Laura Wood

Laura is a specialist optometrist who is assisting Professor Robert MacLaren with his groundbreaking clinical research in cutting-edge fields such as gene therapy, electronic retinal prostheses and robotic surgery. Laura's post is funded by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Surgical Innovation and Evaluation programme.

After graduating in Optometry BSc(Hons) from Cardiff University, Laura completed her training with the College of Optometrists and became fully qualified in 2013. Since then Laura has worked in a number of community practises ranging from larger multiples to smaller independents, gaining a wide range of experience. During this time Laura undertook further postgraduate study via Cardiff University and completed the College of Optometrist Professional Certificates in Medical Retina, Low Vision and Glaucoma. 

Laura is active member of the Local Optical Committee, her main role is to plan, organise and host continued education training events. 

As well as working on the front line of ongoing gene therapy clinical trials, Laura is looking to develop innovative ways to assess visual function to help quantify the results of such trials.