Four optometrists recognised at The College of Optometrists’ Research Excellence Awards 2025

Four optometry researchers were presented with Research Excellence Awards at The College of Optometrists’ diploma ceremony in London last month (18 November).

The annual awards, which recognise outstanding achievements from academics and clinicians in optometry, optics, and vision science, were held at Central Hall in Westminster.

The awards mark “the critical role researchers play in providing the evidence base that underpins optometric practice,” The College of Optometrists said.

Amongst those honoured was Aston University’s senior lecturer and lead for contact lens education, Dr Debarun Dutta.

Dutta, who is also an Optometry Today continuing professional development author, received the Frank Petticrew Award for Contact Lens Research in Optometry, and was recognised particularly for his work on antimicrobial strategies in lens care.

Also recognised was Dr Ketan Rameshchandra Parmar, lecturer in postgraduate optometry at the University of Manchester.

Rameshchandra Parmar was awarded the George Giles Postgraduate Research Prize for research on eye care accessibility challenges in autistic adults, and the development of resources for eye care providers to deliver autism-friendly services.

Professor Konrad Pesudovs, from the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, was awarded the Arthur Bennett Prize.

Pesudovs was recognised for global impact of his research into optometry, epidemiology and ophthalmology, and particularly for his contributions and leadership on the Vision Loss Expert Group for the Global Burden of Disease Project.

Pesudovs’ colleague in the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales, Emeritus Professor Eric Papas, was also recognised at the ceremony.

Papas received The Bernard Gilmartin OPO Award for his paper, The global prevalence of dry eye disease: A Bayesian view.

The paper was published in the College of Optometrists’ research journal, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics.

Dr Gillian Rudduck, president of The College of Optometrists, extended her congratulations to all winners of the Research Excellence Awards 2025.

Rudduck said: “The continued growth and strength of our profession’s knowledge and evidence base depend on optometrists who choose to pursue a career in research and innovation.

“As we confront the challenges of an ageing population, the demand for more sustainable optical equipment and materials, and the increasing need to collaborate across eye care pathways, advancements in eye health are more vital than ever.”

She added: “Today’s awardees represent some of the most dedicated and talented members of our profession, and each should take great pride in their remarkable achievements.”