Ian Smith
Ian Smith has been a fixture at gigs around Melbourne since the 1970s, but complications from diabetes almost put an end to his unofficial role as a chronicler of Melbourne’s live music scene.
A visit to his optometrist revealed – where bleeding in the back of the eye causes fluid build-up and swelling of the retina and can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Ian is now part of a trial at CERA’s where he receives monthly eye injections to test a new therapy for the disease.
The results will provide vital new information for clinicians and could change the way the disease is treated.
Ian’s experience has made him acutely aware of the importance of regular eye checks for people with diabetes – and of research to find new treatments to help save people’s sight.
“It’s great to know that people are doing research so that people like me can keep their sight. Being part of the trial has been a great experience,” Ian says.
“I give the team here 11 out of 10.”
