Ms Anne Bjerre

Ophthalmology and Orthoptics, School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery

Senior Lecturer in Orthoptics

a.bjerre@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 215 9038
E104c, The Medical School

Full contact details

Ms Anne Bjerre
Ophthalmology and Orthoptics, School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery
E104c
The Medical School
Beech Hill Road
Sheffield
S10 2RX
Profile

I qualified as Orthoptists from the University of Liverpool in 1997 and completed a Masters in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science at the University of Manchester in 1999. Throughout my career I have combined clinical orthoptics, teaching and research. I have practised at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust and Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. In 2002 I completed a Masters Module Facilitating Education in your Workplace at University of Salford.

I joined the University of Sheffield in 2004 as lecturer in Orthoptics. I enjoy teaching a broad range of topics for the BMedSci (Orthoptics) degree, provide personal and academic tutorial support and be research project supervisor for BMedSci (Orthoptics) and MMedSci (Vision and Strabismus) students. I am the Admissions Tutor and lead the Associate Professional Studies unit for the BMedSci (Orthoptic) programme.

Research interests

My main research interests include visual field testing, measure of extraocular muscle excursion, visual acuity assessment methods and improving the patient experience of nystagmus patients. I have investigated the feasibility and variability of kinetic and static perimetry with particular focus on children and stroke patients.

I am also exploring the most accurate and reliable method of measuring extraocular muscle excursions using semi-automated perimetry. A range of computerised and tablet based visual acuity tests have become available and I am interested in comparing these to the standard clinical tests I am also interested in evaluating how to improve the care and support of nystagmus patients developing standardised information leaflets and through the use of virtual reality applications.

Current research projects include extraocular muscle excursion using semi-automated perimetry, examine the benefit of using apps in stroke patients and produce nystagmus patient information resources.

Publications

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Research group

I supervise undergraduate projects and postgraduate research project students on the MMedSci (Vision and Strabismus) programme

Current MMedSci Students

  • Olivia Quarterman: A comparison of reading rates in stroke patients using three different text formats. Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
  • Megan Ranger: Comparing logMAR 6m Thompson computerised vision testing chart to Sonksen linear test. University Southampton Hospital NHS Trust, Southampton.
  • Sarah Whitecross: Test-related reliability and variability of Goldmann visual field testing in children aged 4 to 18 with neurofibromatosis and optic pathway glioma. Boston Children's Hospital. USA.

Recent MMedSci Students

  • Jamie Spofforth: A comparison of the visualFields easy app for iPad with the Humphrey Visual Field Analyser to diagnose and classify visual field defects in patients post-stroke. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. London.
  • Daisy McKeith: Comparison of the logMAR crowded and Sonksen logMAR visual acuity tests in children with amblyopia. Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.
  • Aaron Dawkins: Do the computerised and non-computerised crowded Kay picture tests produce the same measure of visual acuity? Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
  • Fiona Beckett: The effect of the mode of birth delivery on the subsequent development of strabismus. Harrogate District Hospital.
  • Eline de Jongh: When may variation in deviations of strabismus be considered as real change? Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Holland.
Grants

In 2015, in collaboration with Helen Griffiths and Gemma Arblaster, we were awarded two grants from the Nystagmus Network to develop research and teaching of the clinical assessment and information given to patients with nystagmus. In 2015 and 2016, my colleagues and I received money from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Curriculum Development Fund to develop online learning resources for students.

  • University of Sheffield funded On campus student placement, October 2015: £899
  • Yorkshire and Humber Health Education, September 2015: £19,605
  • Nystagmus Network – Nystagmus training, September 2015: £10,000
  • Nystagmus Network – Nystagmus Information Pack Project, June 2015: £1,000
  • University of Sheffield, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, Learning and Teaching Development Fund. May 2015: £1,200
Teaching interests

My teaching interests is in the areas of Orthoptics, Clinical Orthoptics and Medical Ethics. I have a particular interest in stroke, visual acuity assessment, nystagmus, eye movement assessment and visual field testing. In 2013, I took on the role of leading the Associated Professional Studies unit for the BMedSci (Orthoptic) programme. I have keen interest in developing new online teaching resourcesand using technology in teaching and assessment.

I am the departmental contact and one of the supervisors for the Faculty Health Challenge. This challenge will enhance students’ academic and personal development and give an excellent opportunity to acquire multi-disciplinary team working skills. I have developed the extracurricular Orthoptic Volunteering activities which can form part of students’ Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR).

Professional activities and memberships

• Honorary Orthoptic Clinical Contract at the Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered
• Member of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS)
• Member of the Stroke and Neuro-rehabilitation Specialist Interest Group of the BIOS
• Member of the BIOS research committee
• Member of the British Isle Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Association (BIPOSA)
• BIOS representative for the committee of the Orthoptistes de la Communauté Européene (OCE)
• OCE secretary
• Member of the OCE Education committee