Bradford School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Bradford are hosting their annual prestige lecture on the topic of why people become short sighted. This year’s David Pickwell lecture will be given by Professor Bernard Gilmartin, an internationally renowned researcher in the field of myopia.
The unremitting increase in prevalence of myopia over the last 50 years means that one in five of the world’s population is likely to be myopic by 2020. Prevalence levels in the UK are approximately 25% and rising. In that it represents a substantial proportion of the eye care professions’ work load, myopia is clinically a ‘known’ but, despite diverse and extensive research over several decades, its aetiology remains an ‘unknown’. This year’s lecture in honour of Professor David Pickwell, will review current work on the ‘mystery’ of myopia with reference to its epidemiology, its structural correlates and the efficacy of contemporary methods of treatment, in particular those involving peripheral refraction.
Bernard Gilmartin is Professor of Optometry in the School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University and was the former editor of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (1987 – 2000). He is a Life Fellow of the College of Optometrists and has served on GOC and UK Government Teaching and Research review Panels.
A drinks reception will be held from 6.30pm, followed by the lecture at 7.30pm.