Research Units
There are two research units based at the School: the Down's Syndrome Vision Research Unit and the Contact Lens and Anterior Eye Research Unit (CLAER). The School is also involved with Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, (CITER).
Children with Down’s syndrome are much more likely than ordinary children to have eye and vision problems, and the research unit has been studying visual development in children with Down’s syndrome since 1992.
The Contact Lens and Anterior Eye Research Unit (CLAER) is involved in clinically-related research in corneal function, tear-film physiology and contact lenses. A better knowledge of the interaction between the cornea and the tear-film is vital in understanding the aetiology and treatment of dry-eye, and for successful contact lens wear.
Cardiff Neuroscience Centre
Cardiff Neuroscience Centre (CNC) is a virtual Centre of Excellence for Neuroscience research. This is an umbrella organisation that draws together neuroscience expertise from across Cardiff University and the Cardiff & Vale NHS Trust. We also have a strong partnership with Bristol Neuroscience and have formed the Bristol-Cardiff Neuroscience Collaboration (BCNC).
The School of Optometry and Vision Sciences at Cardiff University is strongly committed to eye movement research.
Eye movements are extremely important in visual function. Abnormalities of eye position or movement can adversely affect vision. Currently, eye movement research at the School of Optometry is mainly centred on Nystagmus and Strabismus (squint).