VERI media coverage

2023

Car headlights are making driving unbearable, says an eye doctor
MSN, 16 May 2023
If you’ve recently been cursing the brightness of oncoming traffic and worrying about whether your eyes are ageing, then you’re not alone.

Unclear Low Vision Registration Process Limits Patients’ Access to Care
Optometry Advisor, 10 May 2023
Unclear low vision registration processes may create confusion among individuals with visual impairment or blindness and limit their access to social care support benefits that have been designated for their use, according to a study published in Eye.

Development of vision in early childhood: No screens before age two
The Conversation, 25 October 2022
For normal visual development, it is recommended to avoid all exposure to electronic devices between the ages of zero and two.

Big Tech wants your kid to be its consumer, even if it harms them
New York Post, 22 October 2022
Big Tech knows that screens and social media are making our kids sick, so why aren't companies doing something about it?

Smoking linked to early vision loss and cataracts
Mirage News, 21 October 2022
A new brief finds that smokers stand to develop age-related macular degeneration up to 5.5 years earlier than non-smokers.

Less than half of people over 50 worldwide have received glasses or contact lenses needed to correct refractive error
Medical Xpress, 11 October 2022
New research published today in The Lancet Global Health reveals that less than half of people over 50 worldwide have received spectacles or contact lenses needed to correct refractive error, the world's most common visual complaint.

Eye care research informs major WHO report
EurekaAlert!, 11 October 2022
Just 43% of adults over 50 have received the spectacles they need to see distances.

Why short-sightedness is on the rise
BBC Future, 5 October
Soaring rates of short-sightedness in children are alarming parents and doctors around the world. Can we turn the tide?

A solvable global problem: addressing access to eye care around the world
Optometry Today, 5 October 2022
Peter Holland, chief executive for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, on the ambition to raise the profile of eye health beyond World Sight Day.

Extent of sensory loss in long Covid revealed by Anglia Ruskin University study
Cambridge Independent, 23 September 2022
The extent of sensory loss among people suffering from long Covid has been revealed in new research from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

How good is your eye health?
Cambridge Independent, 21 September 2022
While sight is said to be the sense that people fear losing the most, many of us don’t recognise the vital importance of maintaining good eye health.

Screening for Diabetes related vision loss? Artificial Intelligence to the rescue
Firstpost, 20 September 2022
Diabetes has become the fifth leading cause of blindness across the globe. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major reasons for visual impairment and blindness among the people with diabetes, globally.

The Myopia Generation
The Atlantic, 13 September 2022
Why do so many kids need glasses now?

1 out of 3 people with COVID-19 had loss of taste or smell 12 weeks later
NewsBreak, 9 September 2022
Up to one in three people who had COVID-19 are still experiencing a loss of taste or smell 12 weeks after contracting the virus, reveals a new study.

Significant risk of sensory loss in long COVID, study finds
ScienceDaily, 9 September 2022
New research reveals loss of smell or taste particularly prevalent after 12 weeks.

Covid: The 'most significant' symptoms in the eyes - how to spot the 'common' signs
Express, 3 September 2022
OMICRON has been linked to symptoms that slightly differ from the traditional three Covid signs such as cough, fever and loss or change to taste and smell.

“He said ‘You poor, poor boy’… that has stayed with me my whole life”
Optometry Today, 23 August 2022
Anglia Ruskin University scientists have examined the impact of a sight-threatening diagnosis on patients through a series of in-depth interviews.

Human echolocation is real - and you might be able to do it
Popular Science, 10 August 2022
What’s the weirdest thing you learned this week? Well, whatever it is, we promise you’ll have an even weirder answer if you listen to PopSci’s hit podcast.

Hospital’s trial program at 50 high schools uses virtual tech training to help prevent youth injuries
Sports Business Journal, 25 July 2022
Hospital for Special Surgery, the official hospital of teams including the Brooklyn Nets, New York Giants, Mets, Knicks and Liberty, is bringing its injury prevention expertise used in professional sports down to youth athletics.

Trauma of diagnosis stays with eye disease patients
EurekaAlert!, 21 July 2022
The way in which a patient is told they have serious eye disease can impact their psychological health and ability to cope with their condition in the long-term, according to new research published in the open-access journal BMJ Open.

Moderate Drinking May Benefit Over-40 Crowd: Study
WebMD, 21 July 2022
Adults older than 40 who have one or two alcoholic drinks a day may reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, according to a global study.

Can More be Done to Reduce Global Disparities in Vision Loss?
HCP Live, 21 July 2022
As the global population continues to age, the ensuing increase in visual acuity loss rates may lead to detrimental effects on population health and have lasting impacts on the healthcare industry.

Children’s daily screen time increased by 83 minutes during pandemic
The Brussels Times, 15 July 2022
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the amount of time people spent looking at the screen of their television, computer, tablet or smartphone increased across all ages, but particularly among children aged 6-10, a recent study shows.

Alcohol is never good for people under 40, global study finds
The Guardian, 14 July 2022
Alcohol carries significant health risks and no benefits for young people but some older adults may gain from drinking a small amount, according to the largest study of its kind.

Global study finds surprising results for alcohol consumption
CNN, 14 July 2022
No amount of alcohol is healthy if you are younger than 40, mostly due to alcohol-related deaths by auto accidents, injury and homicide, according to a new global study.

Staring At A Screen All Day Might Be Making Your Eyes Crazy Itchy, Doctors Say
MSN, 12 July 2022
If there’s one itch that’s hard to scratch, it’s your itchy eyes. Few nuisances are more annoying and uncomfortable, especially because it often feels like there’s no (safe) reprieve.

Experts push for 30km/h limit as traffic incidents lead youth deaths
Brisbane Times, 30 June 2022
More young people are dying in traffic incidents than from diseases or self-harm, as experts say small changes to speed limits and road design would make a significant difference to the road toll.

Highest death rate in young people caused by road fatalities
Australian Nursing & Midwifery Journal, 30 June 2022
Road fatalities are the highest cause of death in young people across the globe, research has revealed.

Primary-age children’s screen time went up by 83 minutes a day during pandemic – study
The Guardian, 24 June 2022
Screen time during the Covid pandemic increased the most among primary schoolchildren, by an extra hour and 20 minutes a day on average, according to the first global review of research.

Anglia Ruskin University research reveals children's screen time has increased by 90 minutes a day
ITV News, 24 June 2022
Children aged between six and 10 increased their screen time by nearly an hour and a half every day during the pandemic, according to new research.

Young kids now spend an extra hour-and-a-half glued to screens each day — and it’s harming their health, scientists warn
The Sun, 23 June 2022
A study revealed that all Brits’ device time has rocketed since Covid, leading to junk food diets, depression and aggression.

Primary-age children saw the biggest rise in screen time during the pandemic - increasing by an hour and 23 minutes a day
Daily Mail, 23 June 2022
Warnings of square eyes may be losing their effect, as primary school-aged children had the biggest increase in daily screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Treat, train and deliver’: 30 years on, the Fred Hollows formula is still saving sight
Yahoo! News, 21 June 2022
Death wasn’t part of the plan for Fred Hollows. Diagnosed in 1989 with the cancer that would take his life four years later, the legendary Australian ophthalmologist and humanitarian became a man on a mission to ensure his work would continue.

A targeted campaign has reduced blindness risk in South Asians
Health Awareness, 17 June 2022
Researchers show that vision loss due to diabetes can be largely prevented with culturally and linguistically appropriate information.

Developing New CHM Endpoints for Clinical Trials
YouTube, 19 May 2022
Dr Jolly summarizes the outcome measures which have been utilized in past CHM clinical trials and suggests new potential outcome measures that could better identify treatment efficacy in future trials.

Eye surgeon leads landmark UK research
Cambridge Network, 13 May 2022
An Addenbrooke’s surgeon is leading a national survey to help shape the future of eye research for the next decade. Glaucoma service lead and director of Cambridge Eye Research Centre, Professor Rupert Bourne, is urging eye healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, carers and others to take part.

Why should I get involved in research?
YouTube, 9 May 2022
Freelance broadcaster Tom Walker talks to VERI's Dr Jasleen Jolly and Dr Andrew Mitchelmore from Oxford Brookes University, who has the eye condition choroideremia and has participated in research which he hasn’t directly benefited from.

Disability, social mobility and issues faced by LGBTQ+ people in STEM examined by MPs
UK Parliament, 27 April 2022
The Science and Technology Committee in Parliament is looking at enhancing diversity and inclusion in STEM. Dr Jasleen Jolly attended as an expert witness to raise awareness about issues affecting the workforce.

How Increased Screen Time Poses Health Risks For Children
News18, 13 March 2022
The findings of a new study suggest that digital screen time of children has increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in potential risks to physical health.

Rise in screen time for children during pandemic sparks health fears
The Independent, 12 March 2022
Health experts have expressed concern that an increase in screen time for children over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic could pose significant risks to their eyesight and general health.

Professor Shahina Pardhan on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, 11 March 2022
Professor Shahina Pardhan was interviewed on the health impact of excessive digital screen time and how families can mitigate the risks in children

Rising screen use during pandemic 'endangering children’s health'
Metro, 11 March 2022
Rising screen use during the pandemic has endangered children’s health, according to new research.

Study finds link between eating disorders and eye disease in people with diabetes
Optometry Today, 10 March 2022
Research by Anglia Ruskin University has found an association between eating disorders and the chance of developing diabetic retinopathy

Global Diabetes Mortality Remains a Sociodemographic Challenge
HCP Live, 1 March 2022
General progress has been made in decreasing diabetes mortality at ages younger than 25 years, but challenges remain in low and low-middle SDI countries.

Eating disorders could cause common eye disease among people with diabetes
Newsbreak, 26 February 2022
In a new study from Anglia Ruskin University, researchers found that people with diabetes who have eating disorders are more likely to develop a common eye disease: diabetic retinopathy.

Eating disorders linked to diabetic eye issues
EurekaAlert!, 23 February 2022
People with eating disorders are three times more likely to suffer from diabetic retinopathy.

Are itchy eyes an omicron symptom?
NewsBreak, 26 January 2022
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve repeatedly been warned about the symptoms of the virus. Having a cough, sore throat, fever, or loss of taste or smell were among the most common.

When Can People With Long COVID Return to Exercising?
MSN, 21 January 2022
Jumping back into your fitness routine too soon can cause more harm than good—and this is especially true if you’re dealing with the long-term effects of COVID-19.

More Than 10 Million People Died of Cancer Worldwide in 2019
WebMD, 4 January 2022
Cancer remains a major killer, with 10 million deaths reported worldwide in 2019.

Read more about 2021.

Cancer deaths rose to 10 million worldwide in 2019
EurekaAlert! 30 December 2021
Cancer deaths rose to 10 million and new cases jumped to over 23 million globally in 2019, according to a new scientific study from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Isolation can strongly affect diabetes management
Newsbreak, 28 November 2021
In a new study from Anglia Ruskin University, researchers found that patients’ self-management of their diabetes has suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during periods of self-isolation.

Athletes need thorough tests after long COVID
Mirage, 24 November 2021
Athletes returning to training following long COVID should undergo a series of tests and seek regular advice from a multi-disciplinary team of specialists to ensure they are fit to resume exercise, according to a new study published in the journal Annals of Medicine.

Self-Isolation During Pandemic Limited Access to Medication, Impacted Glucose Control In Patients with Diabetes
Endocrinology Network, 22 November 2021
An analysis of survey data from patients in multiple countries provides clinicians with an overview of the effects of self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on diabetes management, including access to insulin and blood glucose fluctuations.

COVID-19 and its impact on eyecare
College of Optometrists Podcast, 17 November 2021
Professor Leon Davies and Professor Shahina Pardhan, Director of Vision and Eye Research Institute at ARU, discuss the impact of COVID-19 on eye health and eyecare.

Isolation severely impacts diabetes management
EurekaAlert!, 17 November 2021
New research has found that patients’ self-management of their diabetes has suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during periods of self-isolation.

Diabetic retinopathy: Reducing diabetes related blindness in those most at risk
Silver Star Diabetes, 3 November 2021
Professor Shahina Pardhan was the guest speaker for Diabetes Chai Chat, hosted by Silver Star Diabetes and chaired by Rt Hon Keith Vaz.

Long screen time increases risk of myopia by 80%
The Optician, 28 October 2021
A study published in The Lancet Digital Health has found high levels of screen time exposure can increase risk of myopia by up to 80% in children and young adults.

Staring at screens could mean half the world needs glasses by 2050
The Independent, 12 October 2021
It’s no secret that spending hours staring at a screen can pose various health risks, particularly where eyesight is concerned. But a new study has found that extensive screen time could be more serious than previously thought.

Half the world could need glasses in 30 years if we don’t stop staring at screens
The Times, 12 October 2021
Half the world will need glasses or contact lenses in the next three decades if our obsession with computers and gadgets continues, experts predict.

Top Tips for Looking After Your Eyes (PDF)
Hello World, 11 October 2021
Hello World caught up with Professor Shahina Pardhan, director of the Vision and Eye Research Institute at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK, to hear her recommendations for protecting your eyes when using digital devices.

Too much screen-time can make young people short-sighted
Mint Lounge, 9 October 2021
A new study published in one of the world's leading medical journals has revealed a link between screen time and higher risk and severity of myopia, or short-sightedness, in children and young adults.

Staring at phone screens for too long can increase the risk of short-sightedness
Daily Mail, 7 October 2021
Spending too long staring at a smartphone or computer screen can increase the risk of short-sightedness in children by up to 80 per cent, a new study has warned.

Plano publishes global evidence linking digital device screen time with myopia (short-sightedness) in The Lancet Digital Health today
Yahoo! 6 October 2021
A major global study linking the use of digital smart devices (smartphones and tablets) with myopia in children was released today by an international collaboration led by researchers in Singapore.

What your eyes reveal about your health
The Telegraph, 5 October 2021
As a new study shows that eye scans may help detect cardiovascular disease, what else might be spotted in the optician’s chair?

How COVID-19 can damage all five senses
National Geographic, 28 September 2021
The virus that causes the disease disrupts not just smell and taste, but all the ways humans perceive the world. For some, the loss may be permanent.

'South Asians must stop seeing diabetes as inevitable’
Eastern Eye, 5 August 2021
One in five of us with diabetes across the world is of south Asian origin.

Are dry eyes a symptom of COVID-19?
Medical News Today, 23 July 2021
Dry eyes can be a symptom of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), as can other eye symptoms, such as soreness and sensitivity to light.

Connection between sensory loss and obesity explored
Optometry Today, 20 June 2021
New research has highlighted gender differences in the association between physical inactivity and obesity in those with vision and hearing loss.

Study finds hearing loss or vision loss linked to weight gain
YourLifeChoices, 15 June 2021
Men who suffer hearing loss are more likely to be obese than women.

Birth Weight and Bone Health; 2020 Diabetes Death Spike
MedPage Today, 13 June 2021
Men who experienced sensory loss, and hearing loss in particular, were more likely to have obesity compared with women.

Men with sensory loss are more likely to be obese (EurekaAlert!)
EurekaAlert!, 8 June 2021
Men who suffer sensory loss, particularly hearing loss, are more likely to be physically inactive and obese than women, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Public Health.

Men with sensory loss are more likely to be obese (ScienceDaily)
ScienceDaily, 8 June 2021
New research finds 'significant' differences between genders in role of exercise.

Eating Disorder Symptoms Increased Significantly During The Pandemic According To New Study
Theravive, 11 May 2021
A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatry Research looked at changes in body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorder, and exercise addiction symptomatology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study Suggests Glaucoma-Induced Vision Loss is on the Rise
HCP Live, 4 May 2021
Age-adjusted glaucoma blindness has nonetheless seen a downward trend between 2000 and 2020.

This common problem is now linked to higher dementia risk
Ladders, 3 May 2021
Deteriorating vision may serve as a precursor to dementia, according to a new study just released by Anglia Ruskin University.

Women in Optometry – Then and Now
COOKIE Magazine, May 2021
Professor Shahina Pardhan, Director of VERI, talks about her career path and her experience as the first woman to be appointed as a Professor of Optometry in the UK.

Pandemic Lockdowns Tied to More Eating Disorder Symptoms
Endocrinology Advisor, 12 April 2021
COVID-19 lockdowns are associated with an increase in self-reported eating disorder symptoms, according to a study published in the April issue of Psychiatry Research.

Women with sensory loss twice as likely to suffer depression
Cambridge Network, 29 March 2021
Women who suffer from vision, hearing or dual sensory loss are more than twice as likely to report depression and anxiety as men who experience the same issues, according to a new study by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

Alcohol and Brain Health
Dementia Services Development Centre, 24 March 2021
You may have run across news stories reporting on increased drinking levels during the pandemic and particularly during the lockdown periods.

Trends in hearing loss prevalence and years lived with disability worldwide from 1990-2019
2 Minute Medicine, 23 March 2021
An estimated 1.57 billion people (one-in-five individuals) globally had hearing loss in 2019. By 2050, 2.45 billion people are expected to have hearing loss, representing a 56% increase from 2019.

Covid-19 lockdowns may be linked to rise in eating disorder symptoms, Anglia Ruskin University research finds
Cambridge Independent, 19 March 2021
Covid-19 lockdowns could be linked to an increase in symptoms associated with eating disorders, according to research from Anglia Ruskin University.

Why Are My Eyes Itchy? 10 Causes Of Itchy, Red, And Dry Eyes
Women's Health, 4 March 2021
Allergies, beauty products, viral infections, and more can all cause itchy eyes.

If You Spot This On Your Eye, You May Have COVID, Says New Study
Yahoo!, 27 February 2021
The telltale symptoms of COVID-19 are now well known: shortness of breath, fever, digestive issues, etc, but now a new study in Radiology indicates that if you have nodules on your eye, they may be a sign of coronavirus.

A Way Out of the Dark
The Ophthalmologist, 25 February 2021
VISION 2020: The Right to Sight – what’s next in the global challenge to reduce vision impairment and blindness?

Experts warn to look out for three early Covid symptoms related to your eyes
EdinburghLive, 25 February 2021
Health experts have spoken of 'allergy eyes' and light sensitivity, warning these symptoms may indicate you have contracted the virus.

Rupert Bourne on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, 22 February 2021
Prof Rupert Bourne takes questions from listeners on glaucoma, eye pressure and floaters.

Study: COVID-19 rates fall faster in richer countries
News Medical, 18 February 2021
Richer countries were more likely to see rates of COVID-19 fall faster during the first wave of the pandemic.

Half of Covid victims go on to suffer depression, says study
The Telegraph, 15 February 2021
The problem in coronavirus patients is also two-and-a-half times more common than previously feared.

Covid-19: Five ways to avoid lockdown eye strain
BBC News, February 2021
Prof Shahina Pardhan is quoted in this article giving advice on healthy screen use at home.

Researchers investigate eye health effects of COVID-19
Optometry Today, 8 February 2021
UK scientists have reported on the most common ocular symptoms among those diagnosed with COVID-19.

Tracking eye disease at population level
Acuity, 29 January 2021
As coordinator of the Vision Loss Expert Group, Professor Rupert Bourne has helped international bodies access accurate population-based data about eye health. Now he’s turning his attention closer to home.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual individuals at increased risk for difficulty concentrating
Healio, 29 January 2021
Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual may be at increased risk for experiencing subjective concentration complaints, according to study results published in Journal of Psychiatric Research.

Covid new strain symptoms: Dr Chris warns of photophobia - the signs to spot
Daily Express, 25 January 2021
Coronavirus mutations can cause photophobia in those infected with the virus, warns Dr Chris Steele. What are the signs the new covid strain is multiplying inside your body? And do you have an 'ocular' side effect?

Eye issues could be early Covid infection warning sign - symptoms to look out for
Yorkshire Evening Post, 21 January 2021
Sore and itchy eyes could be an early sign of a Covid-19 infection, new findings suggest.

Covid symptoms – sore, itchy eyes could be early coronavirus warning sign, experts say
The Sun, 20 January 2021
Experts now believe that having problems with the eyes could be an indicator that someone has contracted COVID-19.

Sore eyes a significant ocular manifestation of COVID-19
Healio, 14 January 2021
Sore eyes represent a significant ocular symptom in patients with COVID-19.

Read more about 2021.

Sore eyes could indicate Covid-19, according to new study
In Your Area, 9 December 2020
Sore eyes are the most significant vision-based indicator of Covid-19, according to research published by Anglia Ruskin University.

Targets for avoidable sight loss not being met, study suggests
Daily Mail, 1 December 2020
Public health services across the world are failing to meet targets to reduce avoidable sight loss, according to new research.

Hundreds of thousands in UK aren't getting eye care they need
Cambridge Network, 16 October 2020
Almost a quarter of people with severe sight loss in the UK are going without the treatment they need, according to a new study being presented at the World Congress on Public Health.

Blindness and sight impairment to affect 900m by 2050
Optometry Today, 12 October 2020
New research led by Anglia Ruskin University has estimated that blindness and severe vision impairment will more than double by 2050.

Blindness and sight loss to double by 2050
Cambridge Network, 8 October 2020
Blindness and severe vision impairment is predicted to affect almost 900 million people worldwide by 2050 – up from around 338 million today.

Most Experts Don't Think Eyeglasses Will Protect You From COVID-19
Verywell Health, 26 September 2020
Prescription eyeglasses don’t exactly constitute effective personal protective equipment for preventing COVID-19. But a recent study suggests that eyeglass wearers may be at a lower risk for COVID-19 infection.

People with Severe Vision Loss Less Accurately Judge Distance of Nearby Sounds, Study Shows
Sci News, 5 June 2020
A new study shows that greater severity of vision loss is associated with increased auditory judgments of distance and room size.

Blazing the trail for women in vision scienc‪e‬‬‬
College of Optometrists Podcast, 10 April 2020
Prof Shahina Pardhan talks about her experience, the obstacles she faced in her own career and what can be done to remove those barriers for future generations.

How COVID-19 impacts the eyes
ContagionLive, March 2020
A number of patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 have reported symptoms related to their eyes.

Read more about 2020.

Cautiousness of visually impaired people results in increased falls risk, study finds
Optometry Today, 30 December 2019
A study has found that people with sight loss have increased anxiety when navigating obstacles.

Global mission sets its sights on universal eyecare
Eye Health, October 2019
Prof Shahina Pardhan is quoted in this article about efforts to combat avoidable blindness, and reduce visual impairment, around the world.

Risk of diabetes higher in South Asian and black people in UK
ITV News Anglia, 23 April 2019
Prof Shahina Pardhan explains why those in certain communities are more at risk of diabetes in the UK.

Poor eyesight and hearing loss costs billions
Cambridge Network, 6 April 2019
A lack of accurate data is contributing to a £58billion bill for vision and hearing loss in the UK, according to a report that calls on the Government to support the first ever national survey of the UK population’s sensory needs.

Perceived discrimination lowers wellbeing among older adults with vision loss
Optometry Today, 5 June 2019
New research has found that people with poor eyesight who reported discrimination were more likely to be depressed and lonely.

Through the glass ceiling
Acuity, 28 February 2019
Prof Shahina Pardhan speaks to Acuity about how her experience can help other women in research.

mHealth researchers downplay the reliability of smartphone cameras
mHealth Intelligence, 8 February 2019
An analysis by UK researchers of three different smartphones finds that they're all calibrated differently, making them unreliable for use by clinicians in diagnosing through a photograph.

Read more about 2019.

Bradford Ophthalmology doctor Faruque Ghanchi co-authors new study into eye-disease research
Telegraph & Argus, 20 November 2018
Over the last eight years, the Ophthalmology community has been instrumental in putting eye research in the UK on the map, particularly in novel research areas such as gene therapies, drug delivery systems, robotic surgery and artificial intelligence.

Voices of Vision Science
The Ophthalmologist, 1 November 2018
From motherhood to #MeToo – six ophthalmologists give their take on the issues facing women today.

Looking into the past and future of eye health
RNIB, 12 October 2018
The world of eye medicine has seen many innovations over the years. Eye health expert Professor Rupert Bourne shares his highlights.

Diabetic patients twice as likely to develop cataract
Economic Times, 31 May 2018
People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataract as the general population and the relative risk is highest in those aged between 45 and 54.

UK South Asians feel excluded from diabetes self-help programmes
Univadis, 9 April 2018
South Asians living in the United Kingdom feel cut off and excluded from education or self-help programmes on diabetes, preventing them from managing their diabetes properly.

Diabetes awareness ‘major concern’ for UK Asians
Cambridge Network, 5 April 2018
A study, led by Anglia Ruskin University, examined perceived barriers to improved awareness of diabetes and self-help among different demographics in the UK’s South Asian community.

How humans echolocate 'like bats'
BBC News, 28 February 2018
Dr Andrew Kolarik is quoted in this article about echolocation skills.

People with diabetes twice as likely to develop cataracts
Optometry Today, 7 February 2018
Research has shown that having diabetes doubles your risk of being diagnosed with a cataract, and that this risk is six times higher if a diabetic patient has diabetic maculopathy.

Diabetes patients are TWICE as likely to develop cataracts - the leading cause of blindness across the world, 15-year study reveals
Daily Mail, 5 February 2018
Diabetics are twice as likely to develop cataracts than adults who don't suffer from the killer condition, new research suggests.

Female optometrists are being short-changed. I salute those fighting for a better deal
The Telegraph, 15 January 2018
There is a need for support and guidance for women in all parts of the vision professions.

Read more about 2018.

First female professor of optometry on workplace sexism
Optometry Today, 19 December 2017
Prof Shahina Pardhan shared her experiences at the first Women in Vision UK meeting.

Anglia Ruskin co-creates "first of its kind" international event
Optometry Today, 11 December 2017
Leading researchers gathered in China recently to share their expertise at a conference jointly organised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Avoidable blindness to triple by 2050
Optometry Today, 13 October 2017
New research into the causes of vision loss is led by Anglia Ruskin University academic.

Sight loss and sport
Optometry Today, 21 September 2017
Visually impaired individuals are twice as likely to be inactive as sighted individuals.

This is how some blind people are able to echolocate like bats
New Scientist, 31 August 2017
Dr Andrew Kolarik is quoted in this article about echolocation.

Global blindness set to 'triple by 2050'
BBC News, 3 August 2017
The number of blind people across the world is set to triple within the next four decades, researchers suggest.

Seeing double
Optometry Today, 26 May 2017
New research finds twins have matching eye sight at the most intricate level.

Professor Bourne’s research marks decade milestone
Optometry Today, 9 May 2017
Ongoing research project that has recorded population-based prevalence surveys covering more than three decades celebrates 10 years with an exhibition of its work.

Read more about 2017.

How many megapixels is my eye? and other questions
Naked Scientists, December 2016
Roger J Buckley, Professor Emeritus of Ocular Medicine and Vision and Eye Research Unit Associate Director, joins the Naked Scientists panel to answer listener questions and discuss issues such as whether glasses or contacts are better for your eyes. Visit the Naked Scientists website to listen to the podcast 'What's the healthiest way to eat an entire cake?'

The Global Vision Database
eyenews, December/January 2016
The overall goal of the Global Vision Database (GVD) is to develop and deploy new and improved evidence on the prevalence of blindness and vision impairment (VI) globally.

Read more about 2016.

Changes in health in England, with analysis by English regions and areas of deprivation, 1990–2013,
The Lancet, 14 September 2015
Health in England is improving although substantial opportunities exist for further reductions in the burden of preventable disease.

Global, regional, and national disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 306 diseases and injuries and healthy life expectancy (HALE) for 188 countries, 1990–2013
The Lancet, 26 August 2015
The notion of an epidemiological transition—in which increasing sociodemographic status brings structured change in disease burden—is useful, but there is tremendous variation in burden of disease that is not associated with sociodemographic status.

Read more about 2015.

Anglia Ruskin University's glaucoma research wins award
Cambridge News, 29 December 2014
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University have their eyes on the prize after their study into the vulnerability of glaucoma patients won a national award.

UK deaths from Alzheimer’s up by 52%
Cambridge Network, 18 December 2014
Anglia Ruskin University Professor has been involved in a global study into mortality rates.

Study by Cambridge professor shows rise in Alzheimer’s deaths
Cambridge News, 18 December 2014
Deaths linked to Alzheimer's disease in the UK have increased by more than 50 per cent since 1990, according to new research from a Cambridge professor.

How safe are contact lenses?
The Guardian, 23 November 2014
The biggest problem with contact lenses is not the devices themselves, but the people who wear them.

Global eyesight study wins research prize
Cambridge Network, 19 November 2014
A study led by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University has been named Outstanding Scientific Paper by the American Public Health Authority’s Vision Care section.

Worldwide vision trends mapped out by Anglia Ruskin University researchers
Cambridge News, 21 October 2014
Online maps which allow people to search causes of sight loss all over the world for the first time have been published by a research group at Anglia Ruskin University.

Online resource maps worldwide vision trends
Cambridge Network, 14 October 2014
Research group creates interactive tool to visualise world’s largest database of eye surveys.

Fourth case of Chikungunya? Health Minister not sure
Newsday, 17 July 2014
Health Minister, Dr Fuad Khan, yesterday was unable to confirm whether the nation had recorded its fourth case of the Chikungunya virus.

Global blindness plummets in 20 years
Cambridge Network, 25 March 2014
Anglia Ruskin University research provides first large-scale analysis of blindness and vision loss across the world.

Blindness rates plummet in developed countries
USA Today, 25 March 2014
Blindness and significant visual impairment have become much less common in 50 countries, a new study shows.

Blindness Rates Dropping Worldwide, Study Finds
MedicineNet.com, 24 March 2014
Global rates of blindness and poor vision have fallen sharply over the past two decades, especially in rich nations, a new study reveals.

Prevalence and causes of vision loss in sub-Saharan Africa: 1990–2010
British Journal of Ophthalmology, 25 February 2014
To estimate the magnitude, temporal trends and subregional variation in the prevalence of blindness, and moderate/severe vision impairment (MSVI) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Prevalence and causes of vision loss in high-income countries and in Eastern and Central Europe: 1990–2010
British Journal of Ophthalmology, 19 February 2014
To assess prevalence and causes of blindness and vision impairment in high-income regions and in Central/Eastern Europe in 1990 and 2010.

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Anglia Ruskin expert leads global vision study
Haverhill Echo, 15 December 2013
The largest ever analysis of worldwide vision impairment and blindness data has been published in The Lancet Global Health journal.

AMD treatment delays result in vision loss
Optician Online, 28 November 2013
Widespread delays in follow-up times for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration are resulting in unnecessary and irreversible vision loss, an investigation has shown.

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