Two experts from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have been recognised for their contribution to eyecare research by the College of Optometrists, the professional body for optometry.
Dr Emily Charlesworth received the George Giles Postgraduate Research Prize, awarded for exceptional research projects carried out by students completing a PhD or Masters in the UK, for her work developing refractive management recommendations for patients undergoing cataract surgery.
The Research Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate the considerable achievements of College members involved in optometric research and how they enrich the profession.
They are presented to inspirational individuals are making a significant contribution to the evidence base that underpins good practice now and in the future.
Director of the Vision and Eye Research Institute (VERI) at ARU, Professor Shahina Pardhan, received a Life Fellowship from the College for outstanding contribution to optometry and excellence in vision research. Professor Pardhan was appointed the UK’s first female professor of optometry in 2001.
The College of Optometrists champions optometrists and the role they play by developing their knowledge and skills, defining good optometric practice, supporting optical research and innovation, and educating and advising the public on eye health.
Dr Charlesworth and Professor Pardhan were presented with their awards at the prestigious annual Diploma and Awards Ceremony held at Central Westminster Hall, London.
Dr Charlesworth, who completed her PhD at the University of Bradford before taking up her post as Postgraduate Research Fellow at ARU, said: “I am honoured to have received a Research Excellence award for this work. Hopefully this work will be a step forward towards joint refractive management by optometrists and ophthalmologists and benefit our patients in the future.”
Professor Pardhan added: “I am delighted and honoured to have been awarded the Life Fellowship from the College of Optometrists. I have a long-standing relationship with the College since the very start of my career, when it first supported me with a PhD studentship.”
President of The College of Optometrists, Dr Gillian Rudduck FCOptom, said: “I would like to congratulate all this year’s Awardees. Without optometrists choosing to enter research and development, the knowledge and evidence base that underpins the discipline could not expand and strengthen.
“Advances in eye health care are increasingly important, as we face the challenges of an ageing population, the need for new optical materials that do not impact on our environment or climate, and the growing need to support our colleagues across the eye care pathways.
“Today’s awardees are among the most dedicated and talented individuals the profession has to offer, and they should all be immensely proud of what they have achieved.”
