Rupert Bourne

Professor Rupert Bourne is a leading academic and clinician in ophthalmology, holding the role of Professor of Ophthalmology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and serving as Director of the Cambridge Eye Research Centre. He is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Cambridge University Hospitals and Addenbrooke’s Hospital, with additional roles as National Specialty Lead for Ophthalmology at the National Institute for Health Clinical Research Network and Chair of the NIHR Ophthalmology Specialty Group. His work focuses on glaucoma diagnosis, management, and global vision loss epidemiology, particularly through his leadership in the Vision Loss Expert Group of the Global Burden of Disease Study.

Educational Background:

• MB BS (First Class Honours, University of London, 1991)
• United States Medical Licensing Exams (1993)
• Fellow Royal College of Ophthalmologists (UK, 1999)
• MD (University of London, 2005) on optic nerve morphology in Asian populations

Research & Teaching:

Professor Bourne’s research spans advanced glaucoma diagnostics, community-based eye disease surveys (e.g., in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Trinidad), and global vision loss epidemiology. He has led over 15 multicenter clinical trials and established de novo glaucoma studies in the UK. His teaching spans medical students, optometry trainees, and international ophthalmology fellows through affiliations with the European Glaucoma Society and World Glaucoma Association.

Awards & Recognition:

• 2003 Royal Society of Medicine Best Presentation Award
• Pharmacia ARVO Travel Award (2003)
• Multiple international research grants from organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Fight for Sight

Advocacy & Innovation:

He pioneered automated diagnostic tools for glaucoma visual field defects and led initiatives like the EAGLE trial on lens extraction for angle closure glaucoma. His work addresses healthcare inequities, including certification gaps for vision impairment and dual sensory loss impacts on mental health.

Labs & Collaborations:

Directs the Cambridge Eye Research Centre and collaborates with global networks like the Global Burden of Disease Study and the International Glaucoma Association. Active in training through the Vision Loss Expert Group and the European School for Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology.