Leon Davies

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT LEON DAVIES

Leon Davies is Professor of Optometry & Physiological Optics at Aston University, an Honorary Professor at the University of Bradford, Chair of the Board of Trustees & Immediate Past President of The College of Optometrists, and Renter Warden at the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.He graduated with a First-Class Honours in Optometry (BSc) and earned a PhD in Physiological Optics. Professor Davies is a General Optical Council registered optometrist, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, and holds Fellowships with the College of Optometrists, the American Academy of Optometry, and the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). His editorial contributions include serving as Clinical Editor of Optometry Today, Editor-in-Chief of Optometry in Practice, Editorial Board Member for BioMed Research International, and special issue editor for Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics. In 2022, he was Optometry Clinical Lead at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. He also co-created the innovative, award winning mobile eye care service, Villa Vision, with Aston Villa FC Foundation and Essilor Vision for Life.Professor Davies’s contributions to education extend internationally through quality assurance and assessment roles, including external examiner tenures for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at institutions in Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Plymouth and Singapore. Leadership roles at Aston University include Director of Research of the Optometry and Vision Science Research Group, and Dean of Optometry. Since 2015, he has been an integral part of the College of Optometrists, serving as a Council Member, Board Trustee, Chair of the Research Committee, President, and from 2024, Chair of the Board of Trustees.An experienced researcher, Professor Davies has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles and secured over £3 M in funding from UKRI, EU, charities, and multinational corporations. His research, which focuses on presbyopia and restoring ocular accommodation to ageing eyes, is widely recognised for its impact. He has successfully supervised 17 PhD and professional doctorate candidates, mentored 14 postdoctoral researchers, and acted as an external examiner for theses in Australia, Hong Kong, Spain, and the UK.Professor Davies\'s achievements have been recognised with numerous awards, including the College of Optometrists Research Fellowship Award, the inaugural Neil Charman Medal for research excellence in optometry, optics, and vision science, and in 2025 a THE Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community.