The collagen matrix in corneal pathology, and the effect of new therapies for loss of transparency and refractive status
Lead Research Organisation:
Cardiff University
Department Name: Optometry and Vision Sciences
Abstract
The cornea is the transparent window at the front of the eye through which we see the coloured iris and black central pupil. It is made up mostly of a protein called collagen and forms part of the tough outer shell of the eye. Most of the outer shell is opaque and white in colour, but the cornea has evolved to transmit light. Evidently, the transparency of the cornea is absolutely essential for vision, and it is believed that the reason why the cornea, unlike all other collagen-containing tissues in the body, is transparent, is because of the special size and arrangement of the collagen and the special properties of the interspersed cells. One purpose of our proposed investigation is to discover precisely how the arrangement of the collagen and the properties of the cells allow the cornea to be transparent. We will then examine how certain treatments act to restore transparency where it has been lost. In addition to allowing light into the eye, the cornea is also curved in a special way to help focus the incoming light on the retina. Again, it is believed that aspects of the collagen organisation might influence this curvature and be important for corneal astigmatism and the recovery of good vision after corneal surgery (including new refractive surgeries such as LASIK). The research is to be carried out using a range of techniques, including synchrotron x-ray technology and several high powered microscopical methods. It will be carried out by a team of Biophysicists in Cardiff, but will involve a number of scientists and clinicians from around the world.
Technical Summary
The cornea is the main refractive component of the eye. Its dioptric power and efficiency in conveying an image to the retina free of astigmatism, both depend on its shape and surface topography. These, together with the cornea?s remarkable transparency, depend on the organisation of its constituent collagen molecules and fibrils, about which many questions remain unanswered. Corneal problems are a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, and are an increasing drain on the NHS. Thus it is imperative to understand the reasons for transparency loss and for pathological and post surgical ectasia. Our work aims to do just this, and ascertain the structural basis for the restoration of corneal transparency and refractive status by a number of new therapeutic strategies. The objectives of this proposal are:
? To model corneal transparency at the cellular and fibrillar level and ascertain the potential of keratocyte stem cell therapy in the restoration of matrix structure and tissue transparency.
? To produce a full 3-D structural map of the healthy human cornea and understand the roles of specific lamella structures in determining its biomechanical properties, refractive status, pathological change and surgical treatment.
? To understand the cause of corneal ectasia and its treatment by ultraviolet crosslinking.
The principal method will be synchrotron x-ray scattering. This will be supplemented by microscopy (phase contrast, electron and multi-photon confocal), spectrophotometry, ocular coherence tomography, videokeratography, finite element analysis and computer modelling of light scattering.
? To model corneal transparency at the cellular and fibrillar level and ascertain the potential of keratocyte stem cell therapy in the restoration of matrix structure and tissue transparency.
? To produce a full 3-D structural map of the healthy human cornea and understand the roles of specific lamella structures in determining its biomechanical properties, refractive status, pathological change and surgical treatment.
? To understand the cause of corneal ectasia and its treatment by ultraviolet crosslinking.
The principal method will be synchrotron x-ray scattering. This will be supplemented by microscopy (phase contrast, electron and multi-photon confocal), spectrophotometry, ocular coherence tomography, videokeratography, finite element analysis and computer modelling of light scattering.
Organisations
- Cardiff University, United Kingdom (Lead Research Organisation)
- St Thomas' Hospital (Collaboration)
- University of Leeds, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (Collaboration)
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (Collaboration)
- Linkoping University (Collaboration)
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) (Collaboration)
- Aarhus University Hospital (Collaboration)
- Diamond Light Source, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico (Collaboration)
- University of Dundee, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Bristol Zoo Gardens (Collaboration)
Publications
Connon CJ
(2007)
The biomechanics of amnion rupture: an X-ray diffraction study.
in PloS one
Hayes S
(2007)
Comparative study of fibrillar collagen arrangement in the corneas of primates and other mammals.
in Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)
Quantock A
(2007)
Small-angle fibre diffraction studies of corneal matrix structure: a depth-profiled investigation of the human eye-bank cornea
in Journal of Applied Crystallography
Hayes S
(2008)
Effect of complete epithelial debridement before riboflavin-ultraviolet-A corneal collagen crosslinking therapy.
in Journal of cataract and refractive surgery
Boote C
(2008)
Collagen organization in the chicken cornea and structural alterations in the retinopathy, globe enlarged (rge) phenotype--an X-ray diffraction study.
in Journal of structural biology
Samaras K
(2009)
Effect of epithelial retention and removal on riboflavin absorption in porcine corneas.
in Journal of refractive surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
Meek KM
(2009)
Corneal collagen-its role in maintaining corneal shape and transparency.
in Biophysical reviews
Abahussin M
(2009)
3D collagen orientation study of the human cornea using X-ray diffraction and femtosecond laser technology.
in Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
O' Brart D
(2009)
Mastering Corneal Collagen Cross-linking Techniques
Young RD
(2009)
Stromal edema in klf4 conditional null mouse cornea is associated with altered collagen fibril organization and reduced proteoglycans.
in Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
Knupp C
(2009)
The architecture of the cornea and structural basis of its transparency.
in Advances in protein chemistry and structural biology
Hayes S
(2009)
Corneal collagen cross-linking in bullous keratopathy.
in Journal of refractive surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
Kamma-Lorger CS
(2009)
Effects on collagen orientation in the cornea after trephine injury.
in Molecular vision
Kamma-Lorger CS
(2009)
Collagen ultrastructural changes during stromal wound healing in organ cultured bovine corneas.
in Experimental eye research
Meek KM
(2009)
The use of X-ray scattering techniques to quantify the orientation and distribution of collagen in the corneal stroma.
in Progress in retinal and eye research
Boote C
(2009)
Ultrastructural changes in the retinopathy, globe enlarged (rge) chick cornea.
in Journal of structural biology
Quantock AJ
(2010)
Structural and biochemical aspects of keratan sulphate in the cornea.
in Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS
Kamma-Lorger CS
(2010)
Collagen and mature elastic fibre organisation as a function of depth in the human cornea and limbus.
in Journal of structural biology
Connon CJ
(2010)
The variation in transparency of amniotic membrane used in ocular surface regeneration.
in The British journal of ophthalmology
Palka BP
(2010)
Structural collagen alterations in macular corneal dystrophy occur mainly in the posterior stroma.
in Current eye research
Liles M
(2010)
Differential relative sulfation of Keratan sulfate glycosaminoglycan in the chick cornea during embryonic development.
in Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
Elsheikh A
(2010)
Characterization of age-related variation in corneal biomechanical properties.
in Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
Hayes S
(2010)
A structural investigation of corneal graft failure in suspected recurrent keratoconus.
in Eye (London, England)
Sheppard J
(2010)
Changes in corneal collagen architecture during mouse postnatal development.
in Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
Lewis PN
(2010)
Structural interactions between collagen and proteoglycans are elucidated by three-dimensional electron tomography of bovine cornea.
in Structure (London, England : 1993)
O?Brart D
(2010)
Surgical Techniques in Ophthalmology Refractive Surgery
Alhamad TA
(2011)
Comparison of factors that influence the measurement of corneal hysteresis in vivo and in vitro.
in Acta ophthalmologica
Hayes S
(2011)
The effect of vitamin C deficiency and chronic ultraviolet-B exposure on corneal ultrastructure: a preliminary investigation.
in Molecular vision
Boote C
(2011)
The influence of lamellar orientation on corneal material behavior: biomechanical and structural changes in an avian corneal disorder.
in Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
Akhtar S
(2011)
Role of keratan sulphate (sulphated poly -N-acetyllactosamine repeats) in keratoconic cornea, histochemical, and ultrastructural analysis.
in Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie
Boote C
(2011)
Quantification of collagen organization in the peripheral human cornea at micron-scale resolution.
in Biophysical journal
Hayes S
(2011)
Riboflavin/UVA collagen cross-linking-induced changes in normal and keratoconus corneal stroma.
in PloS one
Mi S
(2011)
Adhesion of laser in situ keratomileusis-like flaps in the cornea: Effects of crosslinking, stromal fibroblasts, and cytokine treatment.
in Journal of cataract and refractive surgery
Young RD
(2011)
Large proteoglycan complexes and disturbed collagen architecture in the corneal extracellular matrix of mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (Sly syndrome).
in Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
Alhamad TA
(2012)
Evaluation of transepithelial stromal riboflavin absorption with enhanced riboflavin solution using spectrophotometry.
in Journal of cataract and refractive surgery
Doutch JJ
(2012)
Ultraviolet light transmission through the human corneal stroma is reduced in the periphery.
in Biophysical journal
Boote C
(2012)
Quantitative assessment of ultrastructure and light scatter in mouse corneal debridement wounds.
in Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
Hayes S
(2012)
Depth profile study of abnormal collagen orientation in keratoconus corneas.
in Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
Abahussin M
(2013)
A microscopy study of the structural features of post-LASIK human corneas.
in PloS one
Morgan SR
(2013)
An x-ray scattering study into the structural basis of corneal refractive function in an avian model.
in Biophysical journal
Kamma-Lorger CS
(2016)
Role of Decorin Core Protein in Collagen Organisation in Congenital Stromal Corneal Dystrophy (CSCD).
in PloS one
| Description | Influence on corneal surgery |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | Understanding corneal structure |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | BBSRC JSBI |
| Amount | £112,093 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/J019879/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2012 |
| End | 12/2013 |
| Description | EPSRC Project Grant responsive mode |
| Amount | £836,976 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | |
| Description | Fight for Sight Project Grant |
| Amount | £149,950 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Fight for Sight |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | |
| Description | Royal Society/Wolfson Research Merit Award |
| Amount | £75,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Royal Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | |
| Title | Three dimensional image manipulation |
| Description | Developed methodologies and protocols for collection and presentation of 3D electron microscopy data sets |
| Type Of Material | Biological samples |
| Year Produced | 2013 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | A publication: Imaging three-dimensional tissue architectures by ion beam scanning electron microscopy. Nature Protocols 2011;6:845-858 (conducted under an EPSRC small facilities access award) |
| Title | XRD data analysis technique |
| Description | We have developed methods to analyse and display collagen orientation data collected in x-ray scatter patterns |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2007 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | In the cornea, this method will allow finite element modelling of the cornea and this in turn will allow accurate predictions of the effects of corneal surgeries |
| Title | Elsheikh modelling of chick corneas |
| Description | Our quantitative x-ray data have been used to model the biomechanical behaviour of the cornea. |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Year Produced | 2008 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Data helped explain the importance of the limbal annulus in maintaining corneal shape. This work was published. |
| Title | pinsky modelling of the healthy cornea |
| Description | Our quantitative x-ray data have been used to model the biomechanical behaviour of the cornea. |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Year Produced | 2009 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Data helped explain the relationship between corneal structure and shape. The work was published. |
| Description | Collaboration with Bristol Zoo Gardens |
| Organisation | Bristol Zoo Gardens |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | We have collected x-ray scattering data from these corneas with the aim of learning more about the relationship between corneal structure, shape and function. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborators provided post-mortem corneas from primates and other mammals. |
| Impact | Meeting abstracts and publications. Multidisciplinary: Zoology, Biophysics, Biology |
| Start Year | 2007 |
| Description | Collaboration with Farhad Hafezi (Geneva) |
| Organisation | Geneva University Hospitals |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | We have collected x-ray scattering data from normal and keratoconus corneas that have been previously cross-linked using riboflavin and UVA. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Prof Hafezi has been involved in the concept and design of collagen cross-linking studies involving keratoconus corneas. He also serves as an Honorary Overseas Consultant to the UK Cross-linking Consortium. |
| Impact | Multidisciplinary publication (Ophthalmology, Biophysics, Biology): doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0022405 Farhad Hafezi is a confirmed guest speaker at our 2020 UK-Cross-linking Consortium meeting which will be held in May 2020, as part of the Royal College of Ophthalmology Annual Congress. |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| Description | Collaboration with May Griffith |
| Organisation | Linkoping University |
| Department | Regenerative Medicine |
| Country | Sweden |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Prof Griffith has developed a biological artificial cornea which is in clinical trial. We will be investigating the ultrastructure of the constructs and what changes occur in vivo. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They will provide the constructs. Joint collaborators in Aberdeen will implant the constructs into mouse eyes. |
| Impact | Multiple publications on the structure and integration of the artificial constructs which have formed the basis of clinical trials: doi: 10.1038/s41536-017-0038-8 doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.01.011 doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.10.009. |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Collaboration with Prof David O'Brart |
| Organisation | St Thomas' Hospital |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | Corneal cross-linking research is undertaken by Sally Hayes |
| Collaborator Contribution | Prof O'Brart contributes to experimental study design in our corneal cross-linking research and helps to ensure that it has the maximum clinical relevance. He is also involved in the interpretation of cross-linking data. |
| Impact | Multiple scientific publications: doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2015.10.004.; doi: 10.1167/iovs.17-22994.; doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2016.10.014 Successful co-supervision of a PhD student leading to a published thesis (2018): Investigations into the potential effectiveness of new and existing corneal cross-linking therapies Based on our experimental research David O'Brart undertook a prospective clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of the St Thomas's/Cardiff cross-linking protocol compared to the standard epi-off protocol: ISRCTN04451470 DOI 10.1186/ISRCTN04451470 |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| Description | Collaboration with Prof H. Serra Ciudad University, Argentina |
| Organisation | Ciudad University |
| Country | Mexico |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have gathered x-ray scattering and electron microscopy data from guinea pig corneas (provided by Prof. H. Serra) previously exposed to harsh environmental conditions similar to those experienced by humans in regions of the world where Climatic Droplet Keratopathy has been reported. Analysis of the data will determine if this is a suitable animal model for the disease. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborators have provided us with corneas from a potential animal model for the human disease Climatic Droplet Keratopathy. |
| Impact | Publications. Multidisciplinary: Ophthalmology, Biophysics, Biology |
| Start Year | 2009 |
| Description | Collaboration with Prof J Hjordtal (Aarhus University) |
| Organisation | Aarhus University Hospital |
| Department | Department of Ophthalmology |
| Country | Denmark |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | Ultrastructural analysis of rare corneal graft tissue |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided tissue and clinical expertise |
| Impact | ARVO abstracts. Multidisciplinary: Ophthalmology, Biophysics, Biology |
| Start Year | 2009 |
| Description | Collaboration with Prof. A Jun and Prof W Stark (Johns Hopkins) |
| Organisation | Johns Hopkins Medicine |
| Department | Wilmer Eye Institute |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Initiated collaboration on animal models of Fuch's Dystrophy |
| Collaborator Contribution | Providing tissue and clinical expertise |
| Impact | ARVO abstract |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | Collaboration with Prof. J. Funderburgh in University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre |
| Organisation | University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | collagen ultrastructural x-ray studies of scarred corneas treated with stromal stem cells |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided wounded mouse corneas for stem cell baseline studies |
| Impact | International Collaboration Award-Early Career Researcher 2007/08, Cardiff University. Funding was allocated to Dr. Christina Kamma-Lorger to visit collaborative lab in in Pittsburgh University for 4 weeks, to receive training in corneal stem cell techniques and establishing a new collaboration (2300GBP)+ publications (see list). Multidisciplinary: Ophthalmology, Biophysics, Biology, Molecular Biology |
| Start Year | 2007 |
| Description | Collaboration with Profs Nguyen/Quigley at Johns Hopkins University |
| Organisation | Johns Hopkins Medicine |
| Department | Wilmer Eye Institute |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Initiated x-ray studies of glaucoma corneas and scleras to provide data for numerical models |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided mechanical data of normal and glaucoma corneas and scleras and incorporated our x-ray data into finite element simulation to model ocular behaviour |
| Impact | Presented the first X-ray data from human scleras at ARVO in 2010 - impacting on the ocular biomechanics and clinical communities concerned with glaucoma - leading to project grant funding from Fight For Sight and NIH. Multidisciplinary: Ophthalmology, Biophysics, Biology, Engineering |
| Start Year | 2009 |
| Description | Diamond |
| Organisation | Diamond Light Source |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Data collection at the Diamond Light Source and equipment development . In partnership with Diamond Light Source, Dr James Bell is leading the development of a biomechanical testing platform that will allow a wide-range of scientists to perform simultaneous x-ray scattering/biomechanical testing on a range of connective tissues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Assisting with data collection and equipment development. Administration and publicity of the Biomechanics Facility User Network |
| Impact | Our ongoing collaboration with DLS has resulted in a large number of publications, the most recent of which are: doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.11.015 doi: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0062. doi: 10.1167/iovs.16-21358. The formation of a Biomechanics Facility and User Network at Diamond Light Source (https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Instruments/Soft-Condensed-Matter/small-angle/I22.html). Led by James Bell, the multi-disciplinary user network (comprising ~20 connective tissue researchers, physicists and engineers) are contributing to the design of a general purpose miromechanical testing platform that will be made freely available to scientists during their beamtime at Diamond Light Source to enhance connective tissue and materials-based research. |
| Start Year | 2007 |
| Description | Dr Ahmed ElSheikh |
| Organisation | University of Dundee |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Modelling corneal structure and biomechanics. Our structural data is being used to model corneal biomechannical behaviour. We are also working together to simultaneously monitor changes in corneal structure and stress-strain behaviour by covering corneas with a fine-particle speckle pattern and then collecting x-ray scattering data at the same time as collecting images of the corneal surface on spatially oriented cameras. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Allowed us to progress the biomechanical implications of our structural data |
| Impact | Multiple publications as co-authors: doi:10.1098/rsif.2010.0108; doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.11.015.; doi:10.1016/j.jmbbm.2014.11.006 |
| Start Year | 2008 |
| Description | Professor C. Inglehearn |
| Organisation | University of Leeds |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have used our structural data to help understand the changes in eye shape in genetically mutated chicks |
| Collaborator Contribution | Allowed us to explore the relatioionship between genetics, structure and eye shape |
| Impact | Collaboration formed part of a following grant and publications are listed under G0600755 |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | American Academy for the Advancement of Science Conference, Chicago |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 30 minute lecture to a public audience. Disseminated our work to a public audience at one of the most prestigious meetings. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
| Description | American Academy for the Advancement of Science Press Conference, Chicago |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | International press conference to about 40 journalists A podcast and a BBC TV interview (listed separately) and a very large number of web sites reporting our work. e.g.: UK leading the way in corneal research http://www.diamond.ac.uk/Home/Media/LatestNews/13_02_09b.html UK leading the way in corneal research (February 17, 2009) http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroom/?view=News&id=13691933 Intense x-rays advance corneal research. http://www.nkcf.org/research/research-update/101-x-ray-advance-corneal-research.html UK leading the way in corneal resear |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
| URL | http://www.diamond.ac.uk/Home/Media/LatestNews/13_02_09b.html |
| Description | Article in Projects Magazine |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dissemination to the leading research and development magazine in the areas of science and technology http://www.projectsmagazine.eu.com/magazines Raised the profile of our medical technology |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |
| Description | BBC Radio coverage |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | BBC Radio Oxford interview (Malcolm Boyden Show) about my research parts of which were broadcast in news bulletins throughout the morning of 26th October 2009 Raised the profile of our vision research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
| Description | BBC TV coverage |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Was filmed and interviewed at Diamond Synchrotron by BBC Oxford Was braodcast as news report on BBC Oxford TV - informing public of our research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
| Description | Earth Sky Podcast |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Interview Braodcast as Podcast on internet - increasing public awareness of our research. Keith Meek seeks to understand the workings of the eye's cornea http://www.earthsky.org/interviewpost/health/keith-meek-reveals-patterns-inside-the-eye%e2%80%99s-cornea |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
| URL | http://www.earthsky.org/interviewpost/health/keith-meek-reveals-patterns-inside-the-eye%e2%80%99s-co... |
| Description | Lecture to young collage students, Madrid |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Key-note speaker in the course "Refractive surgery and quality of vision" Madrid 2008. About 30 students attended. Sparked questions and discussion. Raised the profile of our vision research on an international stage |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |
| Description | Regular presentations to health care professionals |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited speaker Raised the profile of vision research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011 |
| Description | School work experience |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Type Of Presentation | Workshop Facilitator |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Te activity encouraged these children to choose Physics at university and hopefully will make them want to move into Biophysics later. Positive feedback from students and schools so there have been continuing requests for us to take on students in following years |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013,2014,2015 |