As part of its 20-year celebrations in 2021, Vision Eye Institute – one of Australia’s largest providers of ophthalmic services – launched the Future Vision Foundation.
Vision Eye Institute has a deep heritage in ophthalmic research to acquire new knowledge and improve patient care. The not-for-profit Future Vision Foundation extends this commitment further by encouraging and supporting the research efforts of staff and associated clinicians (including those with little-to-no formal research experience).
The Foundation has been a dream since Vision Eye Institute first began – born from a shared desire by many of us to improve diagnosis, to improve treatments and to improve healthcare experiences for patients with eye conditions. We are now thrilled to see it come to life.
Under the guidance of our esteemed board of directors, we look forward to working alongside other organisations within ophthalmology, optometry and industry and contributing to the excellent research already being undertaken in Australia.
Sincerely,
Associate Professor Tim Roberts
Chairman, Future Vision Foundation
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which we work and care for patients, and their Elders past, present and future.
We foster the next generation of eye care researchers. We use our passion, expertise and resources to invest in and support innovative research to improve patient outcomes and healthcare experiences within clinical ophthalmology.
We believe it all starts with passion. A passion for patient care. A passion to contribute. A passion for research.
We embrace a culture of teamwork.
We invest in the future. The future of ophthalmic care.
We look for new, unexplored pathways to improve healthcare outcomes and experiences for patients.
We are ethical, honest and transparent in everything we do.
We ensure all research we support is underpinned by scientific excellence and evidence.
Applications for 2024 Future Vision Foundation research grants are closed.
We are pleased to offer:
Proposals must be accompanied by a robust study design, feasibility, analysis and presentation strategy, and Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval if applicable. Investigators should expect to present their data at leading national and international conferences, as well as publish their findings in Q1 peer-reviewed journals.
Early career researchers who think they have an idea with potential clinical, procedural or administrative benefits to patients and across ophthalmology are encouraged to contact the Foundation before applying, as we can provide helpful advice.
Learn more about Future Vision Foundation projects
Request the application guidelines
We are a not-for-profit research foundation. In addition to funding provided by Vision Eye Institute, Future Vision Foundation relies on contributions from members of the public, suppliers and other organisations.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Dr Roberts is Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Sydney and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at the Royal North Shore Hospital. He is an experienced cataract and glaucoma surgeon with clinical and research interests in the development and utilisation of new and innovative technologies and therapies in ophthalmology, medical ethics and education. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in international journals and major texts, and regularly presents at local and international meetings.
Dr Roberts is an active member and Fellow of RANZCO, having been NSW QEC chair where he supervised ophthalmology trainees for the RANZCO Board of Examiners. He is Academic Lead for Ophthalmology within the SERT (Surgical Education, Research and Training) Institute at RNSH and currently serves as the academic coordinator at the Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney.
He is a recipient of national and international awards for his contributions made to scientific and educational programs and to the field of ophthalmology, including the Global Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Australasian Cataract & Refractive Society Film Festival. Prof Roberts has served on the editorial board of the American Academy of Ophthalmology BCSC Cataract textbook and several international journals, and sits on various government, industry, university and professional committees.
Mr Grant is a commercially focused executive with broad experience in the ophthalmic industry. He has more than 35 years of experience in senior roles in multinational corporations within the fields of research, education, and management, as well as university-based clinical research. Most recently, he was the Asia Director for Professional Education & Development with the eye care company, Alcon.
Having lived and worked in regional Australia, the UK, Switzerland, USA, and Singapore, Tim has worked in diverse cultures. He has led cross-border teams and functions from initial research concept through to customer delivery of product, marketing messages and education.
During his career, Tim has published several peer-reviewed papers and abstracts. He has also been an invited speaker at international congresses and patient forums, including press conferences, television, radio, and newspaper interviews.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Optometry from UNSW and an MBA from Kennesaw State University (Atlanta, USA). He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a fellow and member of several professional organisations.
A former long-serving senior manager with the global technology firm ZEISS, Mr Redner has extensive commercial experience in the optical, medical and scientific research fields.
During his tenure with ZEISS, Joe served as Managing Director of ZEISS Australasia, President of the US-based Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc. and Head of Sales, Ophthalmology, APAC, in addition to spending several years working at the corporate headquarters in Germany.
Mr Sexton is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience across numerous well-known companies. He is an accomplished Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with a proven track record of adding commercial and operational value, executing strategic outcomes and enacting positive business change.
Before joining Vision Eye Institute, Peter was CFO of Ramsay Pharmacy Group, the centralised pharmacy division of Ramsay Health Care. Here he oversaw substantive business transformation and creation through a large-scale acquisition program and strong organic growth.
Peter started his career at Ernst & Young, after which he spent time in London at leading investment banks. On his return to Australia, he managed the finance team of Village Roadshow Production Group (part of Village Roadshow Limited). He then went on to lead the management consulting division of a boutique consultancy firm.
In late 2019, Peter commenced his role as CFO of Vision Eye Institute where he aims to utilise his wealth of experience to add value, drive strategy and help grow the organisation.
Professor Stapleton was awarded her PhD from City University and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London for her research on the pathogenesis and epidemiology of contact lens-related disease and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at University College London.
Fiona is a clinical scientist with expertise in epidemiology and clinical research in the fields of corneal infection, dry eye and contact lens-related disease. She holds numerous memberships and executive affiliations with scientific organisations, is a regular reviewer for a range of journals, belongs to the international editorial board of three journals, has over 280 peer-reviewed publications, has contributed 20 chapters to textbooks and published one book. She is currently President of the International Society for Contact Lens Research and was awarded Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science and Technology in 2018.
Ms Cranage was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Vision Eye Institute and Vision Hospital Group in 2023. She is passionate about excellence in healthcare leadership and delivering positive outcomes for patients and stakeholders alike. With over 30 years of extensive experience in both the public and private healthcare sectors, Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Beginning her career as an orthoptist, Amanda transitioned to operational management over 16 years ago, marking the start of her leadership journey. Throughout her tenure at Vision Eye Institute, Amanda has held various senior positions showcasing her leadership and strategic acumen. She possesses a deep understanding of the complexities of eye healthcare and has successfully implemented innovative solutions to streamline operations and optimise resource allocation, ultimately leading to improved patient experiences and outcomes.
Previously responsible for driving and growing the Victorian and Brisbane businesses, Amanda successfully led the development of Panch Day Surgery in Melbourne, a major refurbishment of Rivercity Private Hospital (Level 3) in Brisbane, and the extensive expansion and refurbishment of Vision Eye Institute’s Footscray consulting facility in Melbourne. Additionally, Amanda has established a number of greenfield sites in Melbourne and has led the nationwide responsibility for health fund negotiations for Vision Hospital Group.
Amanda has demonstrated her commitment to making a positive social impact as Non-Executive Director and Chair of Alina Vision – a social enterprise supporting eye health services in underserved communities in Vietnam. Appointed to the role by the Fred Hollows Foundation in 2021, Amanda played a pivotal role in expanding services and local empowerment in the north of Vietnam. Amanda’s tenure culminated in a successful capital raise, securing resources for future growth, before she stepped down from the role in December 2023.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Amanda finds joy in indulging her passion for cooking and cherishing quality time spent around the table with her family.
Ms Lopreiato joined Vision Eye Institute in 2011 as Company Secretary. She is responsible for supporting the Vision Eye Institute Board and its directors, ensuring the company’s compliance with the Corporations Act and overseeing corporate governance within the organisation generally.
Before joining Vision Eye Institute, she held Company Secretary or Secretariat Manager roles at several large ASX-listed corporations, including Symbion Health Limited, Mayne Pharma Limited, Mayne Group Limited and Colonial Limited. There she was involved with a number of strategic initiatives and projects, including mergers and acquisitions activity and capital raising, along with the usual secretariat responsibilities.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance. She is a Fellow of Governance Institute of Australia.
Ms Searle was employed in various senior roles at Vision Eye Institute (VEI) including General Manager of NSW and QLD Operations, with oversight of the consulting and laser practices. Following 20 years of employment with VEI, Ms Searle is pursuing activities outside the organisation. This includes joining the board of the Future Vision Foundation, whose advisory committee she had been a member of from the time of its establishment.
Prior to joining VEI, Ms Searle held a clinical role as an orthoptist at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children. After being appointed Deputy Director of Administrative Services, she formed part of the team that oversaw the hospital’s relocation to its new facility, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW). Project management of the construction of Ronald McDonald House, Westmead and Bear Cottage were other significant responsibilities during her tenure with CHW.
Ms Searle is a Director of Days for Girls Australia Limited and has a Master of Health Administration from the University of New South Wales and a Diploma of Applied Science (Orthoptics) from Cumberland College of Health Sciences.
As the Clinical Research Coordinator at Vision Eye Institute, Dr Hodge has led more than 30 pharmaceutical-sponsored clinical trials across clinics, developing significant experience and understanding of trial procedures and good clinical practice (ICH/GCP) regulations. Obtaining his PhD through research in 2015, he has published over 120 articles in peer-reviewed scientific literature. Over the past 5 years, he has been a co-investigator in successful research grants totalling over $3M.
Chris also holds the part-time position of Data & Innovations Officer at NSW Tissue Bank and is a member of several research groups at the University of Sydney. Since 2019, he has been a member of the NSW Organ & Tissue Donation Service (NSW OTDS) Research Steering Committee to review and recommend research undertaken across the NSW OTDS. He has been a member of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Industry Advisory Board for the Graduate School of Health (Faculty of Orthoptics) since the course moved to the university in 2014 and has supervised Master’s and PhD students through to graduation at both the University of Sydney and UTS, highlighting a commitment to education and the development of research.
We also pay respect to the late Mr Richard Grills AM, who was a member of the advisory committee at the time of his passing.
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As Australia’s largest private ophthalmology provider (and operator of multiple day surgeries through Vision Hospital Group), Vision Eye Institute is committed to delivering world-class healthcare. Every year, our clinics and day surgeries in VIC, NSW, QLD and SA provide care for over 100,000 metropolitan and regional patients. Our dedicated doctors and support staff combine years of clinical expertise and an extensive research and teaching program to ensure patients receive best-practice care.
The Future Vision Foundation is an initiative of Vision Eye Institute through its OneVision environmental, social and governance (ESG) program.
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