This International Women’s Day, we recognise the exceptional women whose contributions shape the Lions Eye Institute.
A few of these women are pictured below, but we also honour the many women not pictured, whose efforts and research are equally integral to our mission.
Dr Danuta Sampson, Associate Professor Holly Chinnery, Dr Andrea Ang, Dr Jessica Mountford, and Associate Professor Paula Yu.
At the Lions Eye Institute, excellence in research, clinical care and innovation is driven by extraordinary people – and among them, the women of the Lions Eye Institute are making a profound impact on eye health and vision science. Whether they are advancing scientific discovery or providing world‑class patient care, their contributions are shaping a healthier future for communities in Western Australia and beyond.
Across the global health and medical landscape, strong and diverse leadership remains essential for long‑term excellence. At the Lions Eye Institute, women play a central role in this leadership – guiding influential research programs, driving innovation, and delivering compassionate clinical care that has earned the Institute its national and international reputation.
| “What makes the Lions Eye Institute truly special is the depth of talent and collaboration across our teams, and the way we create space for people to thrive,” says Associate Professor Holly Chinnery, Deputy Director of Research and Head of Cornea, Ocular Surface and Ocular Immunology. “I see every day how the dedication of our researchers and clinicians, supported by a culture of mentorship and the generosity of our supporters, is translating exceptional science into meaningful change for patients.” |
 Associate Professor Holly Chinnery |
Advancing discovery across vision science
From immunology and optometry to genetics, retinal biology, corneal and vascular research, the Lions Eye Institute’s female scientists are deepening understanding and opening doors to new treatments. Their work spans the full spectrum of discovery: improving diagnostic precision, developing gene and RNA-based therapies for inherited blindness, uncovering the drivers of myopia using zebrafish, and revealing how blood flow and metabolism influence vision loss. Recently, Professor Mariapia Degli-Esposti, a world‑leading immunologist, elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, and Head of Experimental Immunology, led a landmark Nature‑published study that uncovered a fundamental mechanism governing immune cell movement – reshaping our understanding of immune regulation and unlocking new possibilities for treating immune‑related eye diseases.
While the women pictured represent the strength and diversity of talent at the Institute, they are part of a much larger community of female researchers whose contributions are equally vital. Their leadership, expertise and innovation power the scientific advances that shape the future of eye health. Among the exceptional researchers contributing to this work are:
- Professor Mariapia Degli-Esposti, Head of Experimental Immunology and past Director of Research, Lions Eye Institute
- Professor Allison McKendrick, Lions Eye Institute UWA Chair in Optometry Research and Head of Visual Function
- Professor Elizabeth Rakoczy, Emerita Professor and past Director of Research, Lions Eye Institute
- Dr Livia Carvalho, Head of Retinal Genomics and Therapy, Lions Eye Institute
- Dr Samantha Lee, Senior Research Fellow, Genetics and Epidemiology, Lions Eye Institute
Dr Danuta Sampson, Dr Jessica Mountford, Associate Professor Holly Chinnery and Associate Professor Paula Yu
Translating research into patient care
These scientific advances sit alongside the expertise of the Lions Eye Institute’s female clinicians, who ensure breakthroughs are translated into real benefits for patients. Ophthalmologists such as Dr Andrea Ang, Associate Professor Mei-Ling Tay-Kearney and Dr Rhuju Mehta deliver exceptional care across corneal disease, glaucoma, cataract surgery, laser refractive surgery, inflammatory conditions and tele‑ophthalmology – ensuring patients across metropolitan, regional and remote Western Australia have access to life‑changing expertise.
| Together, these women form a vibrant ecosystem of leadership, talent and impact. Their achievements are strengthened by philanthropic support, which accelerates discovery, enables innovation and helps turn new knowledge into sight‑saving outcomes. |
 Dr Andrea Ang of Lions Laser Vision |
A legacy empowering women in research
One particularly remarkable expression of generosity came in the form of a bequest directed specifically to empower female researchers. While the Institute’s work spans both research and clinical care, this donor chose to focus their legacy on advancing the work of women in scientific research – supporting their ideas, leadership and potential to shape the future of eye health. This support ensures female researchers have the resources they need to pursue bold questions and drive progress.
By supporting women in research and clinical leadership, donors help remove barriers, unlock potential and create lasting impact for people living with vision loss and eye disease.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we invite you to support their work. Your generosity today helps power the discoveries that will preserve sight tomorrow.
