You’re helping reduce a global health threat

04 May 2020

With your support, Sydney Eye Hospital is tackling antimicrobial resistance in relation to corneal infections.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat. When bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics, it means medication is no longer effective. It’s a serious issue that’s predicted to escalate in the future.

The World Health Organisation recommends programmes to monitor whether AMR is emerging.

Thanks to your generosity, Sydney Eye Hospital has established its first programme to monitor AMR in microbial keratitis, a type of infection of the eye’s cornea. It’s called the Keratitis Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program.

We identified trends, risk factors and causes of infection in 1568 adults and 80 paediatric patients. We also produced an instructional training video of 16 proven, effective steps for eye doctors and trainees to improve diagnosis.

This research helps reduce the impact of AMR by improving diagnosis, management and prevention of microbial keratitis.

Thank you for making this possible!

Professor Stephanie Watson, who led the AMR research, won the NSW Premier’s Award for Leadership in Innovation. Pictured here  with Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley.