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Contact Lens and Anterior Eye Research Unit (CLAER)

A better knowledge of the interaction between the cornea and the tear-film is vital in understanding the aetiology and treatment of dry-eye, and for successful contact lens wear.The Research Unit is involved in clinically-related research in corneal function, tear-film physiology and contact lenses.

The Contact Lens and Anterior Eye Research Unit (CLAER) was established within the Clinical Investigation and Vision Sciences Research Group in September 2001, and continues to expand.

The focus of the unit is principally on clinically-related research in corneal function, tear-film physiology and contact lenses. A better knowledge of the interaction between the cornea and the tear-film is vital in understanding the aetiology and treatment of dry-eye, and for successful contact lens wear. Emerging techniques in biochemistry now permit the examination of the tear film for inflammatory markers and electrolyte concentration: one of the core aims of the unit is to attempt to connect the biological and clinical findings in ocular and systemic abnormalities.

The unit is also interested in investigating the role of patient anxiety and communication upon patient outcomes, such as compliance, within contact lens practice.

We have formed collaborative links nationally and internationally, with both academic institutions and industry, and regularly present our results at conferences world-wide.

Current projects

  • Investigation of contact lenses for myopia management
  • Adaptation to contact lens wear
  • Factors affecting dry eye questionnaire response
  • Corneal changes in contact lens management of keratoconus
  • Clinical diagnosis and management of blepharitis
  • Clinical evaluation of novel contact lens wetting agents
  • Investigating attitudes of contact lens wear

Previous projects

  • Evaluation of tear meniscus curvature and height
  • Development of a portable meniscometer
  • Ocular surface sensation
  • Ocular surface thermography
  • Clinical evaluation of lid hygiene products

Academic staff

Dr Katharine Evans

Dr Katharine Evans

Senior Lecturer, Director of Clinics, Deputy Senior Admissions Tutor

Email
evansks@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 6237
Dr Louise Terry

Dr Louise Terry

Lecturer

Email
terryl1@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 0247
Dr Heiko Pult

Dr Heiko Pult

Honorary Visiting Professor & PGT module leader (Off-site)

Email
ovr@heiko-pult.de
Telephone
+49 (0) 174 90 250 0
Dr Julie Albon

Dr Julie Albon

Senior Lecturer, Deputy Director of Research, Optic Nerve Head Group Leader, HTA Person designate for Cathays Park HTA satellite licence

Email
albonj@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 29208 75427
Professor Christine Purslow

Professor Christine Purslow

Honorary Senior Research Fellow

Email
purslowc1@cardiff.ac.uk
Professor Rachel North

Professor Rachel North

Professor of Optometry

Email
north@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5114

Postgraduate students


Partners

This research was made possible through our close partnership with and support from: