Sotiris Plainis

Sotiris Plainis is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Optics and Vision, University of Crete, and a Visiting Researcher at Aston University (UK). He holds an MSc and PhD in Optometry and has held roles such as Honorary Lecturer at the University of Manchester (2006–2013). His expertise spans Optics, Psychophysics, and Electrophysiology of Vision. He leads clinical and research activities, including specialized electrophysiological exams for retinal and optic nerve disorders. Plainis co-developed the European-wide visual acuity charts (modified ETDRS) to enhance cross-cultural applicability in clinical trials. He is a Fellow of the International Society for Contact Lens Research (ISCLR) and contributes to interdisciplinary postgraduate programs in Optics & Vision and Investigative Ophthalmology. His work also involves evaluating visual performance in athletes with visual impairments and advancing optometry education in Greece and Europe.

Education: Graduate Optician (TEI Athens) and Optometrist (UMIST, UK). Active in editorial boards and peer review, with over 55 peer-reviewed publications, books, and chapters. Awards include the Prof. I. Pallikaris Award and the SOI Honorary Award in Ophthalmology (2018).

Research focuses on contact lens optics, visual acuity assessment, and electrophysiological diagnostics. He collaborates internationally, presenting at conferences like ARVO and ISCLR, and chairs educational committees in optometry. His lab develops innovative tools for vision testing and contributes to clinical standards in ophthalmology.