Two world-renowned vision experts from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have received recognition from the College of Optometrists, which champions the role of optometrists in UK health care.
Professor Shahina Pardhan, Director of the Vision and Eye Research Institute (VERI) at ARU, has received the Arthur Bennett Prize for outstanding international research for her work on the global impact of diabetic retinopathy in eye health and vision.
Rupert Bourne, Professor of Ophthalmology at ARU, also received an Honorary Fellowship and life membership of the College for his outstanding research and clinical work in the field.
Professor Bourne leads the Vision Loss Expert Group, a global collective of ophthalmologists conducting research into the causes of vision loss across the world. This research forms part of the Global Burden of Disease Study, the world’s most foremost research into health and mortality.
The acknowledgements were made during a diploma ceremony held by the College at Central Hall, Westminster.
Professor Pardhan said: “I am delighted and honoured to receive this award. The award is a reflection of the tremendous work of all my colleagues at the Vision and Eye Research Institute. I am deeply grateful to the College of Optometrists, who have been very supportive of our work and with whom we will continue to work in the future.”
Professor Bourne said: “It was a great honour to receive this award. I am particularly pleased that there is much more collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists in both research and clinical work.”
Leon Davies, President of the College of Optometrists, said: “I am delighted the College of Optometrists was able to acknowledge Professor Rupert Bourne and Professor Shahina Pardhan at the College’s recent diploma ceremony for their outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the profession of optometry.
“Professor Pardhan’s Research Excellence Award, and Professor Bourne’s Honorary Fellowship are both fitting recognition of their work.”
Image: Professor Shahina Pardhan and Professor Rupert Bourne
