Dr Vallabh developed an early interest in glaucoma during her ophthalmology training and began pursuing an academic clinical career in 2016. She was awarded a PhD from the University of Liverpool in January 2021, following research that focused on mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of glaucoma. This research allowed her to build expertise in a range of laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction, sequencing, and molecular biology, as well as developing a deep understanding of mitochondrial pathology. Throughout this period, Dr Vallabh gained recognition for her research, presenting at prominent international forums such as the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), where she won the Best Poster Prize in the Genetics Cross Section category.

In addition to her research, Dr Vallabh is an accomplished clinician with a robust skill set in managing glaucoma, including proficiency in performing a range of surgical interventions such as penetrating, non-penetrating, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS). She undertook subspecialty fellowship training in Manchester, further refining her clinical skills. In September 2021, she was appointed Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool and Honorary Glaucoma Consultant at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. In these roles, she actively leads several clinical trials as a principal investigator, including both commercial and non-commercial studies which focus on innovative glaucoma treatments and surgical approaches.

Dr Vallabh’s research is highly regarded, with key areas of focus including the metabolic consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction in eye diseases, the development of new surgical techniques for biomaterial and stem cell delivery in the anterior segment, and the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the outcomes of glaucoma filtration surgery. She has established collaborative links with leading national and international experts in the field and is committed to advancing the understanding and management of glaucoma through her research. Her long-term goal is to develop a national and international reputation in both glaucoma management and cellular and molecular biology research related to the disease.

Beyond her clinical and research work, Dr Vallabh is deeply involved in teaching and mentoring. She coordinates the Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology module for the COVIS MSc programme at the University of Liverpool and regularly supervises medical students, ophthalmology trainees, PhD candidates, and clinical fellows. She is passionate about education and provides formal teaching and supervision in both clinical and laboratory settings. Dr Vallabh also regularly contributes to regional teaching events and national conferences, sharing her knowledge and expertise to inspire the next generation of ophthalmologists.

Dr Vallabh is actively involved in public engagement and NHS initiatives. She has delivered presentations at patient support groups and taken part in public information campaigns, including World Glaucoma Week, where she led outreach activities to raise awareness of the disease. Additionally, she serves on several key NHS committees and research groups, including the Liverpool Eye Data Platform Steering Committee and the Liverpool Research Eye Biobank Steering Committee.

Her professional affiliations include membership in the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the European Glaucoma Society, and the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society. She also holds editorial roles, currently serving as Section Editor for *Eye Journal* and Topic Editor for *Frontiers in Ophthalmology* and *BMJ Open Ophthalmology*. These positions reflect her expertise and commitment to shaping the future of glaucoma research and clinical practice.

Through her work in the NHS, research contributions, and dedication to education, Dr Neeru Vallabh is making a significant impact in the field of glaucoma. 

In addition to her glaucoma expertise, Dr Vallabh is skilled in cataract surgery, often performing combined procedures for patients with both cataract and glaucoma. She offers patients the convenience of addressing both conditions in a single surgical session, using the latest phacoemulsification techniques to remove cataracts while managing glaucoma. By combining cataract surgery with glaucoma treatments like MIGS or drainage device implantation, Dr Vallabh helps patients achieve better overall eye health with quicker recovery times and fewer surgeries.

• Glaucoma UK
• European Glaucoma Society