biomedical sciences research institute - Research - University of Ulster

Dr Julie McClellandLecturer in OptometryOngoing research during this reporting period has continued to investigate visual function in children with neurologicalimpairment (cerebral palsy). This research, which maintains collaborations with the Belfast Health and Social CareTrust, aims to improve the understanding of visual development in this population. A publication stemming from theCP research describes the use of a clinical tool to identify visual anomalies in this vulnerable group.Work describing the changing visual profile over a 30-year period of children attending a school for those with visualimpairment in Northern Ireland was published during this period. It highlights the increasing numbers of childrenwith visual impairment and additional difficulties attending this specialist school and describes the changing origins ofthe visual impairment over the previous 30 years.A PhD examining visual function in a group of children with reading difficulties will provide novel data from aEuropean population and will strengthen collaborations with clinical optometrists in Europe.Data collection for an epidemiological study of refractive error in Northern Ireland school age children has recentlybeen completed. This study investigated the prevalence and degree of refractive anomalies and associated riskfactors in a UK population.Funding was secured for a study to investigate the incidence and nature of refractive anomalies in children withalbinism. This population-based study will describe the visual profile of this particular group providing previouslyunavailable data. A PhD student has been recruited to the project.Publications:McClelland JF, Saunders KJ, Hill N, Magee A, Shannon M, Jackson AJ; The changing visual profile of children attendinga regional specialist school for the visually impaired in Northern Ireland; Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 26: 556-560, 2007Saunders KJ, McClelland JF, Richardson PM, Stevenson M; Clinical Judgement of near pupil responses provides a usefulindicator of ocular accommodation (focusing ability) in children with cerebral palsy; Developmental Medicine and ChildNeurology, 50: 33-37, 2008Mr Johnny Moore, ConsultantOphthalmologistVisiting ProfessorMr Johnny Moore, Visiting Professor with University of Ulster works closely with other ocular immunology researcherswithin the Centre for Molecular Biosciences, which include: Dr Tara Moore, Senior Lecturer, Dr Jo Graham, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dr Elena Novitskaya, Post doctoral Research Associate and Ophthalmologist, Dr VickyMcGilligan, Post doctoral Research Associate and Visiting Lecturer. Mr Moore facilitates and promotes translational118