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On the occasion of his Inaugural Lecture on 6 March 2024, we spoke to Bruce Allan, Professor of Anterior Segment and Refractive Surgery.
Tell us a bit about your work
My work has aimed to bring new treatments to the front compartment of the eye through collaboration with scientists in a range of disciplines since 1990. The challenge has always been to understand enough about the new science and technology to reach out and establish a productive dialogue. The rest is all about enthusiasm, perseverance, and making people feel good around you.
Why is your research important?
Cataracts and refractive errors are the leading causes of treatable visual impairment worldwide. Corneal disease is also high on the list, and problems with eye comfort and cosmesis almost all relate to diseases of the front of the eye (the anterior segment). Even marginal gains in the treatment of anterior segment disease have the potential to reach the lives of a lot of patients.
What inspires you in your work?
If you experience it once, the excitement of taking a new idea through experimentation to clinical practice never leaves you.
What has been your most memorable career moment so far?
There have been quite a few! If I had to choose one thing, I would say helping to introduce endothelial keratoplasty (minimally invasive corneal transplantation) to the UK.
What do you like to do outside work?
I am a keen football fan (Ipswich Town) and sailor
What book is currently on your bedside table?
The Hacienda: how not to run a club (Peter Hook)
Professor Bruce Allan delivered his Inaugural Lecture on 6 March 2024. You can now watch the recording.
Watch Professor Bruce Allan's Inaugural Lecture
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