigious PhD scholarships, exemplified by the K.T. Tan Scholarship, but it also provides invaluable support to guide PhD students and Early-Career Researchers through the arduous transition from students to fully-fledged independent researchers. To delve deeper into this initiative, please visit the website: www.clearvisionresearch.com

The Natoli Group continually seek exceptional students to join their research family and contribute to groundbreaking projects outlined on this page. The Group relish the opportunity to engage with prospective students, tailoring projects to their unique talents and interests. If you are eager to immerse yourself in transformative research, please do not hesitate to reach out to Associate Professor Riccardo Natoli. Your journey towards groundbreaking discoveries in vision research starts here.