# Lions Eye Institute

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Lions_Eye_Institute
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Lions_Eye_Institute.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_Eye_Institute
> Source revision: 1330341214
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Australian medical research institute

Lions Eye Institute (Australia) Motto Better vision for all Founder Professor Ian Constable AO Established 1983; 43 years ago (1983) Mission Medical research Focus Eye disease Chair Tony Joyner Chief Executive Officer Dr Glen Power Faculty University of Western Australia Key people Tony Joyner (Chairman) Glen Power (Chief Executive Officer) Leeanne Thomas (Chief Financial Officer) Wendy Murray (Director, Research Strategy and Innovation) JoAnne Forrest (Director Clinical Research) Angus Turner (McCusker Director Lions Outback Vision) Location Nedlands , Perth , Western Australia , Australia Website www.lei.org.au

The **Lions Eye Institute** (LEI) is an Australian [medical research](/source/Medical_research) [institute](/source/Research_institute) affiliated with the [University of Western Australia](/source/University_of_Western_Australia). It was established in 1983 with support of the Lions Clubs of Western Australia and headquartered in the [Perth](/source/Perth%2C_Western_Australia) suburb of [Nedlands](/source/Nedlands%2C_Western_Australia), [Western Australia](/source/Western_Australia). The LEI is a [not-for-profit](/source/Not-for-profit) centre of excellence that combines an ophthalmic clinic with scientific discovery developing techniques for the prevention of blindness and the reduction of pain from blinding eye conditions.[1][2]

## History

At a 1970 convention in [Albany, Western Australia](/source/Albany%2C_Western_Australia), the Western Australian Lions Clubs created the Lions Save Sight Foundation (WA) Inc. with the aim of leading the development of ophthalmic care.[3] In 1975 the Lions Save-Sight Foundation (LSSF) established the Lions Chair in Ophthalmology at the University of Western Australia. Since its establishment, clinical facilities, new equipment, and research laboratories have been strategically commissioned to support the LEI's core activities. In 1983, under Professor [Ian Constable](/source/Ian_Constable)'s guidance, the LEI, a not-for-profit organisation was established.[4][5] With Constable, the LEI became an international centre for scientific research into blindness. Following its development, it relocated to the grounds of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Its current Managing Director Bill Morgan leads a team of clinicians, medical professionals, researchers and support staff. In 1994, the Institute created in partnership with the [University of Western Australia](/source/University_of_Western_Australia), the Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (COVS). This centre has an independent University status within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. In 2003, the LEI revised its basis of incorporation from a public benevolent charitable institution to a not-for profit limited liability company.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Overview

The LEI employs scientists, [clinicians](/source/Clinic), and support staff to conduct scientific research into blindness with known ophthalmic practices in Australia. The Institute also includes a Laser Vision Centre, Western Australia's refractive surgery centre; the [Lions Eye Bank](/source/Lions_Eye_Bank), Lions Outback Vision, Lions Optics and the LSSF. The LEI actively participates in numerous [clinical trials](/source/Clinical_trial) for the development of new treatments for eye diseases, in collaboration with scientists, ophthalmologists, and pharmaceutical companies. The Institute receives funds from clinic operations and its [grants](/source/Grant_(money)) from organisations such as the [National Health and Medical Research Council](/source/National_Health_and_Medical_Research_Council), individual benefactors and the LSSF.[6]

## Services

The LEI provides a range of services including standard [clinical](/source/Clinic) services, [LASIK](/source/LASIK) surgery at the Lions Laser Vision Center, [cataract](/source/Cataract) micro-surgery and lens implantation, [plastic surgery](/source/Plastic_surgery) of the eyelids and full [optometric](/source/Optometry) service at Lions Optics. The Lions Eye Bank collects and distributes [corneal](/source/Corneal_epithelium) tissue, scleral tissue and supplies thousands of corneal transplants throughout Western Australia.[7] The Institute initiated the Pilbara Aboriginal Eye Health Program, a strategy targeting indigenous people who suffer from diabetes and associated blinding eye diseases prevalent within the [Aboriginal population](/source/Aboriginal_Australians).[8] As part of the Australian Government aid to the Indonesian Government,[9] In July 2007, the LEI was instrumental in setting up the [Bali Mandara Eye Hospital](/source/Bali_Mandara_Eye_Hospital) which was handed over to the Indonesian Government on 13 October 2015.[2] The LEI provides open consultations and health education seminars in cooperation with several organisations including Glaucoma Australia, [Retinitis Pigmentosa](/source/Retinitis_pigmentosa) Society of Western Australia, Macular Degeneration Foundation and the Australian Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness. Its ophthalmologists also consult at Perth's main teaching public hospitals including [Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital](/source/Sir_Charles_Gairdner_Hospital), [Royal Perth Hospital](/source/Royal_Perth_Hospital) and [Fremantle Hospital](/source/Fremantle_Hospital).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Research Activities

The LEI teams investigate all major causes of blindness including cataracts, [diabetes](/source/Diabetes) related eye disease, [glaucoma](/source/Glaucoma), [retinal](/source/Retina) degenerations, [corneal](/source/Corneal), and [immune](/source/Immune_system)-based diseases. More than 70 scientists at the LEI use a range of technologies to develop treatments for blinding diseases, including [gene therapy](/source/Gene_therapy) and [telemedicine](/source/Telemedicine).[6] The LEI has national and international institutional partnerships including American Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Shanghai University, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, University of Missouri and the National Eye Institute (USA). For example, the LEI participates in joint research and development projects with the American Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, [Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences](/source/Swedish_University_of_Agricultural_Sciences), [University of Missouri](/source/University_of_Missouri) and the [National Eye Institute](/source/National_Eye_Institute) (USA).[10] Research carried out by the Institute teams led to the first retinal vein [bypass](/source/Bypass_surgery) treatment of blockages,[11] and the development of the first transgenic mouse model for [Age-Related Macular Degeneration](/source/Macular_degeneration), the leading cause of blindness for people over 55. This model is expected to accelerate the development of ARMD leading to an effective treatment. At the LEI, the first [artificial cornea](/source/Keratoprosthesis), the AlphaCor was developed and implanted into a human eye.[12] The LEI is acknowledged as a core academic centre involved in clinical trials of new pharmaceutical therapies and surgical procedures before government approval. For example, the [Xen Gel Stent](/source/Minimally_invasive_glaucoma_surgery#XEN_Gel_Stent_.28AqueSys.2C_Inc..2C_Aliso_Viejo.2C_CA._Acquired_by_Allergan_on_Oct._19.2C_2015.29), an implantable transcleral microsurgical device developed at the LEI, was approved for use in the US by the FDA in 2016.[13]

## See also

- [Biology portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Biology)
- [Western Australia portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Western_Australia)

- [Health in Australia](/source/Health_in_Australia)

- [Corneal dystrophies in human](/source/Corneal_dystrophies_in_human)

- [List of eye surgeries](/source/Eye_surgery)

- [List of systemic diseases with ocular manifestations](/source/List_of_systemic_diseases_with_ocular_manifestations)

- [Gene therapy of the human retina](/source/Gene_therapy_of_the_human_retina)

- [Lions Club International](/source/Lions_Club_International)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-smh1_1-0)** ["Scientists restore sight of mice and dogs"](http://www.smh.com.au/news/Health/Scientists-restore-sight-ofmiceanddogs/2005/04/20/1113854205820.html). *[Sydney Morning Herald](/source/Sydney_Morning_Herald)*. 20 April 2005.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-balimadara_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-balimadara_2-1) ["Australia hands over Bali eye facility to Indonesian Government"](http://indonesia.embassy.gov.au/jakt/MR13_041.html). *Australian Embassy Indonesia*. 14 December 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-lsshisto_3-0)** ["History"](http://www.lssf.com.au/history/). *Lions SaveSight Foundation*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Lions Eye Institute – History"](https://www.lei.org.au/about/history/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Chairman_5-0)** ["Professor David A Mackey"](https://www.lei.org.au/author/dmackey/). *Our people*. Lions Eye Institute. 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-leireport2016_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-leireport2016_6-1) ["LEI 2016 Annual Report"](https://www.lei.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/2016-Annual-Report-1.pdf) (PDF). *LEI*. 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Services_7-0)** ["Services at the LEI"](http://www.lei.org.au/services/services-1).{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and vision care"](http://www.vision2020australia.org.au/uploads/resource/19/Improving-outcomes-for-ATSIeyehealthand-vision-careproposal-v-9-2-.pdf) (PDF). June 2010.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Australia hands over Bali eye facility to Indonesian Government"](http://indonesia.embassy.gov.au/jakt/MR13_041.html). 13 October 2015. Retrieved 12 November 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Safety and Efficacy Study of rAAV.sFlt-1 in Patients With Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)"](https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01494805). U. S. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 1 June 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sciencedaily_11-0)** ["'Bypass' may lead to vision gains for central retinal vein occlusion patients"](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100504205801.htm). *Science Daily*. 6 May 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** C R Hicks; G J Crawford; X Lou; D T Tan; G R Snibson; G Sutton; N Downie; L Werner; T V Chirila; I J Constable (November 2003). ["Corneal replacement using a synthetic hydrogel cornea, AlphaCor™: device, preliminary outcomes and complications"](http://www.nature.com/eye/journal/v17/n3/pdf/6700333a.pdf) (PDF). *Eye*. **17** (3): 385–392. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1038/sj.eye.6700333](https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fsj.eye.6700333). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [12724702](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12724702).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Review of Optometry"](https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/CMSDocuments/2017/2/ro0217i.pdf) (PDF). Springer Verlag.

v t e Diseases of the human eye Adnexa Eyelid Inflammation Stye Chalazion Blepharitis Meibomian gland dysfunction Entropion Ectropion Lagophthalmos Blepharochalasis Ptosis Blepharophimosis Xanthelasma Ankyloblepharon Eyelash Trichiasis Madarosis Distichiasis Trichomegaly Lacrimal apparatus Dacryoadenitis Epiphora Dacryocystitis Xerophthalmia Orbit Exophthalmos Enophthalmos Orbital cellulitis Orbital lymphoma Periorbital cellulitis Conjunctiva Chemosis Conjunctivitis allergic Pterygium Pseudopterygium Pinguecula Subconjunctival hemorrhage Globe Fibrous tunic Sclera Scleritis Episcleritis Cornea Keratitis herpetic acanthamoebic fungal Exposure Photokeratitis Corneal ulcer Thygeson's superficial punctate keratopathy Corneal dystrophy Fuchs' Meesmann Corneal ectasia Keratoconus Pellucid marginal degeneration Keratoglobus Terrien's marginal degeneration Post-LASIK ectasia Keratoconjunctivitis sicca Corneal opacity Corneal neovascularization Kayser–Fleischer ring Haab's striae Arcus senilis Band keratopathy Vascular tunic Iris Ciliary body Uveitis Intermediate uveitis Hyphema Rubeosis iridis Persistent pupillary membrane Iridodialysis Synechia Choroid Choroideremia Choroiditis Chorioretinitis Focal choroidal excavation Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy Lens Cataract Congenital cataract Childhood cataract Aphakia Ectopia lentis Retina Retinitis Chorioretinitis Cytomegalovirus retinitis Retinal detachment Posterior vitreous detachment Retinoschisis Ocular ischemic syndrome / Central retinal vein occlusion Central retinal artery occlusion Branch retinal artery occlusion Retinopathy diabetic hypertensive Purtscher's of prematurity Bietti's crystalline dystrophy Coats' disease Sickle cell photic Macular degeneration Retinitis pigmentosa Retinal haemorrhage Central serous retinopathy Macular edema Epiretinal membrane (Macular pucker) Vitelliform macular dystrophy Leber's congenital amaurosis Birdshot chorioretinopathy Other Glaucoma / Ocular hypertension / Primary juvenile glaucoma Floater Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy Ocular hypotony Red eye Globe rupture Keratomycosis Phthisis bulbi Persistent fetal vasculature Persistent tunica vasculosa lentis Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease Pathways Optic nerve Optic disc Optic neuritis optic papillitis Papilledema Foster Kennedy syndrome Optic atrophy Optic disc drusen Optic neuropathy Ischemic anterior (AION) posterior (PION) arteritic anterior (AAION or arteritic AION) non-arteritic anterior (NAION) Kjer's Leber's hereditary Toxic and nutritional Strabismus Extraocular muscles Binocular vision Accommodation Paralytic strabismus Ophthalmoparesis Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia Kearns–Sayre syndrome palsies Oculomotor (III) Fourth-nerve (IV) Sixth-nerve (VI) Other strabismus Esotropia / Exotropia Hypertropia Heterophoria Esophoria Exophoria Cyclotropia Brown's syndrome Duane syndrome Other binocular Conjugate gaze palsy Convergence insufficiency Internuclear ophthalmoplegia One and a half syndrome Refraction Refractive error Hyperopia Myopia Astigmatism Anisometropia / Aniseikonia Presbyopia Vision disorders Blindness Amblyopia Leber's congenital amaurosis Diplopia Scotoma Color blindness Achromatopsia Dichromacy Monochromacy Nyctalopia Oguchi disease Blindness / Vision loss / Visual impairment Anopsia Hemianopsia binasal bitemporal homonymous Quadrantanopia subjective Asthenopia Hemeralopia Photophobia Scintillating scotoma Pupil Anisocoria Argyll Robertson pupil Marcus Gunn pupil Adie syndrome Miosis Mydriasis Cycloplegia Parinaud's syndrome Other Nystagmus Childhood blindness Infections Trachoma Onchocerciasis

v t e Congenital malformations and deformations of eyes Adnexa Eyelid Ptosis Ectropion Entropion Distichia Blepharophimosis Ablepharon Marcus Gunn phenomenon Lacrimal apparatus Congenital lacrimal duct obstruction Globe Entire eye Anophthalmia (Cystic eyeball, Cryptophthalmos) Microphthalmia Lens Ectopia lentis Aphakia Iris Aniridia Anterior segment Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome Cornea Keratoglobus Megalocornea Cornea plana 1 Cornea plana 2 Retina Megalopapilla Other Buphthalmos Coloboma (Coloboma of optic nerve) Hydrophthalmos Norrie disease

v t e Medical research institutes and centres of Australia Australian Government Peer-review agencies National Health and Medical Research Council Australian Research Council ACT John Curtin NSW Centenary CCIA CMRI Garvan The George HRI Hunter Kirby Kolling NeuRA Victor Chang Westmead Woolcock Australian Sports Brain Bank Brain and Mind Charles Perkins UNSW Lowy Cancer QLD AITHM QIMR Berghofer TRI Brisbane Diamantina SA SAHMRI TAS Menzies VIC ARMI Baker IDI Bio21 Bionics Bronowski Burnet Florey Hudson LIMS MCRI Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre SVI WEHI Australian Stem Cell Centre PeterMac VCCC WA Harry Perkins Lions Eye Telethon Kids Defunct institutes Austin Free Radical IHBI Mental Health (Melbourne) Monash Prince Henry's Category

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF National United States

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Lions Eye Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_Eye_Institute) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_Eye_Institute?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.