Pilot study of the prevalence and risk factors of childhood ocular conditions ($45,220)
The Trust’s interest in and commitment to childhood health issues was further demonstrated by an advance of a grant to Professor David Mackay and Drs Ponsonby and Elder for a pilot study entitled “The Prevalence of Risk Factors of Childhood Ocular Conditions”.
Visual problems in children can be a major factor with learning difficulties. The study will investigate the percentage of children who have vision defects and other eye problems and to look at possible factors that may be associated with these. In particular the project will look at the possible causes of eye problems in children, notably reduced vision, Strabismus (turned eye) focus problems and evaluation of the optic nerve, which may in later life be effected by Glaucoma. The aim of the study is to follow up children (many of whom have participated in the Tasmanian Infant Health Survey in 1990-1992) now that these children are 8-10 years of age. Outcomes will determine how the infant health information relates to their present vision status.
Through better understanding of genetic and environmental factors that predispose to eye conditions we aim to prevent eye disease and to provide early treatment of visual problems to allow children to reach their maximum education potential.
Tasmania's Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust was established in 1991.