The inaugural Women in Vision and Eye Research (WVER) Ireland conference will take place at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science today. The conference brings together a community of academic and clinical medicine experts to share research and ideas that addresses key topics in all aspects of the field of eye care.

Organised by the RCSI School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, the conference will be addressed by speakers including Miss Julie Silvestri, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Clinical Director at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust; Dr Sarah Atkinson, Lecturer in Stratified Medicine (Vision) at the School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University; and Dr Joan Ní Gabhann-Dromgoole, Lecturer in Immunology and Ophthalmology at the RCSI School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences.

Opening the conference, Professor Hannah McGee, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at RCSI, said: "The Women in Vision and Eye Research committee was established in 2019 to address the gender disparity experienced by women in science, by providing a platform that recognises and supports excellence in eye care and research. We are delighted to host a conference focused on the latest scientific discoveries that is also uniquely aimed to support and promote the visibility of women at all stages of their careers."

The conference will recognise the life and legacy of Dr Kathleen Lynn, pioneering doctor, socialist and public-health campaigner. Professor Louis Collum, Ophthalmologist at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH), will deliver a keynote address exploring her contribution to ophthalmology and healthcare. The inaugural Dr Kathleen Lynn award will be presented to the best overall early-stage researcher on the day.

The free event is organised by the WVER Ireland committee: Dr Joan Ní Gabhann-Dromgoole and Dr Emily Greenan from the RCSI School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science, and Diana Malata, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at RVEEH.

Visit the event page to learn more.