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

Journal articles

Schneider P & Bjerre A (2024) An evaluation of 30 years’ experience in the use of botulinum toxin injections in the management of sixth nerve palsies. Strabismus, 1-9.
Jukes C, Bjerre A, Codina C & Griffiths H (2021) Measurement of ductions and fields of binocular single vision (BSV): orthoptic practice in the UK and Ireland.. Strabismus, 1-7.
Williamson I, Keating P & Bjerre A (2021) The effect of induced monocular blur by bangerter filters on measures of visual acuity and stereoacuity.. Strabismus, 1-7.
Self JE, Dunn MJ, Erichsen JT, Gottlob I, Griffiths HJ, Harris C, Lee H, Owen J, Sanders J, Shawkat F , Theodorou M et al (2020) Management of nystagmus in children : a review of the literature and current practice in UK specialist services. Eye. View this article in WRRO
Ansell K, Maconachie G & Bjerre A (2020) Does the EyeChart App for iPhones Give Comparable Measurements to Traditional Visual Acuity Charts?. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 16(1), 19-24.
Kan MW & Bjerre A (2019) The Test-Retest Variability of the COMPlog System in Participants with Induced Non-Normal Visual Acuity. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 15(1), 47-52.
Jukes C, Bjerre A, Coupe J & Gibson J (2019) Pilot Study Evaluating the Feasibility of Comparing Computer Game Play with Close Work During Occlusion in Children Aged 2–7 Years with Amblyopia. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 15(1), 115-124.
Lança C & Bjerre A (2018) A Retrospective Study of Orthoptic Students’ and Teaching Experience with the Introduction of Technology Promoting a Blended Learning Environment.. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 14(1), 56-63. View this article in WRRO
Bjerre A, Arblaster G, Nye A & Griffiths HJ (2018) The provision of patient information about nystagmus. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 14(1), 25-29. View this article in WRRO
Spofforth J, Codina C & Bjerre A (2017) Is the ‘Visual Fields Easy’ Application a Useful Tool to Identify Visual Field Defects in Patients Who Have Suffered a Stroke?. Ophthalmology Research: An International Journal, 7(1), 1-10. View this article in WRRO
Dawkins A & Bjerre A (2016) Do the near computerised and non-computerised crowded Kay picture tests produce the same measure of visual acuity?. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 13, 22-28. View this article in WRRO
de Jongh E, Leach C, Tjon-Fo-Sang MJ & Bjerre A (2014) Inter-examiner variability and agreement of the alternate prism cover test (APCT) measurements of strabismus performed by 4 examiners. Strabismus, 22(4), 158-166.
Bjerre A, Codina C & Griffiths H (2014) Peripheral Visual Fields in Children and Young Adults Using Semi-automated Kinetic Perimetry: Feasibility of Testing, Normative Data, and Repeatability. Neuro-Ophthalmology, 38(4), 189-198.
Bjerre A, Biswas S & Lloyd IC (2006) Is Automated Visual Field Testing Reliable in Children?. Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, 10(1), 83-83.
Bjerre A, Grigg JR, Parry NRA & Henson DB (2004) Test-retest variability of multifocal visual evoked potential and SITA standard perimetry in glaucoma.. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 45(11), 4035-4040.
Abadi RV & Bjerre A (2002) Motor and sensory characteristics of infantile nystagmus.. Br J Ophthalmol, 86(10), 1152-1160.
Bjerre A, Griffiths H, Foulds M & Arblaster G () Evaluation of the Nystagmus Information Pack. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 18(1), 111-111.
Randall D, Fox SL, Fenner JW, Arblaster GE, Bjerre A & Griffiths HJ () Using VR to Investigate the Relationship between Visual Acuity and Severity of Simulated Oscillopsia. Current Eye Research, 1-8.
Self JE, Dunn MJ, Erichsen JT, Gottlob I, Griffiths HJ, Harris C, Lee H, Owen J, Sanders J, Shawkat F , Theodorou M et al () Correction: Management of nystagmus in children: a review of the literature and current practice in UK specialist services. Eye.
Bjerre A & Baldwin L () Comparison of the uniocular field of fixation assessed objectively and subjectively using the Goldmann perimeter. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 9(0), 49-49. View this article in WRRO
Vickers S, Bjerre A & Buckley D () Are orthoptic measures robust during exposure to unpleasant environmental noise?. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 9(0), 63-63. View this article in WRRO

Conference proceedings papers

Bjerre A, Henson DB, Kwartz AJ, Mahmood S, Grigg JR & Spencer AF (2004) Confirmatory results in suspect glaucoma patients with normal visual field and abnormal retinal nerve fiber layer findings. PERIMETRY UPDATE 2002/2003 (pp 277-286)
Bjerre A, Henson DB, Grigg JR & Parry NRA (2003) Test-retest variability of multifocal visual evoked potential and SITA standard perimetry. INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, Vol. 44 (pp U1-U1)

Software / Code

Randall D, Griffiths H, Bjerre A & Arblaster GE (2016) Nystagmus Oscillopsia Simulator.

Posters

Arblaster G, Griffiths HJ & Bjerre A (2016) Patients as Educators - Enhancing Student Skills and the Curriculum. International Orthoptic Congress.
Arblaster G, Bjerre A, Griffiths HJ, Fox S, Burchell VJ & Kerekes F (2015) How can the patient experience for individuals with nystagmus be improved? - a patient and family perspective. British and Irish Orthoptic Society Annual Conference.
Arblaster G, Griffiths HJ, Bjerre A, Coughlan A, Darly L, Gibbings N, Mather F, McCourtney R, OBriain F & Robertson D (2015) Living with Nystagmus-The Patient's Perspective. British and Irish Orthoptic Society Annual Conference.

Other

Arblaster G, Bjerre A & Griffiths HJ (2017) Nystagmus Information Pack.

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