The department was set up in 1987, following a generous donation from the Nixey family in Bristol, for clinical research at the Bristol Eye Hospital.

Our aim is to promote and conduct clinical research into a broad spectrum of eye diseases. The department encourages staff to develop research skills by giving time, space, and access to suitable facilities.

The unit has been involved in International clinical drug trials, national epidemiological studies, a large community based study of shared patient care in glaucoma between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, and many other clinical studies.