Ryan Bartlett

Overview

Research Overview

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.  Glaucoma is an umbrella term encompassing a group of optic neuropathies associated with characteristic damage to the optic nerve and patterns of visual filed loss, due to retinal ganglion cell degeneration.

My research involves using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the microstructure of the optic nerve head (ONH), and retinal layer thicknesses in respect to glaucomatous disease.  Our custom built device uses a longer wavelength than many commercial OCT instruments, allowing us enhanced visualisation of deeper structures within the retina and ONH.

This enhanced depth imaging OCT technique creates 3D volumetric datasets, allowing high resolution in vivo evaluation of the normal and glaucomatous ONH.

The overall aim of my project is to identify and characterise changes in the ONH and retinal layers, that have the potential to stage and/or predict the development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, or those ONHs at risk of disease progression.  The relationship of ONH parameter in comparison to those in the retina is also under investigation.

My PhD began in January 2017 under the lead supervision of Dr Julie Albon.

Teaching Overview

I have previous experience in the supervision of third year primary care clinics, second year contact lens clinics, and successful Optometrist supervision through professional qualifying examinations. I am currently involved in the supervision of year zero preliminary clinics.

Educational and Professional Qualifications

2017 Professional Certificate in Low Vision, The College of Optometrists

2015 EHEW, Glaucoma and Cataract Referral Refinement Accreditation, Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre, Cardiff University

2009 PEARS Accreditation, Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre, Cardiff University

2005 Qualification and MCOptom Accreditation, The College of Optometrists

2001-2004 BSc (Hons) Optometry, Cardiff University

Professional Memberships

Association of Optometrists

Member of the College of Optometrists

Registered Optometrist with the General Optical Council