Premier

Australian-First Clinic Gives A Clearer Picture Of Eye Conditions

14 May 2019

An Australian-first genetic testing clinic at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital has opened its doors, helping patients with hereditary eye conditions get the care they need.

Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today opened the new Ocular Genetics Service – a unique partnership between the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

The clinic is a one-stop-shop for patients who have an inherited eye condition, or are at risk of passing on that condition due to a family history.

It is the only clinic in Australia dedicated to genetic testing for eye conditions such as albinism, colour-blindness, corneal dystrophies and glaucoma.

The clinic means patients can access the very best care and treatment faster, thanks to world-leading diagnoses of their hereditary eye condition.

More than 50 patients have already accessed the clinic and now have a clear picture of their hereditary eye condition, how to treat it, and the risk of passing it on to their children.

Genomic sequencing works wonders making medical discoveries that change lives of Victorians. That’s why the Labor Government is investing $8.3 million to help more people get the diagnoses they need, faster.

The Government is investing $92.3 million this financial year so that the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital can offer the best treatment and care – a 14.5 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos

“This new service is a game-changer for people with hereditary eye conditions. Thanks to cutting-edge genetic testing, patients now get a clearer and quicker diagnosis of their condition.”

“Genetic tests accurately pinpoint genetic mutations and help doctors prescribe the best treatment possible, saving families from unnecessary medical tests and hospital stays.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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