About VERI

The Vision and Eye Research Institute (VERI), part of the School of Medicine, is a multi-disciplinary collaborative platform for all vision and eye research in different departments and faculties within ARU.

Mission statement

To carry out world class research in key areas in vision and eye, with our multi-disciplinary team of researchers and partners with a common mission of reducing the impact of global blindness.

Research submitted by VERI to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) focused on decreasing the risk of blindness and addressing eye health inequalities globally, and the impact was rated as 100% world-leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised. Find out more about ARU's REF2021 submission.

VERI’s research expertise from across ARU includes optometry, ophthalmology, computing sciences, human movement sciences, sports sciences, public health, biomedical sciences, psychology, hearing sciences, and business.

VERI’s main research focus is in reducing the causes and impact of vision loss uniting leading authorities in the field together with NHS, public and private sector stakeholders to create a platform to address some of the most pressing challenges facing vision and eye care. Continued support from our key partners and stakeholders has enabled us to shape strategies and policies with international organisations and policy makers whilst bringing up-to- to date research to communities that benefit from our work.

See our research activities and sign up for our newsletter to find out about our latest work.

Leadership

Shahina Pardhan holding her Arthur Bennett Research Excellence Award at the College of Optometrists

Prof Shahina Pardhan is the Director of the VERI, based in the School of Medicine.

Prof Pardhan was appointed as the first female Professor of Optometry in the UK (2001). She is supported by a multidisciplinary team. Under Prof Pardhan’s strategic leadership, VERI has received World Leading status through its publications and impact.

VERI's work has benefitted patients and policy makers and attracted collaborations from the World Health Organisation and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. VERI researchers also lead and collaborate on various projects for the Global Burden of Diseases.

For her services to optometry and preventing blindness, Prof Pardhan has received the title of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). She is also a recipient of several other awards and recognitions including the Ibn Sinha Award for Excellence in Health, a Life fellowship from the College of Optometrists, the First Ismaili Award for Excellence - Postgraduate category; Asian Women of Achievement Award - Professions category; Asian Jewel Award - Health Care and Education category; Vice Chancellor’s award for Outstanding Scholar; Dean’s Award for Research; and Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Research Impact. She has also been named on The Ophthalmologist Power List as Champion of Change.

Contact us

Vision and Eye Research Institute (VERI)
Anglia Ruskin University
Young Street Building – New Street/Sturton Street Entrance
Cambridge
CB1 2LZ