Guest: Dr. Karl David Brown, Chief Scientist, Centre for Eye Research Australia

The cornea might look simple—a clear “window” at the front of the eye—but it’s one of the most complex and vital parts of vision. In this episode, host Lien Trinh is joined by Dr. Karl Brown, a leading researcher in corneal biology and tissue engineering, to unpack what the cornea really is, how it works, and why it matters.

We cover:

• The five layers of the cornea and their unique roles.
• How the cornea protects the eye and focuses light.
• Why transparency is maintained, and what happens when it’s lost.
• The cornea’s sensitivity and nerve supply—why even tiny changes are felt so strongly.
• Cutting-edge research into corneal tissue engineering and donor cell expansion.

Resources & Further Reading

• Centre for Eye Research Australia — Corneal Research
• Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia
• American Academy of Ophthalmology — Cornea Basics
• The Cornea Society

Acknowledgements

Produced with support from Humdinger Studio (Melbourne), Gulwa Recording Studio (Darwin), the University of Melbourne, the Centre for Eye Research Australia, Optometry Australia, and mivision.

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