New Zealand National Eye Centre

The New Zealand National Eye Centre (NZ-NEC), launched on July 29, 2008, is the largest academic ophthalmic and vision research entity in New Zealand bringing together more than 120 clinicians, clinician-scientists and vision scientists working in the area of eye health, vision research and education in New Zealand. This unique centre has as its foundation members the University of Auckland Department of Ophthalmology and School of Optometry and Vision Science. Affiliated members include; other departments within the University associated with vision research; charitable organisations; national professional organisations; District Health Boards and private ophthalmic practices. The primary goal of NZ-NEC is to eliminate preventable blindness and reduce visual impairment. NZ-NEC is recognised nationally and internationally as a vision research, clinical and teaching centre of excellence through innovation and collaboration. NZ-NEC members currently have research collaborations with universities and research organisations, nationally and internationally including: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, Sweden and the USA. There are seven major foci for research; cornea and external eye disease; cataract and cataract surgery; optic nerve and glaucoma; retinal disease, visual perception; genetic eye disease and connexion biology. To date NZ-NEC members have more than 1,030 scientific publications, several textbooks and a number of international research patents and cumulatively have raised over $41 million in research funding. Postgraduate research degrees, including, MSc, PhD and MD as well as courses towards a Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma can be pursued via the NZ-NEC. If you require more in-depth detail about specific research interests please refer to the NZ-NEC website or either Department of Ophthalmology or School of Optometry and Vision Science individual listings.