Located at the University of Melbourne, in the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, the FrontTear Research Centre was established in 2017 to integrate preclinical ophthalmic science (led by Dr Holly Chinnery) with clinical investigations and research translation (led by Prof Laura Downie).

Our FrontTear team has published over 25 papers in peer-reviewed journals, including in PNAS, Cell Reports, Journal of Neuroinflammation and leading ophthalmology journals. Our research spans preclinical studies in rodents, human clinical studies, and evidence synthesis. A central focus is ocular surface disease, and how we can use the front of the eye (including the cornea and tear film) as a window to human health. We collaborate extensively, including with leading researchers in Australia, and international scholars in the US, UK and NZ.

As an integrated team of clinician researchers and discovery scientists, we are committed to advancing eye care, through undertaking innovative research that advances understanding of the biology and function of the eye, and enables the development and translation of new ophthalmic diagnostics and therapies into clinical practice.

We are also educators, training future optometrists, up-skilling practicing eye care clinicians, and training the next generation of scientists. If you are interested in pursuing a PhD, Masters or Honours degree with the FrontTear Research Centre, please contact us.