Dr Jennifer Acton

Cyhoeddiad

• Date
• Type

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

Bywgraffiad

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

Kristian Skoczek

Myfyriwr ymchwil

Christina Yiallouridou

Myfyriwr ymchwil

Elinor Macfarlane

Myfyriwr ymchwil

Aysenur Kilic

Myfyriwr ymchwil