Dr Ashley Wood

Publication

• Date
• Type

Research

My primary research interests stems from the aim of improving the detection monitoring of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), currently the leading cause of vision loss and in the EU/UK, and ultimately supporting the development of better treatments for this condition. My work has focused on objective methods of assessing disease, with experience in  Optical Coherence Tomography, ocular electrophysiology and retinal imaging densitometry. I'm currently involved in a number of projects that are workind towards this aim, ultimately aim is that this research will make a contribution to the prevention of vision loss due to this widespread and debilitating of disease.

I'm also have interests in clinical teaching, ocular imaging and colour vision.

Retinal Imaging

One of the biggest advances in retinal imaging in recent years has been optical coherence tomography which produces high resolution 3D images of the back of the eye (see figure 3). This technology has revolutionised the detection, diagnosis and monitoring of retinal disease, not just AMD. Much of this work has involved using a prototype long wavelength OCT device. The longer wavelength imaging laser enables the layer of blood vessels directly beneath the retina called the Choroid to be seen, which is not possible on most commercially available OCT devices (see figure 4). Furthermore, as the long wavelength imaging laser is beyond the visible spectrum it provides the opportunity to images the retina under dark adapted conditions.

Clinical electrophysiology

Electrophysiology is the study of the tiny electrical signals produced by the cells that make up our bodies which can be recorded using sensitive electrodes. The electroretinogram (ERG) is one such electrophysiology technique recorded from the eye, the ERG waveform (see figure 1) represents the combined electrical responses of cells within the retina when exposed to light. Changes to the shape of the waveform can tell us how the retina is being affected by disease.

Funding Summary

• 2020 - Macular Society (PI) PhD Studentship £99,858
• 2020 - AltRegen Ltd. (CoI) Clinical Trial £1.2M
• 2019 - College of Optometrists (PI) PhD Studentship £59,508
• 2018 - CUROP (PI) Summer Studentship £1575
• 2016 - STFC (CoI) Clinical evaluation £28,603
• 2016 - Abbeyfield Research Foundation (PI) PhD Studentship £72,663
• 2016 - CUROP (PI) Summer Studentship £1,200
• 2015 - CUROP (PI) Summer Studentship £1,080
• 2012 - ISCEV Travel award €500

Research Teams

• Macular Research Group

Research Collaborators

• Dr. Alison Binns, City University, London.
• Mr Ayed Al-Bermani, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff.

Postgraduate Students

• Christina Yiallouridou "Investigation of pain and discomfort associated with anti-VEGF injections"  Completion expected 2021.
• Krishna Pattni "Functional imaging of the outer retina using high fidelity imaging densitometry: exploring therelationship between visual pigment kinetics and AMD pathology." Completion expected 2023.
• Vera Silva "High fidelity imaging densitometry: exploring the relationshipbetween visual pigment kinetics, choroidal vasculature andsub-retinal drusenoid deposits in age-related macular degeneration." Completition expected 2023

• Dr Louise Terry "An in vivo investigation of choroidal vasculature in Age-related Macular Degeneration" Completed 2017.
• Dr Chris Jones "The Development and Analysis of a Retinal Imaging Densitometer " Completed 2017.

Teaching

Teaching Overview

My teaching responsibilities include delivery of the colour vision lecture series and supporting clinical sessions, Pharmacology laboratory sessions and supervision of 3rd year research projects. I lead the Investigative Optometry and Case Studies module (OP3206), a 3rd year module that has a strong emphasis on evidence based clinical decision making and use of further investigative techniques, such as Gonioscopy and OCT. This module includes session with a small group teaching format, which facilitates detailed discussion of case records and tutoring in the performance of further investigative techniques. This module also supports the development of critical appraisal, reflective practice and independent learning skills. I also lead the Abnormal Ocular Condition (OP3104) module.

I also have non-UK teaching experience, including participating in a collaboration with HU University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands to provide the "Eye Care and Diabetes; the Bigger Picture" annual summer school for a number of years.

BSc Optometry & Vision Science Course

Module Leaderships:

• OP3206 - Investigative Optometry & Case Studies
• OP3104 - Abnormal Ocular Conditions

Teaching duties on:

• OP3107 Research Projects
• OP3206 Investigative Optometry & Case Studies
• OP3104 Abnormal Ocular Conditions
• OP2206 Colour Vision & Perception
• OP2205 Ocular Pharmacology
• OP0205 Introductory Optometry

Biography

Education and qualifications

• 2007-11         PhD, "Retinal structure and function in Age-related Maculopathy" (Cardiff University)
• 2003-06         BSc in Optometry & Vision Science (Cardiff University)

Professional memberships

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Accreditation for Eye Health Examination Wales (EHEW)
• Registered Optometrist (GOC: 01-32560)

Academic positions

• 2012- Lecturer, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University
• 2011-12 Teacher, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University
• 2010-11 Clinical Teaching Associate, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University
• 2007-10 Clinical Demonstrator, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University

Committees and reviewing

Committee Membership

• Student-Staff Panel
• Assessment, Quality & Standards Committee

• Undergraduate Board of Studies

Roles

• Exams Liasion Officer
• Student Representative Co-ordinator

Supervisions

I am interested in supervising PhD students in the areas of:

• Age-related macular degeneration and retinal pathology.
• Retinal imaging (e.g. OCT, SLO & retinal imaging densitometry)
• Clinical Electrophysiology

Current supervision

Christina Yiallouridou

Research student

Vera Silva

Research student

Krishna Pattni

Research student