معرفی
Professor Barbara Ryan is a Professor of Optometric Practice at Cardiff University's School of Optometry and Vision Sciences. She serves as Director of the Centre for Vision Services Research and Clinical Lead for teaching clinics across Wales. Her academic roles include Deputy Head of School (0.8FTE) and former Director of the Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre (2009–2022). She also practices optometry part-time with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. Ryan holds an MBE (2019) and has been pivotal in transforming low vision services in Wales, transitioning care from hospitals to community optometry practices. Her research focuses on improving eye care services, depression screening in vision impairment, and optometrist roles in primary care.
Education and Qualifications:
- BSc Hons Optometry and Vision Science, City University (1991)
- PhD in Evaluation of Low Vision Services in the UK, Cardiff University (2010)
- Professional Certificates in Glaucoma, Therapeutic Prescribing, and Independent Prescribing
Research Interests: Barbara Ryan’s work spans low vision service optimization, patient safety in eye care, and mental health integration in vision rehabilitation. She uses mixed-methods approaches to address challenges in primary and secondary eye care, including glaucoma and AMD management. Her studies highlight the need for depression screening in low-vision populations and evidence-based service delivery models.
Grants and Awards:
- Health and Care Research Wales funding (multiple grants, 2011–present)
- NIHR Collaborator (2011–2014)
- MBE for services to optometry and eye care (2019)
Labs and Teams: Directs the Centre for Vision Services Research, collaborating with four Welsh universities. Leads Teaching and Treatment Clinics across Wales, integrating clinical and academic expertise.