In 2024, Roche Products Pty Limited made a transformative contribution to the field of ophthalmology by jointly funding the prestigious Uveitis Research Fellowship at the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation.
This significant fellowship, with a combined value of $105,000 ($55,000 from the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation and $50,000 from Roche) was awarded to Dr Alexander Newman, under the guidance of renowned Professor Peter McCluskey AO. The fellowship has already had a profound impact on clinical practice and research, advancing efforts to combat blindness and improve patient outcomes.
Dr Newman on left & Prof McCluskey 2024
A unique opportunity for progress
The Uveitis Research Fellowship at Sydney Eye Hospital stands as the only one of its kind in Australia, offering a rare and invaluable opportunity for ophthalmologists to engage in cutting-edge research while managing some of the most complex cases of uveitis and other inflammatory eye diseases. Dr Newman, the 2024 recipient, has been at the forefront of this pioneering initiative, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams at Sydney Eye Hospital and the Save Sight Institute. Learn more about the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation Fellowships
Clinical and research excellence
Throughout the year, Dr Newman has been instrumental in managing a broad spectrum of eye conditions—ranging from acute and chronic inflammatory diseases to inherited eye disorders. As part of the Professorial Uveitis team, he has played a critical role in collecting data for the Fight Uveitis Blindness (FUB!) database. This initiative aims to track rare and varied presentations of uveitis, with the goal of developing optimised management strategies that improve visual outcomes for patients.
Beyond his clinical duties, Dr Newman has also made valuable contributions as a sub-investigator in 18 clinical trials, focusing on both established and emerging intravitreal therapies. His involvement spans from recruitment and participant assessment to the management of their treatment protocols, showcasing his dedication to both advancing medical knowledge and enhancing patient care.
Pioneering research breakthroughs
A standout project during Dr Newman’s fellowship has been his research on birdshot chorioretinitis, a rare autoimmune eye disease that typically affects young to middle-aged adults. Known for its relentless progression and potential to cause blindness, this condition has long posed a significant challenge to ophthalmologists. Dr Newman's research compared a simplified electrodiagnostic protocol to the gold standard ISCEV protocol, uncovering a strong correlation between the two methods. This groundbreaking work earned him a travel scholarship to present his findings at the prestigious American Uveitis Society meeting at UCLA in Los Angeles.
Building on these promising results, Dr Newman’s team was the first to confirm the longitudinal reliability of these findings. The ongoing analysis aims to determine whether these correlations are strong enough to shape future clinical trials as part of a global consortium of uveitis specialists. This translational research has already gained international acclaim, thanks in large part to the unique opportunities provided by the fellowship.
Dr Alexander Newman Fellow 2024
Expanding impact and training the next generation
Roche’s support goes far beyond the individual projects Dr Newman has led. His fellowship has provided him with the platform to present his work at multiple national and international conferences, contributing to the global dialogue on uveitis and other eye diseases. Moreover, Dr Newman has co-supervised Sydney Eye Hospital residents, playing a key role in mentoring and educating the next generation of ophthalmologists.
His research on birdshot chorioretinitis is already poised to revolutionize clinical practice. By simplifying and improving the process for monitoring patients with this condition, Dr Newman’s work promises to enhance treatment protocols, making them more efficient and accessible. As a result, regular electrophysiology testing—critical for assessing treatment responses—will soon be more streamlined, leading to better patient outcomes.
A legacy of collaboration and progress
Roche’s joint funding of the Uveitis Research Fellowship at the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation has had a transformative effect on the field of ophthalmology. The work being done by Dr. Alexander Newman, supported by this fellowship, has not only expanded our understanding of complex eye diseases but has also had a direct and positive impact on patient care.
The collaboration between Roche Australia and the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation exemplifies the power of partnerships in driving medical innovation and improving lives. As we look to the future, the ongoing support of organizations like Roche will be essential in continuing and expanding these critical research initiatives. Together, we can make further strides in the fight against blindness, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care.
Dr Newman (left) Prof McCluskey
