Dr Karen Breslin

Lecturer in Optometry

School of Biomedical Sciences

Coleraine campus

Room G170,
Cromore Road,
Coleraine,
Co. Londonderry,
BT52 1SA,

Biomedical Sciences Research

Lecturer in Optometry

Dr Karen Breslin


Overview

Dr Karen Breslin graduated from City University, London in 1990 with a degree in Optometry and Vision Science.

Subsequently, she undertook her pre-registration year at the Institute of Optometry, London qualifying as a registered optometrist in 1991.

After registration, she worked in various independent practices in London and Northern Ireland.

In 2000 she was appointed as a lecturer in Optometry at Ulster University.

She completed her PhD ‘A Prospective Study of Refractive Error amongst Northern Irish schoolchildren’ under the supervision of Professor Kathryn Saunders in 2012.

Academic and Professional Qualifications/Membership
YearQualificationInstitution
1990 BSc Hons Optometry and Vision Science City University
1991 Membership of College of Optometrists

College of Optometrists

2002 PG Certificate in University Teaching Ulster University
2012 PhD Progression of Refractive Error Ulster University
2016 Fellow of the higher Education Academy  

Research Interests

Karen’s research interests include refractive error, in particular the onset, risk factors and progression of myopia.

Teaching Interests

Karen co-ordinates and teaches on several undergraduate and postgraduate modules including Patient Management and Law, Management and Ethics.

Other responsibilities

Karen is currently admissions tutor for the BSc Hons/MOptom Hons course.

External positions

Karen is current Chair of Optometry Northern Ireland, a body that represents the majority of optometrists in Northern Ireland and aims to present a united voice on their behalf to the Department of Health, local politicians, media and others.