Dr Eleni Malissova

Lecturer / Deputy Director of Recruitment and Admissions

I am trained and qualified Optometrist both in Greece and in the UK and I completed my PhD studies at School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University [2015]. I always believed that clinical experience goes together with an academic career, as you gain a holistic perspective of the profession. I consider myself a continuous learner, as I am still studying higher qualifications, and I am eager to learn and develop further my skills, with a passion for both clinical practice and academic pursuits.

My view about higher education is not merely the transfer of knowledge, but the cultivation of critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical reasoning skills, in an inclusive learning environment, that supports diverse learners. In School of Optometry, we are privileged as along with the lectures we also teach the students in their practical sessions, so we review in-person their individual academic performance, progress, reflect on their learning, appraise their strengths. I consider teaching a two-way process, and I value students’ feedback. Being an active listener for the students and acting on their feedback / issues / struggles, it also a great lesson for them, as part of their role as Optometrists, is to listen and address patients’ needs, be empathetic and recommend appropriate treatment/ management.

I strongly believe that a solution is always available, no matter how easy or difficult an issue is, and by strengthening the academic-student relationships and promoting peer-support networks, the academic journey can be more successful and inclusive. My role is to motivate and adapt teaching strategies to student's needs, ensuring they gain not only academic knowledge but the confidence and skills necessary for their professional journey in optometry.

My core professional responsibilities as a Lecturer, include the design of a variety of learning activities, the provision supporting material related to teaching, the design of exams and the delivery of constructive feedback, with principal goal to be inclusive for all cohort of students. My commitment to teaching is driven by the recognition that each student’s learning path is distinct. My role is to motivate and adapt teaching strategies to their needs, ensuring they gain not only academic knowledge but the confidence and skills necessary for their professional journey in Optometry.

My teaching duties include:

The role of Module Leader for the OP2201 'Clinical Studies & Dispensing' (Year 2 BSc level - 20 credit module), where I teach the students all the aspects of a sight-test, professional awareness (i.e., to be active listeners, empathetic/ respectful, adopt a patient-centred approach), but also promoting an interdisciplinary student experience.
Teaching series of lectures in OP2203 'Investigative techniques' (Year 2 BSc level - 20 credit module)
Teaching a series of lectures in OP2501 Further eye examination (MOptom, Year 2 – 40 credit module)
Clinic Supervisor in OP3101 Primary Care Clinics (BSc, Year 3 – 20 credit module)
Clinic Supervisor in OP1502 Visual Correction (MOptom, Year 1 – 30 credit module)
Project Supervisor - 3rd Year Students BSc
Personal Tutor to Undergraduate students

Career Overview

Optometry is a versatile and vivid profession which fulfils both my scientific and intellectual aspirations. My approach to Optometry is always patient - and /or student-centred. I strongly believe that academic knowledge goes hand - in - hand with clinical experience. In my continuous learning journey I had the opportunity to engage with teaching approaches from academics both in the UK and in Greece. As an Optometrist, I also had the chance to practice both in the UK and in Greece, collaborate with people from various disciplines and examine a great range of patients. As a lecturer and optometrist, I aim to offer the students’ knowledge and clinical experience, focusing on the optimum clinical practice, aligned with the professional standards, with respect for the patient.

Professional qualifications

July 2024, Professional Certificate in Medical Retina College of Optometrists (Prof Cert Med Ret), Provider: School of Optoemtry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
Jan 2024, Professional Certificate in Glaucoma (Prof Cert Glauc), College of Optometrists, Provider: School of Optoemetry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
Sep 2021 - July 2022, Therapeutic Prescribing for Optometrists (PgCert) (Distinction), Cardiff School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK (TCFA March 2025)
Sep 2015 – Jul 2018, BSc (Hons) 2.1 Optometry, Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, England, UK
Jan 2008 - Aug 2015, PhD Thesis: ‘Structural and functional progression in glaucoma: some aspects', Cardiff School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
Sep 2002 - May 2007. Degree (EU Bachelor) Grade ‘Very Good’ (7.5 out of 10), Department of Optics and Optometry, Faculty of Health and Caring Professions, Hellenic Republic Technological Educational Institute (T.E.I.) of Athens, Athens, Greece, GR

Continuing Professional Development

Oct 2022, Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) WOPEC MECS Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre (WOPEC), Cardiff School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University , Cardiff, UK
Feb 2021, LOCSU Cataract Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre (WOPEC), Cardiff School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
Sep 2019- Current, Active participation on CPD courses approved from GOC

Educational Qualifications

April 2016 Associate Fellow of The Higher Education Academy: The Higher Education Academy
Jan 2023 – Present Fellow of the Higher Education Academy: The Higher Education Academy (Prtofolio due for submission Jan 2025)

Honours

June 2018, Elsevier Prize 'For the Best Overall Performance in Clinics', Aston University
March 2018, Aston Eye Clinic Merit Award: For Professionalism and Exceptional Patient Care in Low Vision
January 2018, Aston Eye Clinic Merit Award: Exceptional Skill and Professionalism
Sep 2016 - June 2018, Aston Excellence Scholarship, Aston University

Memberships

General Optical Council (GOC)
College of Optometrists
Association of Optometrists

School Committees

2024 - Present, Deputy Director of Recruitment and Admissions, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
2022 - Present, Personal Tutor, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Academic positions

2022 - Present, Lecturer, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
2021 - 2022, Clinical Tutor, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences. Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
2008 - 2015, PhD student & Clinical Demonstrator, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Contact Details

MalissovaE1@cardiff.ac.uk
+44 29208 70118