Centre for Vision Services Research

The Centre for Vision Services Research is dedicated to improving health and care services for individuals who access eye care services or experience sight problems.

Its work is driving service transformation and global innovation in eye care, supported by government, industry, the voluntary sector, and professional bodies.

The Centre for Vision Services Research was launched in April 2025 following the award of £1.8 million in funding from Health and Care Research Wales.

Aims

1. To 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. To provide essential support to researchers, healthcare, social care, and other professionals to enable evidence-based practice.
3. To foster collaboration across disciplines to address complex challenges.

Research

The Centre supports the development of patient-reported outcome measures and employs a range of methodologies, including health economic modelling, mixed methods research, realist reviews, narrative work, and evaluations. Patient and public involvement is central to its approach.

Through these strategies, the Centre for Vision Services Research aims to 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

Its 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, NHS Wales, Sight Cymru, Bangor University, the University of South Wales, and Swansea University.

People and community links:

Professor Barbara Ryan - Director Centre for Vision Services Research