Congratulations to Professor Paul Donaldson, Associate Professor Julie Lim and Associate Professor Gus Grey on receiving the 2025 Waipapa Taumata Rau Research Medal.
The Molecular Vision Research Cluster (MVRC) at the University of Auckland is internationally acclaimed for its research into age-related nuclear (ARN) cataract—the leading cause of untreated blindness.
Led by Professor Paul Donaldson, Associate Professor Julie Lim and Associate Professor Gus Grey, the MVRC combines scientific, clinical and academic expertise to tackle this growing health burden, which affects thousands in New Zealand and places increasing pressure on surgical services.
The cluster’s most significant breakthrough has been redefining how the eye lens is understood. Challenging the long-standing belief that the lens is a passive optical component, MVRC researchers discovered that the lens actively maintains its function through a unique internal microcirculation system. This system helps deliver antioxidants and nutrients, control volume, and preserve clarity—insights that have transformed cataract science globally.
Building on this, the team is now developing targeted antioxidant therapies to delay cataract onset, offering a potential alternative to surgery. This pioneering work promises to improve quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and reshape cataract treatment for aging populations around the world.