University professor from Anglia Ruskin University honored for outstanding achievements in health field.
Professor Shahina Pardhan Honoured for Groundbreaking Contributions to Eye Health
Professor Shahina Pardhan, a trailblazer in the field of optometry and eye health, has been recognised for her significant contributions to British society. The Muslim News Awards for Excellence honoured Professor Pardhan for her work, which focuses on providing simple interventions that can change or save lives in high-risk communities [1].
The award was presented by Wes Streeting, MP and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. In her acceptance speech, Professor Pardhan expressed her honour and humility at being connected with Ibn Sina, the founder of early modern medicine. She also emphasised the novel purpose of healthcare: to heal, serve, and reach those in greatest need [2].
Professor Pardhan's work in eye health has been recognised globally. As the UK's first female professor of optometry, she has dedicated her career to reducing blindness, especially in vulnerable communities. Her initiatives in promoting eye care literacy and increasing vision screening uptake are estimated to have helped over 163,000 people at high risk of blindness [1].
As the Director of the Vision and Eye Research Institute (VERI) at Anglia Ruskin University, Professor Pardhan leads a team of researchers in groundbreaking work. She has authored 255 peer-reviewed papers, making significant contributions to the field of research and public health [3].
Cultural awareness and community engagement are key aspects of Professor Pardhan's work. She developed culturally sensitive training materials in 15 languages, collaborating with religious leaders and community champions to raise awareness about eye health across the UK and internationally. Her efforts have impacted over 168,000 people worldwide [1].
As a champion for gender equity, Professor Pardhan leads Women in Vision UK. She has received numerous awards for her contributions, including an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to optometry and blindness prevention, and a Lifetime Fellowship from the College of Optometrists [1][4].
In conclusion, Professor Pardhan's contributions have not only advanced the field of optometry but have also made a significant impact on public health and gender equity in science. Her work continues to heal, serve, and reach those in greatest need, embodying the spirit of Ibn Sina and the Muslim News Awards for Excellence.
[1] The Guardian, "Professor Shahina Pardhan wins Muslim News Award for Excellence," 2021. [2] Muslim News, "Professor Shahina Pardhan receives Ibn Sina award for Excellence in Health," 2021. [3] Anglia Ruskin University, "Professor Shahina Pardhan," 2021. [4] College of Optometrists, "Fellowship," 2021.
- Professor Pardhan's research in the field of optometry and eye health, aimed at reducing blindness in vulnerable communities, has earned her recognition not only in the UK but internationally.
- The Director of the Vision and Eye Research Institute (VERI) at Anglia Ruskin University, Professor Pardhan, leads a team of researchers in groundbreaking work, publishing 255 peer-reviewed papers that have contributed significantly to the field of research and public health.
- Apart from her work in eye health, Professor Pardhan is also a champion for gender equity in science, leading Women in Vision UK and receiving numerous awards for her contributions, including an Order of the British Empire (OBE) and a Lifetime Fellowship from the College of Optometrists.
- Professor Pardhan's efforts in promoting eye care literacy and increasing vision screening uptake are estimated to have helped over 163,000 people at high risk of blindness, while her culturally sensitive training materials in 15 languages have impacted over 168,000 people worldwide.
- Beyond eye health, Professor Pardhan's approach to healthcare is deeply rooted in the belief that it should aim to heal, serve, and reach those in greatest need, a sentiment expressed in her acceptance speech when she compared herself to Ibn Sina, the founder of early modern medicine.
- The groundbreaking contributions of Professor Shahina Pardhan in the field of optometry, public health, and gender equity are changing and saving lives, especially in high-risk communities, and her work embodies the spirit of Ibn Sina and the Muslim News Awards for Excellence.