Dr Nicola Logan

Lecturer on the Undergraduate Optometry programme

Member of the Ophthalmic Research Group

Study Leader for Aston Eye Study

Career History

• 2004 - present: Lecturer in Optometry, Aston University
• 2002 - 2004: Teaching Fellow, Aston University
• 2000 - 2002: Research Fellow (P/T 60%), Teaching Fellow (P/T 40%) Aston University
• 1998 - 1999: Optometrist, Sheffield
• 1993 - 1997: PhD, Optometry, Aston University
• 1993: Membership, College of Optometrists, UK
• 1993: Registration, General Optical Council, UK
• 1992 - 1993: Pre-registration optometrist, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool
• 1989 - 1992: BSc Optometry, Aston University

Teaching Responsibilities

• Clinical Optometry (first year) module leader
• Paediatric Optometry (third year) module leader
• Elective studies supervisor
• Optometry clinic supervisor

Research Interests

• Aetiology and development of myopia
• Epidemiology of refractive error
• Ocular biometry
• Peripheral refraction and eye shape
• Ocular blood flow in the myopic eye

Refereed Journal Articles

Logan NS, Davies LN, Mallen EAH and Gilmartin B (2005). Ametropia and ocular biometry in a United Kingdom University student population. Optom Vis Sci 82; 261-266.

Logan NS, Gilmartin B, Wildsoet CF, and Dunne MCM. (2004) Posterior retinal contour in adult human anisomyopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 45; 2152-2162.

Logan NS,Gilmartin B, Marr JE, Stevenson MR, and Ainsworth JR. (2004) Community-based study of the association of high myopia in children with ocular and systemic disease. Optom Vis Sci. 81; 11-13.

Logan NS and Gilmartin, B. (2004) School vision screening, ages 5 to 16 years: the evidence-base for content, provision and efficacy. Ophthal Physiol Opt. 24; 481-492.

Logan NS, Gilmartin B, and Dunne MCM. (1995) Computation of retinal contour in anisomyopia. Ophthal Physiol Opt. 15; 363-366.

Book Chapters

Logan NS. (2004) Myopia: Prevalence, progression and management. In Paediatric Optometry (eds Harvey and Gilmartin) Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford. Pp 27-34.

Logan NS and Gilmartin B. (2006) Contact lens correction and myopia progression. In Contact Lenses 5th edition (eds Phillips, Speedwell and Morris) Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford.

Aston Eye Study

This information is for parents, children or schools interested in the Aston Eye Study

We are a group of optometrists (opticians) based at Aston University in Birmingham and we are carrying out a survey to find out how many children need to wear glasses. We are looking at children aged 6 or 7 years old (Year 2) and children aged 12 or 13 years old (Year 8).

Aston Eye Study Team

• Study Leader and investigator: Dr Nicola Logan
• Study Director: Professor Bernard Gilmartin
• Study Co-ordinator and investigator: Mr Parth Shah
• Study investigator: Ms Gurjeet Rai

Why are we doing this study?

This is an important study, as not seeing well in the early years of childhood can have important effects on vision in later life. We are very keen to include your child in this study, whether the child uses glasses or not, to ensure that this study provides a true picture of eye health in today’s children.

Many children have never had their eyes examined and are often unaware that they cannot see clearly. Additionally, research has shown that the number of children in need of sight correction, whether it be with spectacles or otherwise, is increasing worldwide. This data is based on studies conducted with children in other countries. We do not know how many children in the UK need to wear spectacles and this is what we hope to find out from our study.

What would taking part in the study involve?

For your child Your child (along with other children) will have their eyes tested at school by an optician. We will use special instruments to measure the shape and length of your child’s eyes very accurately; these tests are very quick and painless and do not touch the eye. To measure the eyes accurately we will need to put some drops into each eye, which take about 30 minutes to work. The drops we use are the same drops routinely used in optometry practice. We will also measure your child’s height and weight. The whole examination will take 90 minutes in all. Finally, for year 8 children only, your child will be asked to complete a short questionnaire on his/her health and habits.

For you You will be asked to fill in a short questionnaire on your child’s health and development and on the eye health and circumstances of your family, after your child has been measured.

What will happen after the study?

We will check the results carefully. If we find that your child needs glasses or needs to update his/her glasses we will write to you advising that your child visit your optician to have a free eye examination. After the study, you will return to the care of your own optician to have your eyes examined as normal.

We hope very much that your child will be able to take part in the survey – many other children have now taken part and have found it both enjoyable and interesting. All the information from the study will be treated in complete confidence.

Can I take part?

If you are a school in Birmingham: Yes, please contact the study co-ordinator for further details.

If you are a child: Yes if 1) you are in Year 2 or Year 8 at a school in Birmingham, UK and 2) your school wants to take part in the study. Please ask your school if they want to take part in the study.

Who do I contact?

If you would like any further information please contact the study team:

• Mr Parth Shah: telephone 0121 204 4091 or email shahp4@aston.ac.uk.
• Dr Nicola Logan: telephone 0121 204 4128 or email n.s.logan@aston.ac.uk
• Prof Bernard Gilmartin: telephone 0121 204 3881 or email b.gilmartin@aston.ac.uk

Who funds the study?

The Aston Eye Study is funded by Aston University and The Central Local Optical Committee Fund, London, UK.