![Katherine Ward PhD, MCOptom](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/5454?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Katherine Ward
(she/her)
PhD, MCOptom
Teams and roles for Katherine Ward
Overview
My research aims to better understand the structures and processes underlying perception, visual function, and eye movements.
A key focus of my work concerns the effect of both typical and abnormal eye movements on visual performance. I am also interested in the relationship between abnormal eye movements, such as those characteristic of the eye condition infantile nystagmus, and brain structure and function. My research involves multimodal approaches including psychophysics, eye tracking, and imaging techniques (neuroimaging/MRI and retinal imaging).
Publication
2026
- Ward, K. et al. 2026. “Time to see” in infantile nystagmus. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 67 (5) 17. (10.1167/iovs.67.5.17)
2025
- Ward, K. 2025. Infantile nystagmus: Investigating the causes and establishing better measures of vision. PhD Thesis , Cardiff University.
2024
- Ward, K. 2024. CPD: Nystagmus in optometric practice. Optician 270 (6985), pp.18-24. (10.12968/opti.2024.270.6985.18)
- 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. et al. 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.ARVO. , pp.5312.
- Arblaster, G. et al., 2023. Managing Nystagmus in childhood.
2022
- 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 22 268. (10.1186/s12886-022-02484-x)
Articles
- Ward, K. et al. 2026. “Time to see” in infantile nystagmus. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 67 (5) 17. (10.1167/iovs.67.5.17)
- Ward, K. 2024. CPD: Nystagmus in optometric practice. Optician 270 (6985), pp.18-24. (10.12968/opti.2024.270.6985.18)
- 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 22 268. (10.1186/s12886-022-02484-x)
Conferences
- Ward, K. et al. 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.ARVO. , pp.5312.
Monographs
- Arblaster, G. et al., 2023. Managing Nystagmus in childhood.
Thesis
- Ward, K. 2025. Infantile nystagmus: Investigating the causes and establishing better measures of vision. PhD Thesis , Cardiff University.
Teaching
- Clinial demonstrator in level 4 Optometry undergraduate module, teaching basic clinical techniques.
- Clinical supervisor for Optometry undergraduate patient-facing clinics in primary care and contact lenses.
- Demonstrator in Psychology undergraduate module, teaching analysis of fMRI data using SPM.
Biography
Undergraduate education
- 2013-2016 BSc (Hons) Optometry, Cardiff University
Postgraduate education
- 2021-2025 PhD (Vision Sciences), Cardiff University
- 2020-2021 MSc (Hons) Computing, Cardiff University
Honours and awards
- 2025 - K Ward, MJ Dunn, JT Erichsen, CM Harris, L Mcilreavy. £14,937 “Adaptive Eye Movements: Rethinking the Origins of Infantile Nystagmus". Fight for Sight / Nystagmus Network joint small grant award
- 2025 - K Ward, H Thomas, L Tait. £1960. "Investigating eye movements in young people at genetic risk of psychosis". Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI) Future Leaders in Research Seedcorn Funding
- 2024 - L Mcilreavy, K Ward, D Whitaker. £14,805. "Revealing cortical organisation: visual acuity and eccentricity in infantile nystagmus". Fight for Sight/Nystagmus Network joint small grant award
- 2023 - Applied Vision Association Christmas Meeting 2023, 2nd prize, poster presentation
- 2022 - College of Optometrists Research Travel Bursary (£1000)
- 2022 - Guarantors of Brain Travel Award (£1000)
Professional memberships
- GOC registered optometrist
- Member of the College of Optometrists (MCOptom)
- Member of the Association of Optometrists (AOP)
- Member of the Applied Vision Association (AVA)
Academic positions
- 2025 - present: Lecturer, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff Univeristy
- 2025 - present: Research Associate, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff Univeristy
- 2021-2024: Clinical supervisor, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff Univeristy
- 2023-2025: Undergraduate clinical demonstrator, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff Univeristy
Contact Details
[email protected]
+44 29208 76471
Optometry and Vision Sciences, Room 3.08, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ
+44 29208 76471
Optometry and Vision Sciences, Room 3.08, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ
Research themes
Specialisms
- Eye movements
- Psychophysics