Catharine Chisholm

Biography

Following qualification as an optometrist, Catharine worked in practice for an independent optometry group in East Anglia, alongside teaching at Anglia Ruskin University. She then became a lecturer and senior lecturer at Anglia Ruskin while continuing to work in practice part time. Catharine joined the staff in the optometry department at City University, London in 1997, firstly as a research assistant whilst she gained her PhD, and then as a lecturer. She joined the Bradford School of Optometry and Vision Science as a lecturer in 2006.

Research Interest

Her research covers a number of areas including the optical quality of the eye and its effect on visual performance, particularly in relation to contact lenses and also myopia. Other areas of interest include the effect of visual field loss on driving and occupational vision standards. These areas are related by their use of psychophysical techniques to investigate visual performance. Her current research is funded by the rehabilitation charity, Remedi, Coopervision UK and the Rail Standards Safety Board. With colleagues, she has successfully supervised Dr Ehsaei to completion of her PhD in 2012, entitled 'An investigation of the relationship between the structure and function of the myopic eye'. She is currently supervising one PhD student (Mr Pedro Serra) and one MD student (Dr Matt Smith) Previous research has been supported by the Department for Transport, Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Police Service for Northern Ireland.