Dr Jennifer Acton
Lecturer
Yr Ysgol Optometreg a Gwyddorau'r Golwg
- ActonJ@caerdydd.ac.uk
- +44 29208 70203
- Optometreg a Gwyddorau'r Golwg , Ystafell Ystafell 3.03, Heol Maendy, Cathays, Caerdydd, CF24 4HQ
- Sylwebydd y cyfryngau
- Ar gael fel goruchwyliwr ôl-raddedig
Trosolwyg
Research overview
My interests include clinical research and public health. Specific areas involve measures of visual function in visual system disorders. In particular, I am interested in the investigation of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in terms of monitoring the progression of visual loss, using functional and imaging techniques. Recent studies have evaluated the use of microperimetry with a focus on clinical interpretation with respect to normative data. Current work includes the assessment of the relationship between vision-related quality of life outcomes with clinical measures such as microperimetry, in AMD and an evaluation of the role of microperimetry in nystagmus. I am also interested in public health research in individuals with low vision. Recent projects have examined the outcomes of vision rehabiliation.
Teaching overview
My teaching duties include the role of module leader for the "Ocular Pharmacology" module for the second year undergraduate students. I am responsible for organising the course, designing the structure of the course and writing and delivering the lectures and practical sessions. I also supervise in the second year undergraduate "Investigative Techniques Clinics".
Cyhoeddiad
2023
- Thomas, N., Acton, J. H., Erichsen, J. T., Redmond, T. and Dunn, M. J. 2023. Reliability of gaze-contingent perimetry. Behavior Research Methods (10.3758/s13428-023-02225-y)
- Yiallouridou, C., Acton, J. H., Banerjee, S., Waterman, H. and Wood, A. 2023. Pain related to intravitreal injections for age-related macular degeneration: A qualitative study of the perspectives of patients and practitioners.. BMJ Open 13, article number: e069625. (10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069625)
- Rawlings, A. et al. 2023. The burden of acute eye conditions on different healthcare providers: a retrospective population-based study. British Journal of General Practice (10.3399/BJGP.2022.0616)
- Evans, L., Acton, J. H., Hiscott, C. and Gartner, D. 2023. An operations research approach to automated patient scheduling for eye care using a multi-criteria decision support tool. Scientific Reports 13, article number: 553. (10.1038/s41598-022-26755-1)
2022
- MacFarlane, E., Carson-Stevens, A., North, R., Ryan, B. and Acton, J. 2022. A mixed-methods characterisation of patient safety incidents by primary eye care practitioners. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 42(6), pp. 1304-1315. (10.1111/opo.13030)
2021
- Acton, J. H., Bartlett, R., Jones, H., Farewell, D. and Williams, G. 2021. Response to Comment on: Agreement between optometrists and ophthalmologists in the certification for vision impairment. Eye 35, pp. 2325-2326. (10.1038/s41433-020-01143-z)
- Spillane, D., Courtenay, M., Chater, A., Family, H., Whitaker, A. and Acton, J. 2021. Factors influencing the prescribing behaviour of independent prescriber optometrists: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains framework. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 41(2), pp. 301-315. (10.1111/opo.12782)
- Bartlett, R., Acton, J., Ryan, B., Man, R., Pickles, T. and Nollett, C. 2021. Training results in increased practitioner confidence and identification of depression in people with low vision: a mixed methods study. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 41(2), pp. 316-330. (10.1111/opo.12788)
- Bartlett, R., Jones, H., Williams, G., Farewell, D. and Acton, J. H. 2021. Agreement between ophthalmologists and optometrists in the certification of vision impairment. Eye 35, pp. 433-440. (10.1038/s41433-020-0860-x)
2020
- Nollett, C., Bartlett, R., Man, R., Pickles, T., Ryan, B. and Acton, J. H. 2020. Barriers to integrating routine depression screening into community low vision rehabilitation services: a mixed methods study. BMC Psychiatry 20, pp. 419. (10.1186/s12888-020-02805-8)
2019
- Cassels, N. K., Wild, J. M., Margrain, T. H., Blyth, C., Chong, V. and Acton, J. H. 2019. Microperimetry in age-related macular degeneration: an evidence-base for Pattern Deviation probability analysis in microperimetry. Translational Vision Science & Technology 8(6), article number: 48. (10.1167/tvst.8.6.48)
- Nollett, C., Bartlett, R., Man, R., Pickles, T., Ryan, B. and Acton, J. H. 2019. How do community-based eye care practitioners approach depression in patients with low vision? A mixed methods study. BMC Psychiatry 19(1), article number: 426. (10.1186/s12888-019-2387-x)
- Thomas, N., Acton, J., Erichsen, J. and Dunn, M. J. 2019. Validation of a novel gaze-contingent perimeter with high-speed eye tracking. Presented at: 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, 28 April - 2 May 2019, Vol. 60. Vol. 9. pp. 522-522.
2018
- Acton, J., Ogino, K., Akagi, Y., Wild, J. and Yoshimura, N. 2018. Microperimetry and multimodal imaging in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Scientific Reports 8, article number: 15769. (10.1038/s41598-018-33781-5)
- Cassels, N., Wild, J., Margrain, T. H., Chong, V. and Acton, J. 2018. The use of microperimetry in assessing visual function in age-related macular degeneration. Survey of Ophthalmology 63(1), pp. 40-55. (10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.05.007)
2016
- Acton, J. H., Molik, B., Court, H. and Margrain, T. H. 2016. Effect of a home visit-based low vision rehabilitation intervention on visual function outcomes: an exploratory randomized controlled trial. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 57(15), pp. 6662-6667. (10.1167/iovs.16-19901)
- Terry, L. et al. 2016. Automated Retinal Layer Segmentation Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography: Evaluation of Inter-Session Repeatability and Agreement between Devices. Plos One 11(9), article number: e0162001. (10.1371/journal.pone.0162001)
- Acton, J. H., Molik, B., Binns, A., Court, H. J. and Margrain, T. H. 2016. Effect of rehabilitation worker input on visual function outcomes in individuals with low vision: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 17, article number: 105. (10.1186/s13063-016-1235-2)
- Acton, T., Acton, J., Acton, J., Cemlyn, S. and Ryder, A. 2016. Why we need to up our Numbers Game: A non-parametric approach to the methodology and politics of the demography of Roma, Gypsy, Traveller and other ethnic populations. Radical Statistics 114, pp. 3-23.
2013
- Acton, J. H., Greenberg, J. P., Greenstein, V. C., Marsiglia, M., Tabacaru, M., Theodore Smith, R. and Tsang, S. H. 2013. Evaluation of multimodal imaging in carriers of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Experimental Eye Research 113, pp. 41-48. (10.1016/j.exer.2013.05.003)
- Acton, J. H. and Greenstein, V. C. 2013. Fundus-driven perimetry (microperimetry) compared to conventional static automated perimetry: similarities, differences, and clinical applications. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology / Journal Canadien d'Ophtalmologie 48(5), pp. 358-363. (10.1016/j.jcjo.2013.03.021)
2012
- Acton, J. H., Smith, R. T., Hood, D. C. and Greenstein, V. C. 2012. Relationship between retinal layer thickness and the visual field in early age-related macular degeneration. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 53(12), pp. 7618-7624. (10.1167/iovs.12-10361)
- Acton, J. H., Smith, R. T., Greenberg, J. P. and Greenstein, V. C. 2012. Comparison between MP-1 and Humphrey visual field defects in glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa. Optometry and Vision Science 89(7), pp. 1050-1058. (10.1097/OPX.0b013e31825da18c)
- Acton, J. H., Gibson, J. M. and Cubbidge, R. P. 2012. Quantification of visual field loss in age-related macular degeneration. PLoS ONE 7(6), article number: e39944. (10.1371/journal.pone.0039944)
2011
- Fawzi, A. A., Lee, N., Acton, J. H., Laine, A. F. and Smith, R. T. 2011. Recovery of macular pigment spectrum in vivo using hyperspectral image analysis. Journal of Biomedical Optics 16(10), article number: 106008. (10.1117/1.3640813)
- Acton, J. H., Cubbidge, R. P., King, H., Galsworthy, P. and Gibson, J. M. 2011. Drusen detection in retro-mode imaging by a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Acta Ophthalmologica -New Series- 89(5), pp. e404-e411. (10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.02123.x)
- Acton, J. H., Bartlett, N. S. and Greenstein, V. C. 2011. Comparing the Nidek MP-1 and Humphrey Field Analyzer in Normal Subjects. Optometry and Vision Science 88(11), pp. 1288-1297. (10.1097/OPX.0b013e31822b3746)
2010
- Bartlett, H., Acton, J. H. and Eperjesi, F. 2010. Clinical evaluation of the MacuScope macular pigment densitometer. British Journal of Ophthalmology 94(3), pp. 328-331. (10.1136/bjo.2009.167213)
Articles
- Thomas, N., Acton, J. H., Erichsen, J. T., Redmond, T. and Dunn, M. J. 2023. Reliability of gaze-contingent perimetry. Behavior Research Methods (10.3758/s13428-023-02225-y)
- Yiallouridou, C., Acton, J. H., Banerjee, S., Waterman, H. and Wood, A. 2023. Pain related to intravitreal injections for age-related macular degeneration: A qualitative study of the perspectives of patients and practitioners.. BMJ Open 13, article number: e069625. (10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069625)
- Rawlings, A. et al. 2023. The burden of acute eye conditions on different healthcare providers: a retrospective population-based study. British Journal of General Practice (10.3399/BJGP.2022.0616)
- Evans, L., Acton, J. H., Hiscott, C. and Gartner, D. 2023. An operations research approach to automated patient scheduling for eye care using a multi-criteria decision support tool. Scientific Reports 13, article number: 553. (10.1038/s41598-022-26755-1)
- MacFarlane, E., Carson-Stevens, A., North, R., Ryan, B. and Acton, J. 2022. A mixed-methods characterisation of patient safety incidents by primary eye care practitioners. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 42(6), pp. 1304-1315. (10.1111/opo.13030)
- Acton, J. H., Bartlett, R., Jones, H., Farewell, D. and Williams, G. 2021. Response to Comment on: Agreement between optometrists and ophthalmologists in the certification for vision impairment. Eye 35, pp. 2325-2326. (10.1038/s41433-020-01143-z)
- Spillane, D., Courtenay, M., Chater, A., Family, H., Whitaker, A. and Acton, J. 2021. Factors influencing the prescribing behaviour of independent prescriber optometrists: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains framework. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 41(2), pp. 301-315. (10.1111/opo.12782)
- Bartlett, R., Acton, J., Ryan, B., Man, R., Pickles, T. and Nollett, C. 2021. Training results in increased practitioner confidence and identification of depression in people with low vision: a mixed methods study. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 41(2), pp. 316-330. (10.1111/opo.12788)
- Bartlett, R., Jones, H., Williams, G., Farewell, D. and Acton, J. H. 2021. Agreement between ophthalmologists and optometrists in the certification of vision impairment. Eye 35, pp. 433-440. (10.1038/s41433-020-0860-x)
- Nollett, C., Bartlett, R., Man, R., Pickles, T., Ryan, B. and Acton, J. H. 2020. Barriers to integrating routine depression screening into community low vision rehabilitation services: a mixed methods study. BMC Psychiatry 20, pp. 419. (10.1186/s12888-020-02805-8)
- Cassels, N. K., Wild, J. M., Margrain, T. H., Blyth, C., Chong, V. and Acton, J. H. 2019. Microperimetry in age-related macular degeneration: an evidence-base for Pattern Deviation probability analysis in microperimetry. Translational Vision Science & Technology 8(6), article number: 48. (10.1167/tvst.8.6.48)
- Nollett, C., Bartlett, R., Man, R., Pickles, T., Ryan, B. and Acton, J. H. 2019. How do community-based eye care practitioners approach depression in patients with low vision? A mixed methods study. BMC Psychiatry 19(1), article number: 426. (10.1186/s12888-019-2387-x)
- Acton, J., Ogino, K., Akagi, Y., Wild, J. and Yoshimura, N. 2018. Microperimetry and multimodal imaging in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Scientific Reports 8, article number: 15769. (10.1038/s41598-018-33781-5)
- Cassels, N., Wild, J., Margrain, T. H., Chong, V. and Acton, J. 2018. The use of microperimetry in assessing visual function in age-related macular degeneration. Survey of Ophthalmology 63(1), pp. 40-55. (10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.05.007)
- Acton, J. H., Molik, B., Court, H. and Margrain, T. H. 2016. Effect of a home visit-based low vision rehabilitation intervention on visual function outcomes: an exploratory randomized controlled trial. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 57(15), pp. 6662-6667. (10.1167/iovs.16-19901)
- Terry, L. et al. 2016. Automated Retinal Layer Segmentation Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography: Evaluation of Inter-Session Repeatability and Agreement between Devices. Plos One 11(9), article number: e0162001. (10.1371/journal.pone.0162001)
- Acton, J. H., Molik, B., Binns, A., Court, H. J. and Margrain, T. H. 2016. Effect of rehabilitation worker input on visual function outcomes in individuals with low vision: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 17, article number: 105. (10.1186/s13063-016-1235-2)
- Acton, T., Acton, J., Acton, J., Cemlyn, S. and Ryder, A. 2016. Why we need to up our Numbers Game: A non-parametric approach to the methodology and politics of the demography of Roma, Gypsy, Traveller and other ethnic populations. Radical Statistics 114, pp. 3-23.
- Acton, J. H., Greenberg, J. P., Greenstein, V. C., Marsiglia, M., Tabacaru, M., Theodore Smith, R. and Tsang, S. H. 2013. Evaluation of multimodal imaging in carriers of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Experimental Eye Research 113, pp. 41-48. (10.1016/j.exer.2013.05.003)
- Acton, J. H. and Greenstein, V. C. 2013. Fundus-driven perimetry (microperimetry) compared to conventional static automated perimetry: similarities, differences, and clinical applications. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology / Journal Canadien d'Ophtalmologie 48(5), pp. 358-363. (10.1016/j.jcjo.2013.03.021)
- Acton, J. H., Smith, R. T., Hood, D. C. and Greenstein, V. C. 2012. Relationship between retinal layer thickness and the visual field in early age-related macular degeneration. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 53(12), pp. 7618-7624. (10.1167/iovs.12-10361)
- Acton, J. H., Smith, R. T., Greenberg, J. P. and Greenstein, V. C. 2012. Comparison between MP-1 and Humphrey visual field defects in glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa. Optometry and Vision Science 89(7), pp. 1050-1058. (10.1097/OPX.0b013e31825da18c)
- Acton, J. H., Gibson, J. M. and Cubbidge, R. P. 2012. Quantification of visual field loss in age-related macular degeneration. PLoS ONE 7(6), article number: e39944. (10.1371/journal.pone.0039944)
- Fawzi, A. A., Lee, N., Acton, J. H., Laine, A. F. and Smith, R. T. 2011. Recovery of macular pigment spectrum in vivo using hyperspectral image analysis. Journal of Biomedical Optics 16(10), article number: 106008. (10.1117/1.3640813)
- Acton, J. H., Cubbidge, R. P., King, H., Galsworthy, P. and Gibson, J. M. 2011. Drusen detection in retro-mode imaging by a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Acta Ophthalmologica -New Series- 89(5), pp. e404-e411. (10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.02123.x)
- Acton, J. H., Bartlett, N. S. and Greenstein, V. C. 2011. Comparing the Nidek MP-1 and Humphrey Field Analyzer in Normal Subjects. Optometry and Vision Science 88(11), pp. 1288-1297. (10.1097/OPX.0b013e31822b3746)
- Bartlett, H., Acton, J. H. and Eperjesi, F. 2010. Clinical evaluation of the MacuScope macular pigment densitometer. British Journal of Ophthalmology 94(3), pp. 328-331. (10.1136/bjo.2009.167213)
Conferences
- Thomas, N., Acton, J., Erichsen, J. and Dunn, M. J. 2019. Validation of a novel gaze-contingent perimeter with high-speed eye tracking. Presented at: 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, 28 April - 2 May 2019, Vol. 60. Vol. 9. pp. 522-522.
Ymchwil
My research interests involve the examination of visual function in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which was established during my PhD and developed during international postdoctoral research fellowships.
Past work involved the topographical assessment of the retina using multimodal imaging in relation to visual function measured by microperimetry and other visual field techniques in AMD and in other retinal diseases. Recent studies have evaluated the application of normative data in microperimetry, using the Macular Integrity Assessment (Centervue; Figure 1) and MP-1 (Nidek) instruments, to enable robust interpretation of results in those with visual system disorders. A current study is the evaluation of the relationship of microperimetry with vision-related and health-related quality of life instruments in individuals with AMD.
In other research, we have estimated the impact of vision rehabilitation on quality of life outcomes in individuals with low vision. Our findings provide support for the effectiveness of the vision rehabilitation service.
Images
- Figure 1. Microperimetry results in a healthy eye.
- Figure 2. Microperimetry results in early AMD.
Summary of findings
- In early AMD, thinning of the outer segment layer, measured using retinal layer segmentation of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images, was significantly associated with reduced microperimetry sensitivity (Fig 1.).
- Commercial microperimetry is limited by the lack of robust probability analyses. A normative database and robust model of analysis to detect abnormality have been developed.
- Despite similarities in stimuli and threshold procedures between microperimetry and conventional perimetry, there are important differences between instruments that need to be taken into account when interpreting visual field results. These include the difference in dynamic range, normative data and background luminance levels. The amount of visual loss detected, differed between instruments and this was dependent upon adaptation level and type of retinal disease.
- Vision rehabilitation has a positive influence on vision-related quality of life.
Funding
John R (PI), Acton JH, £16,636, Evidencing the potential role of Low Vision Service Wales Optometrists in the certification of vision impairment, Sight Cymru 2017
Thomas N (PI), Dunn M, Acton JH, Erichsen JT, £1,387, Retinal predictors of visual performance in nystagmus, Nystagmus Network, 2017
Wood A (PI), Acton JH, Waterman H, £72,663, Investigation of pain and discomfort associated with anti-VEGF injections, Abbeyfield Research Foundation, 2016
Dunn M (PI), Acton JH, Erichsen JT, £55,827, Retinal predictors of visual performance in infantile nystagmus, College of Optometrists, 2016
Acton JH (PI), Margrain T, £5,122, Effectiveness of vision rehabilitation, Sight Cymru, Cardiff Council, Welsh Government, 2015
Acton JH (PI), Redmond T, Cassels N, £1,440, Prediction of the integrated visual field in age-related macular degeneration, CUROP, 2015
Acton JH, 527,930 JPY, A microperimetric evaluation of age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, JSPS, 2015
Acton JH (PI), Binns AM, Margrain TH, £38,481, Does rehabilitation officer input improve quality of life in individuals with low vision?, Sight Cymru, Cardiff Council, Welsh Government, 2014
Acton JH (PI), £2000, The application of spatial filtering to microperimetry in age-related macular degeneration, College of Optometrists, 2014
Acton JH (PI) & Margrain TH, £15,000, Evaluation of the Macular Integrity Assessment microperimeter, Fight for Sight, 2013
Research collaborators
- Prof Victor Chong, Oxford Eye Hospital, Clinical Evaluation of Macular Disease
- Dr Vivienne C. Greenstein, Dept of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, Microperimetry in retinal disease
- Sharon Beckett, Sight Cymru
Current postgraduate students
Nicola Cassels | 2014 | PhD | Clinical Evaluation of Age-related Macular Degeneration |
---|---|---|---|
Nikita Thomas | 2016 | PhD | Retinal predictors of visual performance in nystagmus |
Masters students
Zahra Rasheed | 2015 | Cardiff University |
---|---|---|
Justine Blake | 2013 | Erasmus Scheme, University of Latvia |
Thien Kim Nguyen | 2012 | Optometry Research Fellow, Boston VA Health Care System |
Bywgraffiad
Educational and Professional Qualifications:
2010 PhD (Vision Sciences) Aston University, Birmingham, UK
2002 Member of the College of Optometrists (MCOptom), College of Optometrists, London, UK
2001 BSc Optometry, 2:1 with Honours, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
Academic Positions:
2012-present Lecturer, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
2012-2012 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Department of Ophthalmology, New York University, New York, USA
2010-2012 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, USA
2006-2010 Postgraduate Clinical Demonstrator, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
School and University Roles and Committees:
2012-present Associate Admissions Tutor
Awards:
Travel Award, College of Optometrists, to attend ARVO 2009
Peer Review Prize, West Midlands Regional Vitae Postgraduate Conference, 2008
Aelodaethau proffesiynol
- 2002- present Member of the College of Optometrists (MCOptom), College of Optometrists, London, UK
- 2014- present Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Safleoedd academaidd blaenorol
- 2012-Present - Lecturer, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- 2012-2012 - Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Department of Ophthalmology, New York University, New York, USA
- 2010-2012 - Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, USA
- 2006-2010 - Postgraduate Clinical Demonstrator, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
Pwyllgorau ac adolygu
School committees
- 2017-present: Senior Admissions Tutor
- 2012-2016: Associate Admissions Tutor
- 2014-present: Member of the Postgraduate Research Committee
- 2013-present: Member of the Teaching and Learning Committee
- 2012-present: Member of the Board of Studies
- 2016-present: Senior Personal Tutor
University committees
- College of Biomedical & Life Sciences Admissions & Recruitment Group
External committees
- 2014-present Guide Dogs Psycho-Social Ethics Committee
Meysydd goruchwyliaeth
Mae gen i ddiddordeb mewn goruchwylio myfyrwyr PhD ym meysydd: Iechyd y cyhoedd a gofal llygaid; a swyddogaeth weledol.
Goruchwyliaeth gyfredol

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