NHMRC Speaking of Science – Developing surgical treatment for glaucoma

Join us as we host Professor Dao-Yi Yu AM on Monday 16 February 2026 from 11:00AM – 12:00PM AEDT as part of our Speaking of Science webinar series.

As NHMRC marks its 90th birthday in 2026, we are highlighting the researchers and discoveries that NHMRC funding has translated into real world impact for Australians.

Head of the Physiology and Pharmacology group at the Lions Eye Institute, Professor Dao-Yi Yu is a leader in glaucoma research - combining groundbreaking innovation with decades of high impact research, global collaborations, sustained grant success, and translation of science into real world clinical benefit. His work has improved surgical safety and outcomes for patients with glaucoma, in Australia and internationally.

Professor Yu will share the story behind more than 3 decades of NHMRC supported research that advanced treatment for glaucoma and ultimately led to the development of the XEN® Glaucoma gel stent, a minimally invasive device that has reshaped glaucoma surgery worldwide.

There will also be an opportunity to engage with and ask questions of our inspiring guest speaker through a thought provoking Q&A session. We have a feeling you won’t want to miss this one!

Please note that this webinar will be recorded and published to NHMRC’s website afterwards as part of our ‘Speaking of Science’ series. If you have any questions for the event organisers, you can reach us at media@nhmrc.gov.au.

Meet our speaker:

Professor Dao-Yi Yu AM is a clinician scientist who heads the Physiology and Pharmacology Research Centre within the Lions Eye Institute and the University of Western Australia. He has received continuous support from the NHMRC for more than 35 years and has built 10 well-established labs and a highly talented multidisciplinary team.

His team focuses on common retinal vascular diseases and glaucoma, which are sight threatening. He has established long term collaborations with leading universities and instrument and pharmaceutical companies. Professor Yu was acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list (awarded an AM) in 2019 for his contributions to eye research, including leading the development of the XEN® Glaucoma gel stent that has revolutionised the treatment of glaucoma.