Professor Shahina Pardhan, Associate Non-Executive Member at NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, has been awarded the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her exceptional services to optometry and her pioneering efforts in preventing blindness. Her recognition was included in the King’s New Year’s Honours 2025 list.
As the founding Director of the Vision and Eye Research Institute (VERI) and the Director of the Centre for Inclusive Community Eye Health at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, Professor Pardhan has made significant strides in combating blindness and reducing health inequalities. Her research focuses on developing interventions to aid individuals at high risk of preventable blindness, both in the UK and globally. This work has translated into practical solutions for underserved populations.
In her role with NHS Mid and South Essex, Professor Pardhan provides clinical leadership within the Quality Committee and the Ophthalmology Recovery Committee. Notably, the Ophthalmology Recovery Committee has made strides in delivering care closer to home for Essex residents through the introduction of remote ophthalmology diagnostic hubs at NHS Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust.
Upon receiving the honor, Professor Pardhan expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am honoured and delighted to have received this recognition. Reversible blindness is a major contributor to disability in many parts of the world, but through a Cascade of Care—comprising awareness, timely diagnosis, and treatment—we can significantly reduce its impact. This honour strengthens my resolve to continue working towards reducing the risk of blindness and enhancing the wellbeing of those affected.”
Professor Michael Thorne CBE, Chair of NHS Mid and South Essex, offered his congratulations: “Many congratulations to Professor Pardhan for being awarded an OBE for her tireless work in preventing blindness. Her clinical expertise is benefiting not only the residents of mid and south Essex but people across the world. It is fantastic to see her dedication recognized in this way.”
Professor Pardhan’s academic career began with a First Class BSc in Optometry and a PhD from the University of Bradford. She made history in 2001 as the UK’s first female professor of Optometry. Further cementing her legacy, she leads the leadership portfolio for Women in Vision UK and was named a Champion for Change in the Ophthalmologist’s Power List in 2019.
In addition to the OBE, Professor Pardhan has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2022, she was named in the World Top 2% Scientists List by Stanford University. Her other honors include the Asian Women of Achievement Award (2001), the Asian Jewel Award (2004), the Research Excellence Award (Arthur Bennett Prize for outstanding research, 2022), an Honorary Doctorate of Health (2023), and several others.
Her dedication to improving eye health and reducing the global burden of blindness continues to inspire and shape the future of optometry.
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