Victoria to house blindness treatment research centre

Victorians will soon be able to undergo cutting-edge treatments for blindness under a new clinical trial centre that aims to boost scientific studies.

Innovation Minister Ben Carroll will on Tuesday announce $10m for the new research centre at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. Picture: Ian Currie

Cutting-edge treatments for blindness will be available to Victorians under a new clinical trial centre to be set up in the state.

Innovation Minister Ben Carroll will on Tuesday announce $10m for the new research centre at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

It will be set up within the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and boost scientific study into new areas such as gene and cell therapy.

This will allow 2000 extra patients to access new treatments over the next decade, including new methods that may be years away from broader public use.

The centre is scheduled to be completed at the end of next year.

“We’re backing projects like CERA because we know these investments help to change lives, create jobs and boost our economy for years into the future,” Mr Carroll said.

Victoria carries out a third of Australia’s clinical trials in health and science, with the health technology sector also growing to generate $2.5bn in exports for the state.

Medical Research Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said: “Our investment in a new clinical trial centre is a stunning example of how research can improve people’s lives, while also cementing Victoria’s international reputation as a destination for investment, research, and global talent.”