معرفی
Dr. Michelle Hennelly is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Optometry and Visual Science at City St George's, University of London. She leads the Independent Prescribing Programme and contributes to undergraduate teaching in eye disease and therapeutics. Her academic leadership spans decades, including prior roles as MSc Programme Director for Clinical Optometry and Advanced Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner programmes.
Her educational background includes a BSc (Hons) in Ophthalmic Optics from Cardiff University, pre-registration training at Moorfields Eye Hospital, and a PhD from City, University of London on the light scattering characteristics of the eye. She holds postgraduate training in independent prescribing from Salus University, USA.
Dr. Hennelly's research focuses on optometry prescribing, curriculum development in multidisciplinary eye care, and reducing blindness in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work bridges clinical optometry with global health education, emphasizing capacity building and standardized training across countries like Tanzania, Ghana, and Botswana.
The recent publications reflect her dual focus: advancing clinical optometric practice (e.g., refractive error assessment, myopia detection) and promoting global eye health education through technology and curriculum design. Her articles span vision science, aging effects on vision, and practical clinical guidelines for eye care professionals.
- Fellow of the College of Optometrists (2019)
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2020)
Dr. Hennelly has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations and has coordinated continuing education programs with Optometry Today. She is actively involved in academic governance as a member of programme committees and benchmarking panels. Internationally, she serves as Consultant Editor and Editorial Board Member for the Community Eye Health journal, which reaches over 35,000 eye care workers globally. She also contributes to the Human Resource for Eye Health Network and advises the European Academy of Optometry and Optics.
She leads the Contact Lens Referral Clinic at City and has played a pivotal role in developing accredited Masters programmes in clinical optometry. Her work with VISION 2020 and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine highlights her commitment to equitable eye care education worldwide.
