24 March, 2026
Retina Australia was proud to recognise Professor Michael Kalloniatis as the inaugural recipient of the Retina Australia Hall of Fame Award for his outstanding achievements improving the lives of Australians affected by inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), and for his significant and sustained contribution to Retina Australia.
Presented by our Chair Leighton Boyd AM, the award acknowledges more than three decades of dedication to IRD research, education, mentorship and advocacy.
Michael received his first Retina Australia research grant in 1992. Over the following years he went on to receive 14 grants that helped establish important retinal dystrophy research programs and a visual psychophysics laboratory, supporting advances in understanding inherited retinal diseases.
Across an extraordinary career spanning institutions including the University of Melbourne, University of Auckland, University of New South Wales and the University of Houston, Michael has trained and mentored generations of optometrists and researchers. Many of his PhD students continue to work in the IRD field today, extending his impact even further.
Michael has also been a valued member of Retina Australia’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee since 2009 and represented Retina Australia at Retina International scientific meetings for more than a decade.
In accepting the award, Michael graciously paid tribute to the many students and colleagues he has worked alongside, noting that the recognition was “really recognition of those I have worked with – success is best shared.”
Retina Australia is deeply grateful for Michael’s leadership, mentorship and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people living with inherited retinal diseases.
