Sarah J Waugh

Dr Sarah J Waugh serves as Reader in Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of Huddersfield's Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences within the School of Applied Sciences. She is Co-Director of the Centre for Vision across the Life Span and maintains an active research program while accepting PhD students. Her academic journey spans multiple prestigious institutions including Aston University, Anglia Ruskin University, University of Melbourne, University of Houston, and McGill University.

• Queensland University of Technology: Diploma in Applied Science (Optometry)
• University of Melbourne: Master of Science
• University of Houston: PhD in Psychophysical Visual Mechanisms

Waugh's research focuses on spatial vision mechanisms with particular emphasis on visual crowding, amblyopia detection, and pediatric vision development. Her work bridges fundamental visual neuroscience with clinical optometry applications, especially in developing improved diagnostic methods for children's vision disorders. Recent publications demonstrate her leadership in establishing crowding distance as a superior metric for amblyopia detection compared to traditional acuity measures.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on visual crowding mechanisms across developmental stages, with increasing emphasis on clinical translation. Her work demonstrates how crowding metrics outperform traditional acuity tests in detecting amblyopia, particularly in pediatric populations, while also exploring color vision deficiencies and binocular vision disorders.

• Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry
• Active reviewer for Vision Sciences Society and international journals
• Grant reviewer for Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Waugh has supervised 7 PhD students to completion and 4 Postdoctoral Research Fellows while externally examining 5 PhDs internationally. Her research program is supported through multiple grants including an Evelyn Trust grant to establish clinical psychophysical testing services. She maintains active collaborations through the Centre for Vision across the Life Span and has established unique NHS pediatric ophthalmology services at university clinics. Current work explores virtual reality treatments for amblyopia and improved visual screening methods for children.