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The National Vision Research Institute (NVRI) celebrates 50 years!

The NVRI welcomed past and present researchers, collaborators and supporters to its base at the Australian College of Optometry in Carlton on Tuesday 22nd November, to celebrate its 50th anniversary!

For many, the NVRI had changed a lot since their last time within our halls. In addition to updates to the labs’ configuration, our growing collection of advanced equipment and expansion from two to 25 research topics under the stewardship of NVRI Director, Prof. Michael Ibbotson (2011 – present), has made for a busy but rewarding eleven years.

Many of the researchers who played significant roles in developing the NVRI were welcomed home on Tuesday evening, meeting with current researchers and exchanging stories of their time with the research institute, including the people and projects that made a difference to them along the way. Former NVRI Directors Prof. Robert C Augusteyn (1991 – 2002) and Prof. Paul Martin (2002-2009), joined us for the celebration and together with current Director, Prof. Michael Ibbotson, represented 29 years of NVRI leadership.

ACO Council Member, Associate Prof. Lauren Ayton; Former NVRI Director, Prof. Paul Martin; Lions NVRI Vision Fellow, Dr Jason Jung and Director, Prof. Michael Ibbotson each addressed the event, highlighting its important position within the vision research world and exceptional offering to early-career researchers.

Established in November 1972, the NVRI is the research arm of the Australian College of Optometry and has been internationally recognised for its research into a broad range of visual topics including quantitative eye charts, developmental disorders of vision, retinal development, visual impairment, lens biochemistry, comparative visual neuroscience, colour vision, understanding the visual brain, prosthetic vision devices, neurotechnology and visual perception. Our talented research alumni have excelled in the research space, making great impact and reaching new heights across many countries.

ACO Council Member, Associate Prof. Lauren Ayton; Former NVRI Director, Prof. Paul Martin; Lions NVRI Vision Fellow, Dr Jason Jung and Director, Prof. Michael Ibbotson each addressed the event, highlighting its important position within the vision research world and exceptional offering to early-career researchers.

“Today, the NVRI continues to drive vision research and has expanded to include clinical research with the Australian College of Optometry (ACO) and industry partnerships which work to develop novel technologies to support those with vision loss. Strengthened by these collaborations and exceptional research talent, the NVRI is engaged in truly exciting work, including linking with computer science to really understand how the brain makes its computations.”, commented Prof. Michael Ibbotson, NVRI Director.

Since our inception, philanthropic support has been essential to the NVRI funding model, with notable support from Lions International and individual donors such as the Schultz family. Without this support, the NVRI could not achieve its vital vision research. To support the NVRI’s work, consider becoming a NVRI Member or donating – https://bit.ly/3EUSKjB

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