Professor Mitra Tavakoli

Professor Mitra Tavakoli is Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Exeter and an internationally recognised leader in peripheral neuropathy research. She is renowned for pioneering the clinical application of Corneal Confocal Microscopy (CCM) — a breakthrough technology that has transformed the early detection of small nerve fibre damage and established powerful ocular and neurological biomarkers now used worldwide.

Her research focuses on the mechanisms, early diagnosis, and treatment of peripheral neuropathy across diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and rare conditions. At the forefront of the emerging field of oculomics, her group develops novel biomarkers to diagnose neuropathy earlier, monitor disease progression with precision, and evaluate therapeutic responses — shaping the future of personalised and predictive medicine.

Professor Tavakoli leads major national and international collaborations, uniting clinicians, scientists, and industry partners to translate discovery into clinical benefit. Committed to capacity-building and mentorship, she is passionate about training the next generation of researchers and ensuring that innovation in neuropathy research leads to better outcomes for patients worldwide.

Qualifications:

•  Fellowship Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Member College of Optometrists (MCOptom)
• Fellowship, American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)
• Fellowship, British Contact Lens Association (FBCLA)
• PhD (Medicine, Peripheral Neuropathy), School of Medicine, University of Manchester
•  MSc, Optometry, University of Bradford
•  BSc (Hons) (Distinction), Optometry, Mashad University of Medical Sciences