The Centre for Vision Services Research is dedicated to improving health and care services for individuals that access eye care services or have sight problems.
Our work will drive service transformation and global innovation in eye care, supported by government, industry, the voluntary sector, and professional bodies.
We launched in April 2025 after receiving £1.8 million in funding from Health and Care Research Wales.
Aim
We aim to:
1. transform lives for all those affected by sight problems by developing and delivering research-driven improvements in access, quality, and outcomes of vision care and support.
2. provide essential support to researchers, healthcare, social care and other professionals to enable evidence-based practice.
3. foster collaboration across disciplines to address complex challenges.
Research
We support development of patient-reported outcome measures and use a range of methodologies, including health economic modelling, mixed methods research, realist reviews, narrative work, and evaluations in our research. Patient and public involvement is central to our approach.
Through our strategies, the Centre for Vision Services Research will advance innovation, equity, and sustainability in eye care and support.
Strategic research themes
- Reducing hospital eye-service waiting lists and optimising care pathways
- Transforming sight impairment and rehabilitation pathways
- Advancing person-centred outcome measures
- Optimising care intervals, risk profiling, and new technologies
- Improving vision care for vulnerable populations
Our research is underpinned by two essential themes:
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Addressing disparities in access and outcomes across diverse populations.
Information and Education: Empowering patients and people with sight loss and their families, professionals, and stakeholders.
People
The Centre brings together ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, social workers, health economists, lay members, and researchers from
Cardiff University
School of Optometry and Vision Sciences
- Professor Barbara Ryan
- Dr Jennifer Acton
- Professor Rachel North
- Dr Pippa Anderson
Centre for Adult Social Care Research
- Professor Paul Willis
Centre for Trials Research
- Claire Nollett
- Dr Tim Pickles
NHS Wales
- Rhianon Reynolds
- Colm McAlinden
- Siene Ng
Swansea University
Diabetes Research Unit Cymru
Swansea Centre for Health Economics
Bangor University
School of Health Sciences
University of South Wales
Wales Centre for Primary and Emergency Care Research
Partners
Next steps
Research that matters
Our research makes a difference to people’s lives as we work across disciplines to tackle major challenges facing society, the economy and our environment.
Postgraduate research
Our research degrees give the opportunity to investigate a specific topic in depth among field-leading researchers.
Our research impact
Our research case studies highlight some of the areas where we deliver positive research impact.