Misfolded prion proteins causing CJD have been found in the retina, the back of the eye connected to the brain. By examining retinal function, it provides an opportunity to examine potential early brain changes. Our group has combined expertise in lab-based and clinical retinal assessment, prion disease and eye biomarkers in neurodegenerative conditions research. This project aims to develop a novel approach of using the eye as a non-invasive tool for early CJD detection.
Pei Ying Lee completed her Bachelor of Optometry and PhD in visual neuroscience at the University of Melbourne. She is an early career postdoctoral researcher at the University of Melbourne, working on eye biomarkers in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and prion disease.