Dr Jennifer Acton
Senior Lecturer & Director of Recruitment and Admissions
School of Optometry and Vision Sciences
- ActonJ@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 29208 70203
- Optometry and Vision Sciences, Room Room 3.03, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ
- Media commentator
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
Research overview
My interests include public health and clinical research. Current projects include the investigation the provision of health and social services for individuals with vision impairment, the evaluation of acute eye conditions in primary and secondary care, patient safety relating to eyecare and the role of pain related to the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Recent projects have examined the outcomes of vision rehabilitation. Other specific areas involve measures of visual function in visual system disorders. In particular, I am interested in monitoring the progression of visual loss, using functional and imaging techniques. Recent studies have evaluated the use of microperimetry in AMD and in other diseases, with a focus on clinical interpretation with respect to normative data. Previous work also includes the assessment of the relationship between vision-related quality of life outcomes with clinical measures such as microperimetry, in AMD and an investigation in to gaze-contingent perimetry in nystagmus.
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.
Admissions
As Director of Recruitment and Admissions, I am responsible for managing the undergraduate admissions processes in the School.
Publication
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.
Research
I have a strong desire to undertake research that has a direct impact on society. I am involved in a number of projects in the area of public health and in clinical projects related to retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). I am a member of the Ophthalmic Public Health Group and the Macular Research Group.
Acute eye care project
This project represents a multidisciplinary collaboration with Prof Barbara Ryan, Prof Rachel North, Dr Angharad Hobby, Dr Andrew Carson-Stevens from the School of Medicine, Dr Mat Smith from the School of Pharmacy, and Dr Nik Sheen from HEIW, and is internally funded. We are investigating the acute eye conditions that present to optometrists, pharmacists, GPs and to A&E. The project is also part of a collaboration with SAIL (Secure Anonymised Information Linkage), in which we are undertaking a Wales-wide data analysis of prescribing for acute eye conditions. For further details and to take part in the study as a participant, please follow this link.
Evaluation of errors in the delivery of care to patients with eye-related problems
Funded by KESS2 East, the co-supervisor of this PhD Studentship is Dr Andrew Carson-Stevens and the industrial partner is Optometry Wales. This project aims to evaluate eye-related patient safety. The main work packages within the project are: The development and testing of a patient safety incident reporting system for optometry in Wales; A mixed methods analysis of patient safety incident reports describing unsafe eye care in England and Wales; Stakeholder consensus on the nature of avoidable unsafe eye care.
A preventative approach for Access to a Sustainable, whole System pathway for older people with vISion impairmenT (ASSIST)
The project will address the need for more sustainable care and support for older people with vision impairment to help them live happier and more fulfilling lives. The problem for many older people with vision impairment can be getting access to and finding the right type of support for their individual needs. Social Prescribing means “connecting people to community support to better manage their health and wellbeing”, in which professionals (e.g. doctors, optometrists, social workers, housing officers) can refer people to community services and activities.
The project aims to find out what the current provision of care and support for older people with vision impairment is, to uncover gaps in access and identify areas of best practice. We will recommend how improvements can be made to support better, joined up working and more efficient ways of using existing resources. The project will involve mixed methods, using a realist approach to hear the views of individuals with vision impairment and their carers, as well as staff and other stakeholders.
Investigation of pain and discomfort associated with anti-VEGF injections
With Dr Ashley Wood, and funded by Abbeyfield Research Foundation, we are using mixed methods research to evaluate the experience of pain in patients undergoing anti-VEGF injections for AMD, as part of a collaboration with Prof Heather Waterman, in the School of Healthcare.
Transforming eye care services Wales
This project aims to evaluate the enhanced eye care services delivered by optometrists in primary care, using patient reported experience measures. It is funded by the Accelerate scheme, supported by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). We are collaborating on the ERDF award of £103K, and the total project value is £1.3M. A validation of the patient reported experience measures is being undertaken in collaboration with Swansea University. With Prof Barbara Ryan, and Dr Angharad Hobby, we are collaborating with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and the Accelerate team.
Independent prescribing in optometry
In collaboration with Prof Molly Courtenay, Angela Whitaker and researchers from the University of Bedfordshire and Bristol Medical School, we recently undertook a qualitative study on the factors affecting prescribing by independent prescriber optometrists, based on the Theoretical Domains Framework. Ongoing work in collaboration with Dr Nik Sheen from HEIW will develop support for independent prescribing by optometrists.
Other projects
My research interests also involve the examination of visual function in 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. Another ongoing 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 determined the agreement between low vision optometrists and consultant ophthalmologists in the process of certification for vision impairment. We have also 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
- Low vision optometrists and consultant ophthalmologists demonstrated equivalent performance in the certification of vision impairment, when classifying abridged cases for certification.
- Vision rehabilitation has a positive influence on vision-related quality of life.
- 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.
Funding
Acton JH (PI), Anderson P, Ryan B, North R, Wallace C, Davies M, Jones M, Verity F. A preventative approach for Access to a Sustainable, whole System pathway for older people with vISion impairmenT (ASSIST), HCRW Social Care Grant, £288,548
Acton JH (PI), Carson-Stevens A, Evaluation of errors in the delivery of care to patients with eye-related problems, KESS2 PhD studentship, 2019, £57,802
Acton JH (PI), Ryan B, Morgan J, GCRF fellowship, 2018, £4,500
Redmond T (PI), Acton JH, Greenwood J, Glaucoma, visual psychophysics, visual fields, quality of life, College of Optometrists Studentship, 2018, £58,611
John R (PI), Acton JH, Evidencing the potential role of Low Vision Service Wales Optometrists in the certification of vision impairment, Sight Cymru 2017, £16,636
Thomas N (PI), Dunn M, Acton JH, Erichsen JT, Retinal predictors of visual performance in nystagmus, Nystagmus Network, 2017, £1,387
Wood A (PI), Acton JH, Waterman H, Investigation of pain and discomfort associated with anti-VEGF injections, Abbeyfield Research Foundation, 2016, £72,663
Dunn M (PI), Acton JH, Erichsen JT, Retinal predictors of visual performance in infantile nystagmus, College of Optometrists Studentship, 2016, £55,827
Acton JH (PI), Margrain T, Effectiveness of vision rehabilitation, Sight Cymru, Cardiff Council, Welsh Government, 2015, £5,122
Acton JH (PI), Redmond T, Cassels N, Prediction of the integrated visual field in age-related macular degeneration, CUROP, 2015, £1,440
Acton JH, A microperimetric evaluation of age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, JSPS, 2015, £3,000
Acton JH (PI), Binns AM, Margrain TH, Does rehabilitation officer input improve quality of life in individuals with low vision?, Sight Cymru, Cardiff Council, Welsh Government, 2014, £38,481
Acton JH (PI), The application of spatial filtering to microperimetry in age-related macular degeneration, College of Optometrists, 2014, £2,000
Acton JH (PI) & Margrain TH, Evaluation of the Macular Integrity Assessment microperimeter, Fight for Sight, 2013, £15,000
Biography
Qualifications
- 2010- PhD (Vision Sciences) Aston University, Birmingham, UK
- 2001- BSc Optometry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
Professional memberships
- 2002- present Member of the College of Optometrists (MCOptom), College of Optometrists, London, UK
- 2002- present GOC registered optometrist
- 2014- present Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Academic positions
- 2020- present Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales UK
- 2012-2020 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 & PhD student, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
Committees and reviewing
School committees
- 2018-present: Director of Recruitment and Admissions
- 2017-2018: Senior Admissions Tutor
- 2012-2016: Associate Admissions Tutor
- 2022-present: Member of the Senior Management Team
- 2017-present: Member of the Postgraduate Student Staff Panel
- 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
- 2016-2020: Senior Personal Tutor
University committees
- College of Biomedical & Life Sciences Admissions & Recruitment Group
External committees
- 2014-present Member of Guide Dogs Research Ethics Committee
- 2018-present Member of Megafocus (Minority Ethnic Groups Association for Ophthalmic Care Uptake and Service Improvement) Advisory Group
Supervisions
I am interested in supervising PhD students in the areas of: Public health and eye care; and Visual function.
Current supervision

Kristian Skoczek
Research student

Christina Yiallouridou
Research student

Elinor Macfarlane
Research student

Aysenur Kilic
Research student