- Wilson, S., Ctori, I., Shah, R., Conway, M.L., Willis, S.J. and Suttle, C. (2023). An investigation of barriers and enablers to community eye care for children in England: A qualitative descriptive study. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. doi:10.1111/opo.13109.
- Thompson, A.L., Conway, M.L., Ctori, I., Shah, R. and Suttle, C.M. (2023). Refractive prescribing for preschool children by optometrists in England. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 43(1), pp. 6–16. doi:10.1111/opo.13050.
- Conway, M.L. and Ctori, I. (2022). Cerebrovascular Function in Migraine Patients during, their Interictal Period, Compared to Normal Healthy Controls. Journal of Neurosonology and Neuroimaging, 14(2), pp. 71–77. doi:10.31728/jnn.2022.00122.
- Wilson, S., Ctori, I., Shah, R., Suttle, C. and Conway, M.L. (2022). Systematic review and meta‐analysis on the agreement of non‐cycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction in children. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 42(6), pp. 1276–1288. doi:10.1111/opo.13022.
- Hennelly, M.L. and Ctori, I. (2022). Technology in education. Community Eye Health Journal, 35(114), pp. 22–23.
- Shah, R., Ctori, I., Edgar, D.F. and Parker, P. (2021). Use of standardised patients in optometry training. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 104(8), pp. 848–853. doi:10.1080/08164622.2021.1896332.
- Ctori, I., Ahmad, S., Subramanian, A. and Oskis, A. (2021). Associations between adult attachment and vision-related quality of life in visually impaired individuals. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 26(8), pp. 940–946. doi:10.1080/13548506.2020.1778749.
- Wilson, S., Ctori, I., Suttle, C., Conway, M. and Shah, R. (2021). How accessible is primary eye care for children in England? Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 41(5), pp. 1021–1033. doi:10.1111/opo.12868.
- Jindal, A., Ctori, I., Virgili, G., Lucenteforte, E. and Lawrenson, J.G. (2020). Non-contact tests for identifying people at risk of primary angle closure glaucoma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020(7). doi:10.1002/14651858.cd012947.pub2.
- Fidalgo, B.R., Dabasia, P., Jindal, A., Edgar, D.F., Ctori, I., Peto, T. … Lawrenson, J.G. (2019). Role of advanced technology in the detection of sight-threatening eye disease in a UK community setting. BMJ Open Ophthalmology, 4(1). doi:10.1136/bmjophth-2019-000347.
- Jindal, A., Ctori, I., Fidalgo, B., Dabasia, P., Balaskas, K. and Lawrenson, J.G. (2019). Impact of optical coherence tomography on diagnostic decision‐making by
UK
community optometrists: a clinical vignette study. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 39(3), pp. 205–215. doi:10.1111/opo.12613. - Ctori, I., Mahroo, O.A., Williams, K.M., Hammond, C.J. and Huntjens, B. (2018). Repeatability of the macular pigment spatial profile: A comparison of objective versus subjective classification. Acta Ophthalmologica, 96(7). doi:10.1111/aos.13725.
- Fidalgo, B.R., Jindal, A., Tyler, C.W., Ctori, I. and Lawrenson, J.G. (2018). Development and validation of a new glaucoma screening test using temporally modulated flicker. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 38(6), pp. 617–628. doi:10.1111/opo.12588.
- Jindal, A., Ctori, I., Virgili, G., Lucenteforte, E. and Lawrenson, J.G. (2018). Non-contact methods for the detection of people at risk of primary angle closure glaucoma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd012947.
- Ctori, I. and Huntjens, B. (2017). The Association between Foveal Morphology and Macular Pigment Spatial Distribution: An Ethnicity Study. PLOS ONE, 12(1). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0169520.
- Ctori, I. and Huntjens, B. (2015). Repeatability of Foveal Measurements Using Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography Segmentation Software. PLOS ONE, 10(6). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0129005.
- Ctori, I., Gruppetta, S. and Huntjens, B. (2015). The effects of ocular magnification on Spectralis spectral domain optical coherence tomography scan length. Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 253(5), pp. 733–738. doi:10.1007/s00417-014-2915-9.
- Huntjens, B., Asaria, T.S., Dhanani, S., Konstantakopoulou, E. and Ctori, I. (2014). Macular Pigment Spatial Profiles in South Asian and White Subjects. Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science, 55(3), pp. 1440–1440. doi:10.1167/iovs.13-13204.
Contact details
Address
Northampton Square
London EC1V 0HB
United Kingdom
About
Overview
Overview
Irene is a qualified optometrist and an Associate Professor, Optometry and Visual Sciences, City, University of London.
Irene currently holds the role of Associate Dean, Education Quality and Student Experience, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London. In this role, Irene is accountable for the strategic responsibility for the delivery of education quality and student experience across the School of Health and Psychological Sciences. This includes programmes in Optometry, Nursing, Midwifery, Radiography, Language and Communication Sciences, Psychology and Health Services and Research Management and Food Policy.
Prior to her current role, Irene was the Head of Department of Optometry and Visual Science at City, University of London, during which she managed the Department through the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research
Over the last few years, Irene has generated several high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals with impact factors ranging from 2.35 to 6.12. She has a specialist interest in imaging the retina using Optical Coherence Tomography and in paediatric eye care and educational research.
Irene has supervised two PhD students to completion, and is currently supervising another two, due to complete in 2025.
Summary of current research
Co-I on EDI project on “Inclusivity in the School of Health Sciences” 2022: Access and Participation Funds of £8,1357 for a 3 phase study of student experiences of inclusivity (March 2022 – present)
Co-I Dr Alison Binns 2021 to present on exploratory (Phase IIb), two arm, double-masked, randomised placebo controlled clinical trial of ‘glycosides supplements for early and intermediate stage AMD (Collaboration with Cardiff University, grant value to City ~£450K) (July 2021-present)
Co-I and PhD supervisor of 2 PhD projects “Inter-subject variability in functional sensitivity and retinal ganglion cell parameters”, funded by Janet & Peter Wolf trust (£120,000) (Jan 2022 – present)
Co-I and PhD supervisor of a PhD project 'Paediatric Eye Care in the UK' (Jan 2019 -present)
Clinical Experience
Irene graduated from City University in 1994 with a First Class Honours degree in Optometry. Irene has over 25 year’s experience in a wide range of clinical optometric practice, including the private sector and in specialised Hospital Optometry Services. In 2008, Irene returned to City to do the MSc in Clinical Optometry. She completed this in 2012 (awarded Distinction). During this time, Irene worked as a specialist optometrist at Whipps Cross University Eye Hospital where she was the optometric lead for the Age Related Macular Degeneration service, and also a specialist paediatric optometrist working closely with the orthoptic team and the consultant ophthalmologists. Irene worked as a Visiting Clinical Tutor at City from 2007-2012 where she supervised UG students working in the paediatric and primary eye care clinics. In October 2012 Irene was awarded a City University PhD studentship and began her PhD which she did full-time and completed March 2016.
Programme Development
During her time as Head of Department of Optometry and Visual Science at City, University of London, Irene led the department on transition to online teaching, and delivery of remote eye care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this, Irene was the Programme Director for the Foundation Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing from 2016-2019. She then led on the development of a new ‘Introduction to Optometry’ programme and was Programme Director for this. She went on develop and lead a new cross-School ‘Introduction to Health Sciences’ programme, which began in 2019 and recruits over 100 students per year.
Irene continues to teach on the undergraduate and postgraduate Optometry programmes and is the Module Lead for the Year 2 Eye Disease module.
Qualifications
- Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy, Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom, Oct 2019
- PG Diploma Academic Practice (Distinction), City, University London, United Kingdom, Oct 2018
- PhD Optometry and Visual Science, City, University of London, United Kingdom, Jan 2016
- MSc Clinical Optometry (Distinction), City, University of London, United Kingdom, Jan 2012
- BSc Optometry (1st class hons), City, university of London, United Kingdom, Jan 1994
Postgraduate training
- PhD, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom, Sep 2012 – Mar 2016
Administrative roles
- Programme Director Foundation Year in Health Sciences, City, University of London, Jan 2019 – present
- Programme Director Introduction to Optometry, City, University of London, Sep 2018 – present
- Programme Director Foundation Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing, City, University of London, Sep 2016 – present
Employment
- Associate Professor, City, University of London, Jan 2022 – present
- Associate Dean, Education Quality and Student Experience, City, University of London, Jan 2021 – present
- External Examiner, Cardiff University, Sep 2020 – present
- Head of Department, City, University of London, Nov 2018 – Jan 2021
- Expert Witness, General Optical Council, Sep 2017 – present
Memberships of committees
- Trustee, College of Optometrists, Mar 2021 – present
Memberships of professional organisations
- Member, College of Optometrists, Sep 1995 – present
Languages
Greek, Modern (1453-) (can read, write, speak and understand spoken).
Expertise
Geographic Areas
- Europe
Research
Macular pigment
Irene's PhD research is based on investigating ethnic differences in the spatial distribution of macular pigment and its relation to foveal anatomy. The key findings are that the spatial distribution of macular pigment varies among individuals, with ethnicity playing a role. However, ethnic variations in foveal anatomy do not explain the differences observed.
Acute hyperglycaemia and the crystalline lens
Irene's MSc dissertation focused on the impact of changes taking place in the crystalline lens during acute hyperglycaemia, with particular attention on the consequent effects on refractive error. The main finding was that transient shifts in refractive error do occur in some diabetic subjects during episodes of acute hyperglycaemia, but there are conflicting reports as to the direction of change. While increased crystalline lens thickness during hyperglycaemia was an inconsistent finding, decreased refractive index was a more regular finding when refractive shifts did occur, especially as a feature of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
Research students
Salma Ahmad
Attendance: Feb 2019 – present, full-time
Thesis title: Paediatric Eye Care in the UK
Role: 2nd Supervisor
Anish Jindal
Attendance: Oct 2016 – present, full-time
Thesis title: Diagnostic accuracy of structural imaging and visual function tests to detect age-related eye disease
Role: 2nd Supervisor
Publications
Publications by category
Conference papers and proceedings (17)
- Willis, S. and Ctori, I. (2019). Understanding issues around supporting and promoting success for students from non-traditional routes: transition from foundation to BSc. City Learning and Teaching conference London.
- Jindal, A., Ctori, I. and Lawrenson, J. (2019). The impact of optical coherence tomography on clinical decision making in primary eye care.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lawrenson, J., Fidalgo, B., Dabasia, P., Jindal, A., Edgar, D., Ctori, I. … Peto, T. (2019). Predictive value of screening tests for sight‐threatening eye disease in a UK population. doi:10.1111/j.1755-3768.2019.5092
- Huntjens, B., McKellar, J.B., Ctori, I. and Powner, M. (2018). Ethnic variations in preferred retinal locus of fixation using Optical Coherence Tomography.
- McKellar, J.B., Ctori, I. and Huntjens, B. (2018). Foveal shape variation among gender and ethnicity.
- (2018). Diagnostic accuracy of a new thresholding glaucoma screening programme using temporally modulated flicker. doi:10.1111/aos.13972_205
- Ctori, I. and Huntjens, B. (2017). Does ethnicity and foveal morphology play a role in the spatial distribution of macular pigment? doi:10.1111/j.1755-3768.2017.02163
- Ctori, I. and Huntjens, B. (2016). Variations in normative foveal morphology SD-OCT data: A study of White, South Asian and Black ethnicities. doi:10.1111/j.1755-3768.2016.0527
- Huntjens, B., Ctori, I., Mahroo, O., Williams, K. and Hammond, C. (2016). Classification and heritability of macular pigment spatial profile phenotypes using two-wavelength fundus autofluorescence. doi:10.1111/j.1755-3768.2016.0526
- Huntjens, B. and Ctori, I. (2016). Macular pigment spatial profile classification: are our eyes deceiving us?
- Ctori, I. and Huntjens, B. (2016). Do ethnic variations in foveal morphology explain variations in macular pigment spatial density distribution?
- Ctori, and Huntjens, B. (2015). The effect of ethnicity on the association between macular pigment distribution and foveal anatomy in healthy individuals. Macular Carotenoid Conference 8-10 July, Cambridge, UK.
- CTORI, I. and HUNTJENS, B. (2014). Does foveal anatomy influence macular pigment and its spatial profile? A bi-racial study. doi:10.1111/j.1755-3768.2014.1665.x
- HUNTJENS, B. and CTORI, I. (2014). Variations and repeatability of macular pigment and its spatial profiles in south Asian and white subjects. doi:10.1111/j.1755-3768.2014.1663.x
Journal articles (18)
Thesis/dissertation
Professional activities
Events/conferences (4)
- Europpean Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO 2019). (Conference) Rome, Italy (2019).
Paper: Teaching Empathy by Simulated Practice in Optometry
Author: Ctori,I.
Co-authors: Subramanian, A.; Jones, P.; Oskis, A. - ARVO 2019. (Conference) Vancouver, Canada (2019).
Paper: Associations between adult attachment style and vision-related quality of life in visually impaired individuals
Author: Ctori, I.
Co-authors: Ahmad, S.; Subramanian, A.; Oskis, A. - Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). (Conference) Seattle, USA (2016).
Paper: Macular pigment spatial profile classification: are our eyes deceiving us?
Author: Huntjens, B
Co-authors: Ctori, C - Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). (Conference) Seattle, USA (2016).
Paper: Do ethnic variations in foveal morphology explain variations in macular pigment spatial density distribution?
Author: Ctori, C
Co-authors: Huntjens, B
Other
- Council Member for College of Optometrists 2018 to present.