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Dr Ahalya Subramanian

Associate Professor

School of Health & Psychological Sciences Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences

Contact details

Address

Dr Ahalya Subramanian M113, Myddelton Street Building
City, University of London
Northampton Square
London EC1V 0HB
United Kingdom

About

Overview

Dr Ahalya Subramanian is a registered optometrist who graduated from the Elite School of Optometry in Chennai, India. During her undergraduate degree she was awarded several subject medals including the best optometry student three years in a row. Following graduation Ahalya worked at Sankara Nethralaya, a well-known ophthalmic institution in India and the Elite School of Optometry before coming to the United Kingdom to commence a PhD in visual impairment at UMIST (now the University of Manchester) funded by the Guide Dogs for Blind Association. Following completion of her doctoral studies Ahalya took up a post-doctoral position at Anglia Ruskin University before starting her career as an optometry lecturer at the Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences at City, University of London where she is currently an associate professor. Since joining City Ahalya has held a number of senior management positions including programme director for the foundation degree in ophthalmic dispensing and undergraduate optometry programme and more recently (2016-2019) head of department. Ahalya also holds a number of external positions and is the external examiner for a number of universities. She is also a trustee for Vision Aid Oversees and was recently voted on to the executive committee of the international society for low vision research and rehabilitation.

Ahalya’s main research interests lie in the field of visual impairment. Her early research was mainly quantitative investigating spatial localisation, reaching and grasping and reading. More recently she has become interested in qualitative research and the use of technology. For example, the use of mobile electronic devices such as smart phones for visually impaired people and the development of a virtual assistant to provide timely support to individuals with visual impairment. She is also interested in the impact that COVID-19 has had on visually impaired people and how low vision services have been altered as a result including remote low vision services. Ahalya is currently supervising a number of doctoral and MSc students.

Ahalya has presented her work at national and international conferences and has a growing number of publications in peer reviewed journals. Details are available on her ORCID page. Her research has been funded by the College of Optometrists, Macular Society, RNIB, Royal Society, Eleanor Peel Trust, Fight for Sight and the institutional Global Challenges Research Fund. Apart from researching in the area, Ahalya also lectures on visual impairment to foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate optometry students.

Qualifications

  • Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom, Oct 2018
  • PhD, University of Manchester, United Kingdom, Nov 2000 – Feb 2004
  • BS, Elite School of Optometry, India, Sep 1994 – Aug 1998
  • Fellow of the College of Optometrists, College of Optometrists, United Kingdom

Employment

  • Associate Professor, City, University of London, Sep 2021 – present
  • Divisional Lead, City, Univesrity of London, Sep 2016 – Dec 2019
  • Divisional Lead, City, University of London, Sep 2016 – Dec 2019
  • Academic Partner Co-ordinator: RNIB/City Eye Clinic course, City, University of London, Sep 2016 – present
  • Programme Director Foundation Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing, City, University of London, Sep 2014 – Aug 2016
  • Senior Lecturer, City, University of London, Aug 2010 – Aug 2021
  • Programme Director UG Optometry, City, University of London, Sep 2008 – Aug 2011
  • Lecturer, City, University of London, May 2006 – Jul 2010

Memberships of professional organisations

  • 2006: General Optical Council
  • Fellow of the College of Optometrists, College of Optometrists
  • Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority, Higher Education Authority

Languages

Hindi (can read, write, speak and understand spoken).

Research

Research Summary

My main research interests are improving the quality of life of visually impaired people including visually impaired children and their caregivers with particular emphasis on improving reading ability and the use of technology.
I am currently involved in several projects which include:
• Investigating if mobile electronic devices such as smart phones and tablets improve quality of life of visually impaired people
• Access to healthcare for individuals who are visually impaired
• Impact of COVID-19 on visually impaired children and their families in India
• Impact of COVID-19 on visually impaired adults and their caregivers in the UK including their care and support services
• Investigating the feasibility and acceptability of using a chatbot to improve adherence to glaucoma medication
• Developing a prototype of a virtual rehabilitation assistant to offer timely and relevant information and advice to individuals with visual impairment
• Exploring appropriate tests to measure visual function in children with multiple disabilities
• Investigating how individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) talk about their experiences

Research students

Ahmed Abdel-Hay

Thesis title: Early detection of Diabetic Retinopathy in Diabetic patients

Role: 2nd Supervisor

Further information: Ahmed is investigating the role of colour vision in early detection of Diabetic Retinopathy in patients with Diabetes

Arjan Keuken

Thesis title: Age-related normal limits for spatial vision: Separating the effects of normal ageing from changes caused by disease’

Rebecca Sumalini

Thesis title: Validating clinical tools to measure visual functions in children with special needs

Role: 1st Supervisor

Jamie Enoch

Thesis title: Exploring the experiences of people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) within their personal, social and relational contexts

Role: 2nd Supervisor

Deborah Bott

Thesis title: Investigating the feasibility and acceptability of using a chatbot to improve adherence to glaucoma medication

Role: 2nd Supervisor

Liz Frost

Thesis title: The impact of COVID-19 on individuals with visual impairment (IVI) and their care and support services: evidence to support future planning

Role: 1st Supervisor

Publications

Publications by category

Conference papers and proceedings (42)

  • Taylor, J., Subramanian, A., Freitas, A., Ferreira, D.M. and Dickinson, C. (2022). Qualitative investigation of information behaviour in individuals with visual impairment to inform virtual digital-assistant design. 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting 1-4 May, Denver, USA.
  • Satgunam, P., Sumalini, R., Subramanian, A., Conway, M. and Lingappa, L. (2022). Repeatability of grating acuity and contrast sensitivity in children with cerebral visual impairment.
  • Chakram, R.S., Satgunam, P., Subramanian, A., Conway, M., Lingappa, L., Errolla, P. … Hyndavi, U. (2022). Does vision correlate with overall development in children with cerebral visual impairment?
  • Subramanian, A., Caute, A., Binns, A., Woolf, C., Naidoo, M. and Marshall, J. (2019). Roving reading: Exploring the use of portable smart camera technologies for adults with aphasia and/or visual impairments ESLRR. ESLRR Manchester.
  • Akthar, F., Subramanian, A. and Walker, R. (2019). Reading with central vision loss: a comparison of horizontal-scrolling, single-word sequential (RSVP) and static text formats. ESLRR Manchester.
  • Dickinson, C. and Subramanian, A. (2019). Mobile Electronic Devices for Visual Impairment (MED4VI): A survey of users and professionals. ESLRR Manchester.
  • Caute, A., Subramanian, A., Binns, A., Naidoo, M., Woolf, C. and Marshall, J. (2019). Roving reading: Exploring the use of portable smart camera technologies for adults with aphasia and/or visual impairments British Aphasiology conference. ESLRR Manchester.
  • Hathibelagal, A.R., Bharadwaj, S.R., Subramanian, A., Sadler, J. and Barbur, J. (2019). Age-related changes in flicker sensitivity with rod- and cone-enhanced stimuli.
  • Yadav, A.R., Hathibelagal, A., Bharadwaj, S., Subramanian, A., Sadler, J. and Barbur, J. (2019). Flicker sensitivity in normal aging eyes using rod-cone flicker test. IERG.
  • Hathibelagal, A., Bharadwaj, S., Subramanian, A. and Barbur, J. (2019). Rapid assessment of rod and cone-mediated vision in patients with known diseases of the retina. IERG.
  • Ctori, I., Ahmad, S., Subramanian, A. and Oskis, A. (2019). Associations between adult attachment style and vision-related quality of life in visually impaired individuals. ARVO.
  • Ctori, I., Subramanian, A. and Jones, P. (2019). Teaching empathy by Simulated Practice in Optometry. European Academy of Optometry and Optics Rome.
  • Ctori, I., Subramanian, A. and Jones, P. (2019). Teaching empathy by simulated practice in optometry. The TESPO project. Virtual and Augmented Reality to Enhance Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. Swansea.
  • Keuken, A., Subramanian, A. and Barbur, J.L. (2018). Monocular and binocular limits for spatial vision: Effects of 'normal' aging on photopic and mesopic visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.
  • Keuken, A., Subramanian, A. and Barbur, J. (2018). Effects of ‘normal’ ageing on photopic and mesopic visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. ARVO.
  • Subramanian, A. (2017). Involving visually impaired service users in a review of the visual impairment curriculum. Vision 2017 Hague.
  • Keuken, A., Subramanian, A. and Barbur, J.L. (2017). Normal upper age-limits for photopic and mesopic visual acuity and functional contrast sensitivity. doi:10.1111/j.1755-3768.2017.03332
  • Conway, M., Subramanian, A., O Donoghue, E. and Donaldson, L. (2017). Attitudes of parents toward eye care in children under 7 years old in the Republic of Ireland. doi:10.1111/j.1755-3768.2017.02675
  • Dickinson, C.M., Subramanian, A. and Harper, R.A. (2015). Evaluating the effectiveness of the Macular Society Eccentric Viewing Rehabilitation Training - the evaluation study. ESLRR 2015 25-27 September, Keeble College, Oxford.
  • Abdel-Hay, A., Sivaprasad, S., Subramanian, A., Konstantakopoulou, E., Edgar, D. and Barbur, J. (2015). Chromatic sensitivity changes in Type I and Type II diabetics. ARVO.
  • Abdel-Hay, A., Sivaprasad, S., Subramanian, A., Konstantakopoulou, E., Edgar, D. and Barbur, J. (2013). Chromatic sensitivity in diabetic patients treated with Ozurdex. ARVO.
  • Subramanian, A., Gillespie-Gallery, H. and Conway, M. (2013). The emotional costs associated with providing emotional and other relevant support in eye clinics-findings from the United Kingdom. EAOO Malaga.
  • Conway, M.L., Gillespie-Gallery, H., Yang, Y.C., Reddy, G., Mathews, J. and Subramanian, A. (2012). Investigating Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) using quality of life questionnaires? ARVO Meeting.
  • Gillespie-Gallery, H., Subramanian, A. and Conway, M.L. (2012). A Comparative Analysis Of Rehabilitation Services For Visually Impaired People Worldwide. ARVO Meeting.
  • Subramanian, A., Gillespie-Gallery, H. and Conway, M.L. (2012). The role of the Eye Cinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) - A diary study. ARVO Meeting.
  • Gillespie-Gallery, H., Conway, M. and Subramanian, A. (2010). The opinions of eye care professionals on patient related, low vision services in the UK. Optometry Tomorrow York,UK.
  • Gillespie-Gallery, H., Conway, M.L. and Subramanian, A. (2010). Services for Visually Impaired People in the UK: Is There Room for Improvement? ARVO Meeting.
  • Gillespie-Gallery, H., Subramanian, A. and Conway, M. (2010). Evaluating the Impact of Eye Care Liaison Officers. Vision UK 2010 Conference Birmingham, UK.
  • Chadha, R.K., Steen, J. and Subramanian, A. (2009). Evaluation of the Effect of Visual Impairment on Quality of Life of Children Aged 3-16.
  • Subramanian, A. and Pardhan, S. (2008). The repeatability of the MNREAD acuity charts in subjects with low vision. Vision 2008, 9th International Conference on Low Vision Montreal.
  • McNally, K.J., Latham, K., Gonzalez-Alvarez, C., Subramanian, A. and Pardhan, S. (2008). A Comparative evaluation of Nidek MP1 microperimetery to the Humphrey VFA24-2 program in normals and macular disease. Vision 2008, 9th International Conference on Low Vision Montreal.
  • Subramanian, A. and Pardhan, S. (2005). How repeatable are indices of reading ability in subjects with impaired vision? ESO International Vision and Optometry Conference.
  • Gonzalez-Alvarez, C., Subramanian, A. and Pardhan, S. (2005). How does stimulated visual impairment affect reaching and grasping movements? Vision 2005 London.
  • Subramanian, A. (2005). How does visual acuity correlate to recognising a tin of beans in the central and peripheral visual field? Vision 2005 London.
  • Subramanian, A. and Dickinosn, C. (2005). Is there a relationship between Visual Acuity and Vernier Acuity? Vision 2005 London.
  • Subramanian, A. (2005). Spatial localisation in visual impairment. Vision 2005 London.
  • Subramanian, A. and Pardhan, S. (2005). How repeatable are indices of reading ability in subjects with impaired vision? ESO International Vision and Optometry Conference Chennai, India.
  • Subramanian, A. and Dickinson, C. (2004). Size Constancy in visual impairment: A comparison with normals. UK multi disciplinary Low-vision Rehabilitation and Research Conference Birmingham, UK.
  • Subramanian, A. (2004). Size Constancy in visual impairment: A comparison with normals. UK multi disciplinary Low-vision Rehabilitation and Research Conference Birmingham, UK.
  • Subramanian, A. and Dickinson, C. (2002). Vernier Acuity with a central scotoma. Vision 2002 21-25 July, Gothenburg.
  • Gopal, L., Varma, M., Kumar, K.K., Lingam, V. and Subramanian, A. (2000). Inter and intra-operator reproducibility of the retinal nerve fibre layer using the GDx. Annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
  • Gopal, L., Varma, M., Kumar, K.K., Lingam, V. and Subramanian, A. (2000). Inter and intra-operator reproducibility of the retinal nerve fibre layer using the GDx. Annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Journal articles (39)

Media

  • Subramanian, A. (2008). A taste of Vision 2008.

Posters (2)

  • Subramanian, A. Chromatic sensitivity in diabetic patients treated with Ozurdex. ARVO, 2013.
  • Subramanian, A. The emotional costs associated with providing emotional and other relevant support in eye clinics-findings from the United Kingdom. EAOO, 2013.

Report

  • Subramanian, A., Conway, M. and Gillespie Gallery, H. (2011). The role of Eye Care Liaison Officers on improving the quality of life of people with visual impairment..

Other (4)

  • Subramanian, A., Conway, M., Gillespie-Gallery, H. and Yang, Y.C. (2012). Investigating Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) using quality of life questionnaires?
  • Gillespie-Gallery, H., Subramanian, A. and Conway, M. (2012). A Comparative Analysis Of Rehabilitation Services For Visually Impaired People Worldwide.
  • Subramanian, A., Gillespie-Gallery, H. and Conway, M. The role of the Eye Cinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) - A diary study.
  • Dickinson, C.M., Subramanian, A. and Harper, R.A. Evaluating the effectiveness of the Macular Society Eccentric Viewing Rehabilitation Training.

Professional activities

Clinical activity

  • Clinical Lead Visual Impairment Clinic, City, University of London

Editorial activity

  • Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, Optometry in Practice, Vision Research, Clinical and Experimental Optometry, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Journal of Modern Optics, British Journal of Ophthalmology, BMC Ophthalmology, Current Science, PLOS One, Frontiers in Neuroscience, Reviewer for:.