Genetics of Cataract Project - call for expressions of interest
Were you or your child diagnosed with a cataract during childhood? Would you like to help shape research into the genetics of childhood cataract? What’s this about? The Genetics in Cataract Project (GenCat) is a research project looking at the genetic causes of childhood cataract. The researchers want to work out how to use this information for better diagnosis and management.
GenCat is seeking people to form a Consumer Advisory Group. You don’t need research or medical expertise to be involved. We are looking for people with lived experience of childhood cataract, either personally or as a parent. Your lived experience is the expertise you bring.
Who is involved? The project is led by researchers at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research in Tasmania, Flinders University in South Australia and the Centre for Eye Research Australia in Victoria, in collaboration with Cataract Kids Australia.
What do Advisory Group members do? Members of the GenCat Consumer Advisory Group will help to:
identify research priorities,
review project-related documents aimed at funding bodies, patients/consumers and research participants, and
make sure that the outcomes of the project are understandable to other consumers, and have an impact in the real world.
We are seeking several members and a person to lead the group (Chair).
Eligibility: To be eligible, you should be at least 16 years old and located in Australia, and you or your child must have been diagnosed with cataract before 18 years of age. You would need to be able to attend 3-4 online (Zoom) meetings each year, as well as review written documents and provide feedback. All members will receive appropriate training and an honorarium (payment) in recognition of their time commitment. See the 'role statements' below.
For more information please contact Megan Prictor ([email protected]) or refer to the Project Website (click on ‘Genetics of Childhood Cataract’). Applications close 2 November 2026.
