Improving the lives of children with glaucoma
![Lachlan Wheelhouse Knight JAB00361-Edit [FB share]](https://www.flindersfoundation.org.au/app/uploads/2021/07/Lachlan-Wheelhouse-Knight-JAB00361-Edit-FB-share.jpg)
Thanks to generous supporters of eye health at Flinders, researchers are hoping to improve the lives of children with glaucoma by identifying genes which lead to more severe outcomes, while also focusing on methods to improve quality of life for patients, and their families.
Lachlan Knight has received a Flinders Foundation top-up PhD scholarship to study 300 cases of childhood glaucoma in Australia and New Zealand.
“Childhood glaucoma is largely considered to be a genetic condition, yet we’ve found a ‘genetic answer’ for only around 40 per cent of patients,” Lachlan explains.
“This project is really looking at how many children are affected by the condition, what genes cause it, and if some genes cause more severe disease or have a greater impact on vision.
“If we can pinpoint this, then we hope to be able to identify those at risk of worse outcomes so they can get closer follow up and more intensive treatment to stop the progression of glaucoma.”
Lachlan’s work is also the first project in Australia, and one of just a few worldwide, to investigate the quality of life of kids with glaucoma and their families. Glaucoma is a rare condition caused by pressure on the optic nerve.
“Childhood glaucoma is a chronic condition needing life-long follow up,” Lachlan says.
“Some patients have vision loss and can have learning difficulties and social problems which stem from that, there can also be feelings of isolation and being misunderstood because there is a lack of awareness of the disease.
“For parents, they talk about stress, strong emotions and strain on the family, because many worry constantly for their child and what the future looks like for them.
“Some of these stories are quite heartbreaking, so this work is really looking at how families cope, what help they need, and how we can get them the necessary support.”
You can support eye health research at Flinders by making a donation Donate Now
More News
Jane’s Wish – the Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research
Ali Habib, recipient of the inaugural Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research, says Jane and Bill’s generosity is providing him with the opportunity to make a difference for people living with the incurable disease.
Jane’s Wish – the Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research
Ali Habib, recipient of the inaugural Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research, says Jane and Bill’s generosity is providing him with the opportunity to make a difference for people living with the incurable disease.
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing has been established in memory of Ryan, who passed away in October 2021.
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing has been established in memory of Ryan, who passed away in October 2021.
Giving hope to people with brain cancer
Often, by the time a person is diagnosed with brain cancer, it’s too late to cure them. It’s typically only when the cancer has progressed to a stage that it causes physical symptoms, like blurred vision, slurred speech or a lack of balance, that a person seeks medical attention.
Giving hope to people with brain cancer
Often, by the time a person is diagnosed with brain cancer, it’s too late to cure them.
Flinders Foundation welcomes Linda Williams APM to Board of Directors
The Chair of Flinders Foundation Alan Young AM is pleased to announce that South Australia Police (SAPOL) Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams APM has joined Flinders Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Flinders Foundation welcomes Linda Williams APM to Board of Directors
The Chair of Flinders Foundation Alan Young AM is pleased to announce that South Australia Police (SAPOL) Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams APM has joined Flinders Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Bespoke cameras keeping newborn babies, families connected
New bespoke camera technology will provide comfort and reduce stress for families of premature babies in the Flinders Medical Centre Neonatal Unit.
Bespoke cameras keeping newborn babies, families connected
New bespoke camera technology will provide comfort and reduce stress for families of premature babies in the Flinders Medical Centre Neonatal Unit.
Flinders researchers receive prestigious awards
Flinders University researchers Dr Yee Lian Chew and Dr Ash Hopkins have been recognised for their research excellence and enthusiasm for science communication, named in the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards for 2021.
Flinders researchers receive prestigious awards
Flinders University researchers Dr Yee Lian Chew and Dr Ash Hopkins have been recognised for their research excellence and enthusiasm for science communication, named in the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards for 2021.
Meet the new Cancer Wellness Centre Project Manager
We are excited to introduce the new Project Manager of the Cancer Wellness Centre, Amy Underdown.
Meet the new Cancer Wellness Centre Project Manager
There is a new, smiling face to greet patients and families at the Cancer Wellness Centre at Flinders Medical Centre.
Drakes Supermarkets giving patients with advanced cancers the best chance of survival
Drakes Supermarkets are giving patients with advanced cancers the best chance of survival and precious time to spend with their loved ones.
Drakes Supermarkets giving patients with advanced cancers the best chance of survival
Drakes Supermarkets are giving patients with advanced cancers the best chance of survival and precious time to spend with their loved ones.
Mary Overton Fellowship: Worms the key to understanding brains
New research at Flinders is using tiny worms to understand how human brains learn, with hopes of helping those with chronic pain and neurodegenerative disorders.
Mary Overton Fellowship: Worms the key to understanding brains
New research at Flinders is using tiny worms to understand how human brains learn, with hopes of helping those with chronic pain and neurodegenerative disorders.
Flinders Joins Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing
Research focusing on male health and wellbeing has received a considerable boost, with Flinders University and Flinders Foundation joining the Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing.
Flinders Joins Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing
Research focusing on male health and wellbeing has received a considerable boost, with Flinders University and Flinders Foundation joining the Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing.