Rachel Thomas

Rachel completed her undergraduate studies in Human Biology in 1994 and in Optometry in 2001. She established the Optometry Department in Moorfields at Bedford Hospital in 2009 and now leads the Optometry team. Rachel has a Moorfields-wide role in supporting the development of innovative and community-based ophthalmology pathways.

rachel.thomas@aru.ac.uk

Background

Rachel works clinically in Paediatrics, Medical Retina and Acute eye care and also in the area of diabetic retinopathy screening in both primary and secondary grading and arbitration. She supports the training and development of optometry and medical students and local optometrists in community practice.

Qualifications

2016     City and Guilds qualification in Diabetic Retinopathy Screening

2013     Diploma in Therapeutics (Independent Prescribing)

2013     Professional Certificate in Low Vision

2009     Professional Certificate in Glaucoma

2001     BSc(Hons) Optometry: First Class, Aston University

1994     BSc(Hons) Human Biology: 2:1, Loughborough University of Technology

Selected recent publications

Crossland M, Thomas R, Unwin H, Dahlmann-Noor A. Tablet computers versus optical aids to support education and learning in children and young people with low vision: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial, CREATE (Children Reading with Electronic Assistance to Educate). BMJ Open March 9, 2018
Thomas R, Brocklesby L, Coleman A, Dahlmann-Noor A. Triple bottom line: sustainability in amblyopia care.   Eye 30, 1029-1030 (2016)
Thomas R, Crossland M, Dahlmann-Noor A. Multisource evaluation of multidisciplinary low vision services for children and young people. British Journal of Visual Impairment. 2015.
Barker L, Thomas R, Rubin G, Dahlmann-Noor A. Optical reading aids for children and young people with low vision. Cochrane database of systematic reviews (online).
Thomas R, Barker L, Rubin G, Dahlmann-Noor A. Assistive technology for children and young people with low vision. Cochrane database of systematic reviews (online).
Thomas R. 2014. Acute eye services audit. Optometry Today