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Dr Lee McIlreavy
Lecturer
School of Optometry and Vision Sciences
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
I conduct basic research, using eye tracking and computer-based tasks, to investigate visual function and motion perception resulting from normal and abnormal development of the human visual system.
All visual input must be processed by the retinas before transmission to the visual cortex of the brain. However, eye movements are constantly directing our retinas to different objects in the environment. Yet, despite this incessant motion, the environment is usually perceived as stationary.
A number of neuro-ophthamic conditions can produce continuous, pathological oscillations of the eyes (a sign called nystagmus) that may or may not result in an illusory motion of the environment (a symptom called oscillopsia).
The objective of my current research is to relate eye movements to measures of visual function and motion perception, in those with and without nystagmus, in an effort to better understand the perception of stationarity, oscillopsia and the consequences of inappropriate motion of the eyes
Publication
2024
- Dunn, M. J. et al. 2024. Minimal reporting guideline for research involving eye tracking (2023 edition). Behavior Research Methods 56(5), pp. 4351-4357. (10.3758/s13428-023-02187-1)
- Almagren, B. et al. 2024. Measurement of visual function in infantile nystagmus: a systematic review. British Journal of Ophthalmology 108(7), pp. 1038-1043. (10.1136/bjo-2023-324254)
2023
- Ward, K., Dunn, M., McIlreavy, L. and Erichsen, J. 2023. Measuring the spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity function in infantile nystagmus. Presented at: 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 23-27 April 2023, Vol. 64. pp. 5312.
- Arblaster, G. et al. 2023. Managing Nystagmus in childhood. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Available at: https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/resources-listing/managing-nystagmus-in-childhood/
2022
- McIlreavy, L., Nedelchev, V. and Ennis, F. 2022. Two-dimensional eye velocity distributions of foveal fixation at different gaze angles. Presented at: 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, USA, 01-04 May 2022, Vol. 63. Vol. 7. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology pp. 2774.
- Nedelchev, V., Ennis, F., Bex, P. and McIlreavy, L. 2022. Novel fixation target promotes more accurate fixation: initial proof-of-concept. Presented at: 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, USA, 01-04 May 2022, Vol. 63. Vol. 7. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology pp. 2769-2769.
- Rennie, K. et al. 2022. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with nystagmus and an exploration of public assumptions about the condition: an electronic questionnaire study. BMC Ophthalmology 22, article number: 268. (10.1186/s12886-022-02484-x)
- Zahidi, A. A. A., McIlreavy, L., Erichsen, J. and Woodhouse, J. M. 2022. Visual and refractive status of children with Down's syndrome and nystagmus. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 63(2), article number: 28. (10.1167/iovs.63.2.28)
2021
- Amiebenomo, O., McIlreavy, L., Erichsen, J. and Woodhouse, J. 2021. Effect of viewing distance on fixation characteristics in typical observers. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 62(8), pp. 3334-3334.
2020
- McIlreavy, L., Freeman, T. and Erichsen, J. 2020. Two-dimensional analysis of horizontal and vertical pursuit in infantile nystagmus reveals quantitative deficits in accuracy and precision. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 61(6), article number: 15. (10.1167/iovs.61.6.15)
- Amiebenomo, O. M., McIlreavy, L., Erichsen, J. T. and Woodhouse, J. M. 2020. The potential off-axis performance and accuracy of the PowerRef 3 for measurements in nystagmus. Presented at: AVA Christmas Meeting, Cardiff, Wales, UK, 16 Dec 2019. Vol. 49(6). Sage pp. 707-708.
- Self, J. E. et al. 2020. Management of nystagmus in children: A review of the literature and current practice in UK specialist services. Eye (10.1038/s41433-019-0741-3)
2019
- Dunn, M. J., Harris, C. M., Ennis, F. A., Margrain, T. H., Woodhouse, J. M., McIlreavy, L. and Erichsen, J. T. 2019. An automated segmentation approach to calibrating infantile nystagmus waveforms. Behavior Research Methods 51(5), pp. 2074-2084. (10.3758/s13428-018-1178-5)
- McIlreavy, L., Freeman, T. C. A. and Erichsen, J. T. 2019. Two-dimensional analysis of smooth pursuit eye movements reveals quantitative deficits in precision and accuracy. Translational Vision Science & Technology 8(5), article number: 7. (10.1167/tvst.8.5.7)
- Clark, R. et al. 2019. The potential and value of objective eye tracking in the ophthalmology clinic. Eye 33, pp. 1200-1202. (10.1038/s41433-019-0417-z)
2017
- Erichsen, J. T., Dillingham, C., Dix, K., McIlreavy, L., Barnes, J. and Meydan, T. 2017. Using the optocollic response to determine visual perception in the homing pigeon (Columba livia) [Abstract]. Perception 46(10), pp. 1230-1231. (10.1177/0301006617710756)
- Dunn, M., McIlreavy, L. and Erichsen, J. 2017. The Nystagmus null zone: evidence for contributions from each eye. Perception 46(10), pp. 1224-1225.
2016
- McIlreavy, L. 2016. Fixational and pursuit eye movements in infantile nystagmus: oculomotor control and perception. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
2015
- McIlreavy, L., Freeman, T. and Erichsen, J. 2015. Two dimensional analysis of horizontal and vertical pursuit performance in infantile nystagmus. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 56(7), pp. 2914-2914.
2012
- McIlreavy, L., Fiser, J. and Bex, P. J. 2012. Impact of Simulated Central Scotomas on Visual Search in Natural Scenes. Optometry and Vision Science 89(9), pp. 1385-1394. (10.1097/OPX.0b013e318267a914)
2009
- McIlreavy, L., Fiser, J. and Bex, P. 2009. Visual field loss, eye movements and visual search. Journal of Vision 9(8), article number: 1210. (10.1167/9.8.1210)
2008
- Beirne, R. O., McIlreavy, L. and Zlatkova, M. B. 2008. The effect of age-related lens yellowing on Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue error score. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 28(5), pp. 448-456. (10.1111/j.1475-1313.2008.00593.x)
Articles
- Dunn, M. J. et al. 2024. Minimal reporting guideline for research involving eye tracking (2023 edition). Behavior Research Methods 56(5), pp. 4351-4357. (10.3758/s13428-023-02187-1)
- Almagren, B. et al. 2024. Measurement of visual function in infantile nystagmus: a systematic review. British Journal of Ophthalmology 108(7), pp. 1038-1043. (10.1136/bjo-2023-324254)
- Rennie, K. et al. 2022. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with nystagmus and an exploration of public assumptions about the condition: an electronic questionnaire study. BMC Ophthalmology 22, article number: 268. (10.1186/s12886-022-02484-x)
- Zahidi, A. A. A., McIlreavy, L., Erichsen, J. and Woodhouse, J. M. 2022. Visual and refractive status of children with Down's syndrome and nystagmus. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 63(2), article number: 28. (10.1167/iovs.63.2.28)
- Amiebenomo, O., McIlreavy, L., Erichsen, J. and Woodhouse, J. 2021. Effect of viewing distance on fixation characteristics in typical observers. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 62(8), pp. 3334-3334.
- McIlreavy, L., Freeman, T. and Erichsen, J. 2020. Two-dimensional analysis of horizontal and vertical pursuit in infantile nystagmus reveals quantitative deficits in accuracy and precision. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 61(6), article number: 15. (10.1167/iovs.61.6.15)
- Self, J. E. et al. 2020. Management of nystagmus in children: A review of the literature and current practice in UK specialist services. Eye (10.1038/s41433-019-0741-3)
- Dunn, M. J., Harris, C. M., Ennis, F. A., Margrain, T. H., Woodhouse, J. M., McIlreavy, L. and Erichsen, J. T. 2019. An automated segmentation approach to calibrating infantile nystagmus waveforms. Behavior Research Methods 51(5), pp. 2074-2084. (10.3758/s13428-018-1178-5)
- McIlreavy, L., Freeman, T. C. A. and Erichsen, J. T. 2019. Two-dimensional analysis of smooth pursuit eye movements reveals quantitative deficits in precision and accuracy. Translational Vision Science & Technology 8(5), article number: 7. (10.1167/tvst.8.5.7)
- Clark, R. et al. 2019. The potential and value of objective eye tracking in the ophthalmology clinic. Eye 33, pp. 1200-1202. (10.1038/s41433-019-0417-z)
- Erichsen, J. T., Dillingham, C., Dix, K., McIlreavy, L., Barnes, J. and Meydan, T. 2017. Using the optocollic response to determine visual perception in the homing pigeon (Columba livia) [Abstract]. Perception 46(10), pp. 1230-1231. (10.1177/0301006617710756)
- Dunn, M., McIlreavy, L. and Erichsen, J. 2017. The Nystagmus null zone: evidence for contributions from each eye. Perception 46(10), pp. 1224-1225.
- McIlreavy, L., Freeman, T. and Erichsen, J. 2015. Two dimensional analysis of horizontal and vertical pursuit performance in infantile nystagmus. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 56(7), pp. 2914-2914.
- McIlreavy, L., Fiser, J. and Bex, P. J. 2012. Impact of Simulated Central Scotomas on Visual Search in Natural Scenes. Optometry and Vision Science 89(9), pp. 1385-1394. (10.1097/OPX.0b013e318267a914)
- McIlreavy, L., Fiser, J. and Bex, P. 2009. Visual field loss, eye movements and visual search. Journal of Vision 9(8), article number: 1210. (10.1167/9.8.1210)
- Beirne, R. O., McIlreavy, L. and Zlatkova, M. B. 2008. The effect of age-related lens yellowing on Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue error score. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 28(5), pp. 448-456. (10.1111/j.1475-1313.2008.00593.x)
Conferences
- Ward, K., Dunn, M., McIlreavy, L. and Erichsen, J. 2023. Measuring the spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity function in infantile nystagmus. Presented at: 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 23-27 April 2023, Vol. 64. pp. 5312.
- McIlreavy, L., Nedelchev, V. and Ennis, F. 2022. Two-dimensional eye velocity distributions of foveal fixation at different gaze angles. Presented at: 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, USA, 01-04 May 2022, Vol. 63. Vol. 7. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology pp. 2774.
- Nedelchev, V., Ennis, F., Bex, P. and McIlreavy, L. 2022. Novel fixation target promotes more accurate fixation: initial proof-of-concept. Presented at: 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, USA, 01-04 May 2022, Vol. 63. Vol. 7. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology pp. 2769-2769.
- Amiebenomo, O. M., McIlreavy, L., Erichsen, J. T. and Woodhouse, J. M. 2020. The potential off-axis performance and accuracy of the PowerRef 3 for measurements in nystagmus. Presented at: AVA Christmas Meeting, Cardiff, Wales, UK, 16 Dec 2019. Vol. 49(6). Sage pp. 707-708.
Monographs
- Arblaster, G. et al. 2023. Managing Nystagmus in childhood. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Available at: https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/resources-listing/managing-nystagmus-in-childhood/
Thesis
- McIlreavy, L. 2016. Fixational and pursuit eye movements in infantile nystagmus: oculomotor control and perception. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
- McIlreavy, L., Fiser, J. and Bex, P. J. 2012. Impact of Simulated Central Scotomas on Visual Search in Natural Scenes. Optometry and Vision Science 89(9), pp. 1385-1394. (10.1097/OPX.0b013e318267a914)
- Beirne, R. O., McIlreavy, L. and Zlatkova, M. B. 2008. The effect of age-related lens yellowing on Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue error score. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 28(5), pp. 448-456. (10.1111/j.1475-1313.2008.00593.x)
Research
Research Groups
Research Unit for Nystagmus (OPTOM)
Down's Syndrome Vision Research Unit (OPTOM)
Perception & Action (PSYCH)
Funding
2021: JT Erichsen, L Mcilreavy, MJ Dunn, JM Woodhouse, £4,000 “Development of an eye tracking system for assessment in the home", Nystagmus Network
2020: L Mcilreavy, £2,351 “Novel fixation stimuli to aid fixation performance over an extended duration", Cardiff Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (CUROP)
2019: L Mcilreavy, JT Erichsen, £30,000 “Oculomotor control and visual perception during pursuit eye movements in the presence infantile nystagmus”, IN-vision UK
2019: JT Erichsen, RG Wise, MJ Dunn, L Mcilreavy, PhD studentship, "Infantile nystagmus: Exploring the causes and establishing better measures of visual performance”, College of Optometrists UK
2019: R Paterson, L Mcilreavy, J Cable, £2,500, "Out of sight: do eye flukes alter predator-prey interactions?", NERC/GW4 FRESH CDT Research Experience Placement
2019: MJ Dunn, L Mcilreavy, T Redmond, £2,258, "Investigating the role of perceived depth on visual crowding”, Cardiff Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (CUROP)
2019: KJ Peall, L Mcilreavy, PhD studentship, "Use of technological platforms to enhance phenotypic understanding in primary dystonia", KESS2/Aparito
2018: L Mcilreavy, £36,130, "Spectacle lens wearer test – subjective assessment of two types of lens", Essilor International,
2018: KJ Peall, L Mcilreavy, £15,000, "A comprehensive assessment of motor and non-motor symptoms in primary blepharospasm to aid stratification of disorder phenotypes", Fight for Sight / The Dystonia Society joint small grant award
2017: KJ Peall, L Mcilreavy, MJ Dunn, JT Erichsen, £5,000, "Characterisation of ocular motor function in adult-onset cervical dystonia", Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI) Seed Corn Funding
2017: L Mcilreavy, £11,015, "Diagnosing infantile nystagmus: A novel eye tracking approach", Fight for Sight / Nystagmus Network joint small grant award
2016: L Mcilreavy, £18,550, "Perceptual 'windows' in the presence of involuntary eye movement", College of Optometrists UK Research Fellowship
2016: L Mcilreavy, £1,600, "A low cost tool to aid diagnosis of eye movement disorders", Cardiff Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (CUROP)
2015: L Mcilreavy, £1,600, "Fixation performance over an extended duration: development of novel fixation stimuli for clinical use", Cardiff Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (CUROP)
2013: JT Erichsen, TCA Freeman, L Mcilreavy, £14,350, "Understanding the oscillopsia in nystagmus to provide a basis for treatment", Fight for Sight / Nystagmus Network joint small grant award
Teaching
Current undergraduate teaching
- OP0204 Optometric physics (Lecturer)
- OP1202 Optometric dispensing and appliances (Module leader)
- OP2201 Clinical studies and dispensing (Lecturer)
- OP3205 Occupational optometry, law and business (Lecturer)
- OP3107 Research in optometry and vision science (Project supervisor)
Previous postgraduate teaching
- WOPEC refraction certificate for ophthalmologists (Lecturer)
Previous undergraduate teaching
- OP2204 Binocular vision and optometric neurophysiology (Practical teaching)
Biography
Undergraduate education
- 2004-2007 BSc (Hons) Optometry, Ulster University
Postgraduate education
- 2012-2015 PhD (Vision Sciences), Cardiff University, supervised by Professor Jonathan T. Erichsen (School of Optometry and Vision Sciences) and Professor Tom C.A. Freeman (School of Psychology)
Professional memberships
- Registered with the General Optical Council (GOC)
- Member of the College of Optometrists (MCOptom)
- Member of the Association of Optometrists (AOP)
- Member of the Applied Vision Association (AVA)
- Member of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Academic positions
- 2015 - present: Lecturer, Cardiff University
- 2012 - 2015: Postgratuate clinical demonstrator, Cardiff University
- 2008 - 2010: Research fellow with Professor Peter Bex, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
- 2007 - 2008: Pre-registration optometrist, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
Supervisions
- Eye movements
- Eye tracking
- Visual perception
- Spatial vision
Current supervision
Katherine Ward
Research student
Viktor Nedelchev
Research student
Onyeka Amiebenomo
Research student
Contact Details
+44 29208 70134
Optometry and Vision Sciences, Room Room 3.01, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ
Research themes
Specialisms
- Eye tracking
- Eye movements
- Smooth pursuit
- Saccades
- Spatial vision
