School of Optometry and Vision Sciences

Research Overview

I am interested in many branches of research relating to the eye, but my main interests lie in the measurement of vision. I am particularly interested in improving clinical vision tests (e.g. tests of the visual field and visual acuity) so that subtle changes in vision, in eye disease and in response to treatment, can be detected early and with a high level of confidence and also so that practitioners can accurately measure pockets of vision in those individuals with severely impaired sight.

Teaching Overview

I am leader of the Physiology of Vision module, which is currently taught to both 1st and 2nd year students. In this module, I teach students (through lectures and practical classes) about how the structure of the retina and other parts of the visual system allow us to see and perceive different features in our visual world. Questions addressed in this module include a) How do we see colours? b) How do we adapt to see in a dark room after being out in the sun? c) What is the explanation behind different optical illusions?
I am involved in supervision of 2nd year students in the Binocular Vision and microbiology labs, and also while they perfect their sight test routines on volunteer patients.
I supervise final year students in their research projects and in the Cardiff University Eye Clinic, while they perform full sight tests on members of the public.
I am also periodically involved in delivering lectures, tutorials and examining for the Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre (WOPEC).