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Professor Barbara Ryan
(she/her)
Teams and roles for Barbara Ryan
Overview
Barbara Ryan MBE is a Professor of Optometric Practice at the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University where she teaches on the postgraduate independent prescribing and low vision courses. She is also Clinical Lead with responsibility for the varied teaching clinics in the School and the Teach and Treat Clinics across Wales.
Barbara is Director of the Centre for Vision Services Research, a Health and Care Research Wales funded collaboration between four Welsh universities, focussed on research to improve health and care services for individuals that access eye care services or have sight problems.
In addition to her academic role, Barbara works as an optometrist one day a week in a community optometry pactice in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
Publication
2025
- Ryan, B. et al. 2025. Hospital to community in Wales: What is the value of optometrists playing a greater role in managing neovascular AMD and glaucoma in primary care?. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 45(1), pp. 280-293. (10.1111/opo.13397)
2024
- Nollett, C., Ryan, B. and Latham, K. 2024. Humanising health care: Assessing the impact of an educational resource to share real patient stories with eye care students. British Journal of Visual Impairment (10.1177/02646196241294211)
- Rawlings, A. et al. 2024. The burden of acute eye conditions on different healthcare providers: a retrospective population-based study. British Journal of General Practice 74, pp. e264-e274. (10.3399/BJGP.2022.0616)
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)
- Cottrell, P., North, R., Sheen, N. and Ryan, B. 2022. Optometry independent prescribing during COVID lockdown in Wales. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 42(6), pp. 1289-1303. (10.1111/opo.13028)
- Karas, M., Bartlett, S., Whitaker, A., Sheen, N., North, R. and Ryan, B. 2022. An analysis of glaucoma repeat measures assessment results: Are core competencies enough?. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 42(6), pp. 1147-1158. (10.1111/opo.13032)
2021
- 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)
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)
- Karas, M., Sheen, N. J. L., North, R. V., Ryan, B. and Bullock, A. 2020. Continuing professional development requirements for UK health professionals: a scoping review. BMJ Open 10(3), article number: e032781. (10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032781)
2019
- 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)
- Nollett, C. et al. 2019. Depressive symptoms in people with a vision impairment: A cross-sectional study to identify who is most at risk. BMJ Open 9(1), article number: e026163. (10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026163)
2017
- Taylor, J. J. et al. 2017. Effectiveness of portable electronic and optical magnifiers for near vision activities in low vision: a randomised crossover trial. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 37(4), pp. 370-384. (10.1111/opo.12379)
- John, R. and Ryan, B. 2017. A general practice model for low vision: lessons learned in Wales. Optometry in Practice 18(2), pp. 127-132.
2016
- Nollett, C. L. et al. 2016. Depression in Visual Impairment Trial (DEPVIT): a randomized clinical trial of depression treatments in people with low vision. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 57(10), pp. 4247-4254. (10.1167/iovs.16-19345)
- Nollett, C. et al. 2016. High prevalence of untreated depression in patients accessing low-vision services. Ophthalmology 123(2), pp. 440-441. (10.1016/j.ophtha.2015.07.009)
2014
- Bullock, A. D., Barnes, E. J., Ryan, B. and Sheen, N. J. L. 2014. Case-based discussion supporting learning and practice in optometry. Ophthalmic And Physiological Optics 34(5), pp. 614-621. (10.1111/opo.12151)
- Taylor, J. et al. 2014. The p-EVES study design and methodology: a randomised controlled trial to compare portable electronic vision enhancement systems (p-EVES) to optical magnifiers for near vision activities in visual impairment. Ophthalmic And Physiological Optics 34(5), pp. 558-572. (10.1111/opo.12149)
- Woodhouse, J. M., Davies, N., McAvinchey, A. and Ryan, B. 2014. Ocular and visual status among children in special schools in Wales: the burden of unrecognised visual impairment.. Archives of Disease in Childhood 99(6), pp. 500-504. (10.1136/archdischild-2013-304866)
- Ryan, B. 2014. Models of low vision care: past, present and future. Clinical and Experimental Optometry 97(3), pp. 209-213. (10.1111/cxo.12157)
2013
- Ryan, B., Khadka, J., Bunce, C. and Court, H. J. 2013. Effectiveness of the community-based Low Vision Service Wales: A long-term outcome study. British Journal of Ophthalmology 97(4), pp. 487-491. (10.1136/bjophthalmol-2012-302416)
- Charlton, M. N., Jenkins, D. R., Rhodes, C., Martin-Smith, T. and Ryan, B. 2013. The Welsh Low Vision Service - a summary. Optometry in Practice 12(1), pp. 29-38.
2012
- Stone, N., Ryan, B. and Sinclair, A. 2012. Diabetic eye disease and low vision. British Journal of Diabetes and Vascular Disease 11(6), pp. 282-287. (10.1177/1474651411428950)
- Khadka, J., Ryan, B., Margrain, T. H., Woodhouse, J. M. and Davies, N. 2012. Listening to voices of children with a visual impairment: A focus group study. British Journal of Visual Impairment 30(3), pp. 182-196. (10.1177/0264619612453105)
- Margrain, T. H. et al. 2012. The depression in Visual Impairment Trial (DEPVIT): trial design and protocol. BMC Psychiatry 12(1), article number: 57. (10.1186/1471-244X-12-57)
2011
- Court, H. J., Ryan, B., Bunce, C. and Margrain, T. H. 2011. How effective is the new community-based Welsh low vision service?. British Journal of Ophthalmology 95(2), pp. 178-184. (10.1136/bjo.2010.179606)
2010
- Khadka, J., Ryan, B., Margrain, T. H., Court, H. J. and Woodhouse, J. M. 2010. Development of the 25-item Cardiff Visual Ability Questionnaire for Children (CVAQC). British Journal of Ophthalmology 94(6), pp. 730-735. (10.1136/bjo.2009.171181)
- Ryan, B., Margrain, T. H., Reidy, A. and Minassian, D. 2010. Occasional paper no 24: All Wales visual impairment database. Project Report. London, UK: Thomas Pocklington Trust.
- Ryan, B. and Margrain, T. H. 2010. Research findings no 28: All Wales visual impairment database. Project Report. London, UK: Thomas Pocklington Trust.
- Ryan, B. 2010. Evaluation of low vision services in the United Kingdom. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
- Ryan, B. and Margrain, T. H. 2010. Registration for people with sight impairment: Fit for purpose?. British Journal of Ophthalmology 94(12), pp. 1692-1693. (10.1136/bjo.2009.178558)
- Ryan, B., White, S. D., Wild, J. M., Court, H. and Margrain, T. H. 2010. The newly established primary care based Welsh Low Vision Service is effective and has improved access to low vision services in Wales. Ophthalmic And Physiological Optics 30(4), pp. 358-364. (10.1111/j.1475-1313.2010.00729.x)
2009
- Ryan, B., Sinclair, A. and Woodhouse, J. M. Robertson, H. ed. 2009. Low vision: The essential guide for optometrists. Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The College of Optometrists.
2008
- Ryan, B., Court, H. J. and Margrain, T. H. 2008. Measuring low vision service outcomes: Rasch Analysis of the seven-item National Eye Institute visual function questionnaire. Optometry and Vision Science 85(2), pp. 112-121. (10.1097/OPX.0b013e31816225dc)
- Khadka, J., Woodhouse, J. M., Margrain, T. H., Ryan, B. and Davies, N. 2008. Focusing children in focus groups [Abstract]. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 28(1), pp. 99-99. (10.1111/j.1475-1313.2007.00530_11.x)
- Sinclair, A. and Ryan, B. Robertson, H. ed. 2008. Low vision: The essential guide for ophthalmologists. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
2005
- Margrain, T. H., Ryan, B. and Wild, J. M. 2005. A revolution in Welsh low vision service provision. British Journal of Ophthalmology 89(8), pp. 933-934. (10.1136/bjo.2005.066142)
2002
- Culham, L. E. et al. 2002. Low vision services for vision rehabilitation in the United Kingdom. British Journal of Ophthalmology 86(7), pp. 743-747. (10.1136/bjo.86.7.743)
1999
- Ryan, B. 1999. Commentary: The low vision challenge. British Journal of Visual Impairment 17(3), pp. 93-93. (10.1177/026461969901700302)
- Ryan, B. and Culham, L. 1999. Fragmented vision: survey of low vision services in the UK. Royal National Institute for the Blind.
- Ryan, B., Culham, L. E., Hill, A. R., Jackson, A. J., Jones, B., Bird, A. C. and Bunce, C. 1999. Multi-disciplinary low vision services in the United Kingdom. Visual Impairment Research 1(3), pp. 181-186. (10.1076/vimr.1.3.181.4445)
Articles
- Ryan, B. et al. 2025. Hospital to community in Wales: What is the value of optometrists playing a greater role in managing neovascular AMD and glaucoma in primary care?. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 45(1), pp. 280-293. (10.1111/opo.13397)
- Nollett, C., Ryan, B. and Latham, K. 2024. Humanising health care: Assessing the impact of an educational resource to share real patient stories with eye care students. British Journal of Visual Impairment (10.1177/02646196241294211)
- Rawlings, A. et al. 2024. The burden of acute eye conditions on different healthcare providers: a retrospective population-based study. British Journal of General Practice 74, pp. e264-e274. (10.3399/BJGP.2022.0616)
- 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)
- Cottrell, P., North, R., Sheen, N. and Ryan, B. 2022. Optometry independent prescribing during COVID lockdown in Wales. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 42(6), pp. 1289-1303. (10.1111/opo.13028)
- Karas, M., Bartlett, S., Whitaker, A., Sheen, N., North, R. and Ryan, B. 2022. An analysis of glaucoma repeat measures assessment results: Are core competencies enough?. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 42(6), pp. 1147-1158. (10.1111/opo.13032)
- 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)
- 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)
- Karas, M., Sheen, N. J. L., North, R. V., Ryan, B. and Bullock, A. 2020. Continuing professional development requirements for UK health professionals: a scoping review. BMJ Open 10(3), article number: e032781. (10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032781)
- 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)
- Nollett, C. et al. 2019. Depressive symptoms in people with a vision impairment: A cross-sectional study to identify who is most at risk. BMJ Open 9(1), article number: e026163. (10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026163)
- Taylor, J. J. et al. 2017. Effectiveness of portable electronic and optical magnifiers for near vision activities in low vision: a randomised crossover trial. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 37(4), pp. 370-384. (10.1111/opo.12379)
- John, R. and Ryan, B. 2017. A general practice model for low vision: lessons learned in Wales. Optometry in Practice 18(2), pp. 127-132.
- Nollett, C. L. et al. 2016. Depression in Visual Impairment Trial (DEPVIT): a randomized clinical trial of depression treatments in people with low vision. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 57(10), pp. 4247-4254. (10.1167/iovs.16-19345)
- Nollett, C. et al. 2016. High prevalence of untreated depression in patients accessing low-vision services. Ophthalmology 123(2), pp. 440-441. (10.1016/j.ophtha.2015.07.009)
- Bullock, A. D., Barnes, E. J., Ryan, B. and Sheen, N. J. L. 2014. Case-based discussion supporting learning and practice in optometry. Ophthalmic And Physiological Optics 34(5), pp. 614-621. (10.1111/opo.12151)
- Taylor, J. et al. 2014. The p-EVES study design and methodology: a randomised controlled trial to compare portable electronic vision enhancement systems (p-EVES) to optical magnifiers for near vision activities in visual impairment. Ophthalmic And Physiological Optics 34(5), pp. 558-572. (10.1111/opo.12149)
- Woodhouse, J. M., Davies, N., McAvinchey, A. and Ryan, B. 2014. Ocular and visual status among children in special schools in Wales: the burden of unrecognised visual impairment.. Archives of Disease in Childhood 99(6), pp. 500-504. (10.1136/archdischild-2013-304866)
- Ryan, B. 2014. Models of low vision care: past, present and future. Clinical and Experimental Optometry 97(3), pp. 209-213. (10.1111/cxo.12157)
- Ryan, B., Khadka, J., Bunce, C. and Court, H. J. 2013. Effectiveness of the community-based Low Vision Service Wales: A long-term outcome study. British Journal of Ophthalmology 97(4), pp. 487-491. (10.1136/bjophthalmol-2012-302416)
- Charlton, M. N., Jenkins, D. R., Rhodes, C., Martin-Smith, T. and Ryan, B. 2013. The Welsh Low Vision Service - a summary. Optometry in Practice 12(1), pp. 29-38.
- Stone, N., Ryan, B. and Sinclair, A. 2012. Diabetic eye disease and low vision. British Journal of Diabetes and Vascular Disease 11(6), pp. 282-287. (10.1177/1474651411428950)
- Khadka, J., Ryan, B., Margrain, T. H., Woodhouse, J. M. and Davies, N. 2012. Listening to voices of children with a visual impairment: A focus group study. British Journal of Visual Impairment 30(3), pp. 182-196. (10.1177/0264619612453105)
- Margrain, T. H. et al. 2012. The depression in Visual Impairment Trial (DEPVIT): trial design and protocol. BMC Psychiatry 12(1), article number: 57. (10.1186/1471-244X-12-57)
- Court, H. J., Ryan, B., Bunce, C. and Margrain, T. H. 2011. How effective is the new community-based Welsh low vision service?. British Journal of Ophthalmology 95(2), pp. 178-184. (10.1136/bjo.2010.179606)
- Khadka, J., Ryan, B., Margrain, T. H., Court, H. J. and Woodhouse, J. M. 2010. Development of the 25-item Cardiff Visual Ability Questionnaire for Children (CVAQC). British Journal of Ophthalmology 94(6), pp. 730-735. (10.1136/bjo.2009.171181)
- Ryan, B. and Margrain, T. H. 2010. Registration for people with sight impairment: Fit for purpose?. British Journal of Ophthalmology 94(12), pp. 1692-1693. (10.1136/bjo.2009.178558)
- Ryan, B., White, S. D., Wild, J. M., Court, H. and Margrain, T. H. 2010. The newly established primary care based Welsh Low Vision Service is effective and has improved access to low vision services in Wales. Ophthalmic And Physiological Optics 30(4), pp. 358-364. (10.1111/j.1475-1313.2010.00729.x)
- Ryan, B., Court, H. J. and Margrain, T. H. 2008. Measuring low vision service outcomes: Rasch Analysis of the seven-item National Eye Institute visual function questionnaire. Optometry and Vision Science 85(2), pp. 112-121. (10.1097/OPX.0b013e31816225dc)
- Khadka, J., Woodhouse, J. M., Margrain, T. H., Ryan, B. and Davies, N. 2008. Focusing children in focus groups [Abstract]. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 28(1), pp. 99-99. (10.1111/j.1475-1313.2007.00530_11.x)
- Margrain, T. H., Ryan, B. and Wild, J. M. 2005. A revolution in Welsh low vision service provision. British Journal of Ophthalmology 89(8), pp. 933-934. (10.1136/bjo.2005.066142)
- Culham, L. E. et al. 2002. Low vision services for vision rehabilitation in the United Kingdom. British Journal of Ophthalmology 86(7), pp. 743-747. (10.1136/bjo.86.7.743)
- Ryan, B. 1999. Commentary: The low vision challenge. British Journal of Visual Impairment 17(3), pp. 93-93. (10.1177/026461969901700302)
- Ryan, B., Culham, L. E., Hill, A. R., Jackson, A. J., Jones, B., Bird, A. C. and Bunce, C. 1999. Multi-disciplinary low vision services in the United Kingdom. Visual Impairment Research 1(3), pp. 181-186. (10.1076/vimr.1.3.181.4445)
Books
- Ryan, B., Sinclair, A. and Woodhouse, J. M. Robertson, H. ed. 2009. Low vision: The essential guide for optometrists. Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The College of Optometrists.
- Sinclair, A. and Ryan, B. Robertson, H. ed. 2008. Low vision: The essential guide for ophthalmologists. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
- Ryan, B. and Culham, L. 1999. Fragmented vision: survey of low vision services in the UK. Royal National Institute for the Blind.
Monographs
- Ryan, B., Margrain, T. H., Reidy, A. and Minassian, D. 2010. Occasional paper no 24: All Wales visual impairment database. Project Report. London, UK: Thomas Pocklington Trust.
- Ryan, B. and Margrain, T. H. 2010. Research findings no 28: All Wales visual impairment database. Project Report. London, UK: Thomas Pocklington Trust.
Thesis
- Ryan, B. 2010. Evaluation of low vision services in the United Kingdom. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
Research
Barbara Ryan's research spans both primary and secondary care, as well as health and social care, utilising mixed methods to address complex challenges in eye health.
Research Funding at Cardiff University
- 2025/2030 Catalytic Centre funding Health and Care Research Wales
- 2023/2025 Co-investigator Health and Care Research Wales
- 2022/2024 Co-investigator Health and Care Research Wales
- 2021/2023 Principal Invesgtigator Health and Care Research Wales RFPB
- 2012/2014 Collaborator NIHR
- 2011/2014 Collaborator GDBA
- 2011/2013 Co-applicant RNIB
- 2007/2010 Co- Applicant Welsh Assembly Government
- 2007/2009 Co-applicant Welsh Office of Research and Development
- 2007/2008 Principal Invesgtigator Thomas Pocklington Trust
Biography
With over thirty years of experience in eye care practice, research, education, and policy, Barbara Ryan has worked across various settings, including universities, optometric practices, hospital eye services, the voluntary sector, and Welsh Government. As Clinical Lead for the Low Vision Service Wales (2002 to 2012), she successfully led the transition of low vision services from 20 hospital sites to 200 optometry practices across Wales. From 2009 to 2023, Barbara served as Director of the Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre (WOPEC), where she played a pivotal role in developing it into a leading institution for postgraduate education and Continuing Professional Development for eye health professionals worldwide, serving over 4,000 learners annually. In her role as Chief Optometric Advisor to Welsh Government, she influenced policy changes that paved the way for significant legislative and contractual reforms in optometry in Wales. Her research spans both primary and secondary care, as well as health and social care, utilising mixed methods to address complex challenges in eye health.
Educational and Professional Qualifications
- Bsc Hons Optometry and Vision Science, City University 1991
- Membership College of Optometrists 1992
- PhD Cardiff University 2009
- Professional Certificate in Glaucoma 2017
- Professional Certificate in Therapeutic Prescribing 2019
- Diploma in Therapeutic Prescribing (Independent Prescribing) 2021
Relevant External Positions or award of note in the last 10 years
|
Academic advisor |
NES Optometry team |
2022- 2024 |
|
MBE |
|
2019 |
|
Chair Welsh Optometric Committee |
Welsh Government |
2019- 2022 |
|
Course Content Task and Finish Group member, Education Strategic Review |
General Optical Council |
2018 |
|
Co-Chair and Panel Member: Review of the implementation of the Developing Eyecare Partnerships |
Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, Northern Ireland |
2017 |
|
Steering Group member, A review of low vision service provision in Scotland |
Scottish Government |
2017 |
|
Chair, Eye Care Wales Steering Board |
Welsh Government |
2012- 2016 |
|
National Joint Professionals Advisory Committee |
Welsh Government |
2012- 2016 |
|
Quality and Safety Group, Department of Health and Social Services |
Welsh Government |
2014 - 2016 |
Employment
|
Employer |
Department |
Job title |
From |
To |
|
Cardiff University |
Optometry and Vision Sciences |
Deputy Head School and Diector Clinical Innovation (0.8FTE) |
2022 |
present |
|
Cardiff University |
Optometry and Vision Sciences |
Director PGT |
2012 |
2022 |
|
Welsh Government |
Health and Social Services |
Chief Optometric Advisor |
2013 |
2017 |
|
Cardiff University |
Optometry and Vision Sciences |
Director WOPEC |
2009 |
2022 |
|
Cardiff University |
Optometry and Vision Sciences |
Training and Accreditation Manager Wales Eye Care Service Clinical Lead, Welsh Low Vision Service |
2003 |
2012 |
|
Monnow Eye Care |
|
Optometrist (0.2FTE) |
2003 |
present |
|
Bradford University |
Department of Optometry |
Low Vision Clinic Clinical Tutor |
2001 |
2003 |
|
Bradley and Smith Optometrists, Huddersfield & Specsavers, Halifax |
|
Optometrist |
2001 |
2003 |
|
The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London |
|
Head of Low Vision and Eye Health |
1996 |
2001 |
|
Birmingham Focus |
Multi-Disciplinary Low Vision Service |
Senior Optometrist |
1995 |
2000 |
| Birmingham Midland Eye Centre |
Scleral Contact Lens Clinic |
Senior Optometrist |
1995 |
2000 |
|
Aston University |
Optometry and Vision Sciences |
Clinical Tutor and Visiting Lecturer |
1994 |
1996 |
|
Birmingham Heartlands Hospital |
Ophthalmology |
Head of Optometry Department (Acting) |
1994 |
1996 |
|
Maiduguri Eye Hospital Nigeria |
|
Optometrist |
1993 |
1994 |
|
Oxford Eye Hospital |
Optometry |
Optometrist |
1992 |
1993 |
|
Oxford Eye Hospital |
Optometry |
Pre-Registration Optometrist |
1991 |
1992 |
