CONTACT lenses that deliver drugs for eye diseases like glaucoma or change colour with the light to protect the eye - these are some of the projects at a newly opened eye research centre.

The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) iCare, located at the Biopolis, will focus on research using nanomaterials for eye treatment. It was started with a $5 million fund from A*Star's commercialisation arm Exploit Technologies.

iCare will also partner the new National University Hospital (NUH) Eye Centre @ Biopolis to hasten research and clinical trials. Research aside, the NUH Eye Centre will also provide eye care services, including lasik and refractive surgery.

Said IBN chief Prof Jackie Ying: 'By bridging the gap from bench to bedside, we are well positioned to facilitate the commercialization of our research innovations.'

Both centres were opened by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education S. Iswaran on Tuesday.