Mapa Prabhath Piyasena

Dr. Mapa Prabhath Piyasena serves as Deputy Director of the Vision and Eye Research Institute at Anglia Ruskin University's School of Medicine in Cambridge. A Public Health Ophthalmologist from Sri Lanka, he brings extensive experience in clinical ophthalmology including vitreo-retinal surgery, eye health research, evidence synthesis, and health policy review. His academic journey spans institutions across Sri Lanka, the UK, and Ireland, with significant contributions to global eye health initiatives.

Education:

• MBBS, Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka
• Diploma in Science, Post Graduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka
• In-service Training in Ophthalmology, Clinical Ophthalmology, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine Sri Lanka
• Masters in Public Health for Eye Care, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• PhD in Public Health Ophthalmology, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Fellow of Evidence Synthesis Ireland, University of Galway, Ireland
• MFPH, Membership through Distinction, Faculty of Public Health UK

Dr. Piyasena's research interests focus on developing effective strategies for diabetic retinopathy screening in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), with particular emphasis on resource-poor settings. His work explores global eye health challenges, evidence synthesis through systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses, and health policy development informed by high-quality evidence. His research has directly informed national policies in Sri Lanka and other LMICs, particularly regarding diabetic retinopathy screening integration into public health systems.

Analysis of Dr. Piyasena's recent publications reveals a strong focus on diabetic retinopathy screening implementation in LMICs, vision impairment's impact on broader health outcomes, and evidence synthesis methodologies. His work spans clinical research, policy analysis, and implementation science, with increasing attention to artificial intelligence applications in eye care and the intersection of vision health with other health domains like mental health and road safety.

Scientific Awards:

• Research fellow in eye health recognized by HM Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace
• Membership through Distinction from Faculty of Public Health UK
• Hooper Prize for Best Dissertation at LSHTM-UK
• JD Williamson Prize at CPH-QUB
• Best Poster award at Biennial National Postdoc Conference of UK

Dr. Piyasena has supervised numerous graduate students at LSHTM and Queen's University Belfast, primarily focusing on diabetic retinopathy screening, glaucoma care, and vision's impact on broader life outcomes. His research has been supported by significant grants including £175,000 from the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, £3.5 million from Wellcome Trust, and £170,000 from VisionSpring India. His work has directly informed national policy development in Sri Lanka, particularly regarding diabetic retinopathy screening implementation.

As Deputy Director of the Vision and Eye Research Institute, Dr. Piyasena leads a multidisciplinary team focused on translating research into policy and practice, particularly for eye conditions affecting LMIC populations. His work bridges clinical ophthalmology, public health, and policy development to address avoidable blindness globally.