If our eyes are the windows to the soul, then the cornea is the window of the eye. A clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye, the cornea focuses incoming light and acts shields the eye against dirt, dust and damage. While a healthy, smooth cornea keeps vision sharp and focused, disruptions to its shape or surface can cause light to focus incorrectly—resulting in blurred or distorted sight. Given the cornea’s critical role in how clearly we see the world, corneal diseases are the third most common blindness across all age groups and the leading cause of unilateral (single eye) blindness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Leading the charge against corneal diseases is Professor Stephanie Watson OAM FARVO, Head of the Corneal Research Group, and now, Director of the Save Sight Institute. A dedicated clinician-researcher who seeks to translate findings into real-world treatments, Professor Watson and her group were the first to discover a novel method of stem cell transplantation using contact lenses to treat corneal blindness. With patients at the heart of her research, she has also launched global registries that track the long-term outcomes of patients with corneal diseases like dry eye disease and keratoconus, generating real-world evidence to improve treatment and care.

For her contributions to corneal research, Professor Watson has been recognised as the top-ranked corneal researcher in Australia, as well as the top 0.065% of experts in the field worldwide. In this Inside the Institute feature, she shares more about her research journey and her vision for the Save Sight Institute under her leadership.

1.     What sparked your interest in corneal research? 

Corneal blindness is a leading cause of global blindness for people of all ages with patients suffering reduced quality of life and significant societal burden. During my medical student elective in Kenya, I saw the life-changing impact of sight restoring surgery for corneal blindness. We were able to treat one patient at a time restoring their vision. As a Corneal Fellow and PhD student at Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, I was also part of a research program that discovered solutions to corneal disease, saving sight for many. 

2.     What completed research project are you proudest of so far? 

There is a lack of curative therapies and real-world knowledge on the efficacy and safety of available therapies for key corneal diseases. To address these unmet needs, my research program developed new therapies—with 13 patents in 8 countries, led over 11 clinical trials and published international guidelines.  My group reported for the first time global, real-world data from the treatment of corneal diseases, which enabled benchmarking that improved the practice of 138 researchers and clinicians. I have also trained many students, and have educational videos with over 200,000 views.

I am proud of being recognised via ranking as the top corneal expert in Australia and in the top 0.065% globally; an Order of Australia Medal for contributions to Ophthalmology and Gold Fellowship from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

3.     What does a day in your role as Director look like? 

I started as Director of Save Sight Institute on the 1^st July 2026 and each day has been different and rewarding. I meet with the researchers, operations team and stakeholders; review the research and higher degree programmes; and learn from the University of Sydney’s leadership team.

The Save Sight Institute is fortunate to have world-leading clinical scientists and vision researchers as well as many expert affiliates. I am grateful to past director Professor Peter McCluskey AO and past co-Director Professor John Grigg for providing a supportive handover. The Sydney Eye Hospital is the Institute’s key partner and I have been engaging across the hospital. 

I was also fortunate to host the Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Mr David Thodey AO FTSE FAICD as guest lecturer at the recent Coles Colloquium, with support from the Sydney Eye Hospital.

4.     How do you envision SSI evolving under your leadership? 

The Save Sight Institute was founded with seed funding from Lions NSW-ACT Save Sight Foundation on the 6 May 1985 under the leadership of Professor Frank Bilson AO and then Professor Peter McCluskey AO. The Institute is well positioned to grow, and my vision for the institute is to transform lives through saving sight.

The SSI’s mission will be to enable breakthrough discoveries in ophthalmology though multi-disciplinary and collaborative research. Specific strategic objectives will be to support collaborative research, expand multidisciplinary expertise, ensure sustainability, attract and foster talent and build and support valuable partnerships. The values I will nurture at the Institute will be excellence, collaboration, curiosity and integrity.

5.     What advice would you give to early-career researchers hoping to build a successful career in vision science research?

A career in vision science research is truly rewarding. There are many opportunities to create impact for patients with eye and vision disease, the eye profession and community. The specialised complex structures of the eye enable researchers to use a range of high technology tools including AI, imaging, and ‘omics. Clinical research through cohort studies, clinical trials and registries also provide a pathway to impact. My advice would be to reach out to find mentors and supporters; take advantage of schemes supporting early-career researchers (ECRs) and join ECR groups for collegiate support. Look for opportunities that align with your career plans and enjoy the journey!