Professor Mitra Tavakoli

Professor Mitra Tavakoli is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Exeter, renowned for her pioneering contributions to the understanding of small fiber neuropathy, particularly in diabetes. She is a leading expert in the development and establishment of Corneal Confocal Microscopy (CCM), a technique that has transformed the early detection of small nerve fiber damage and other ocular and neurological biomarkers. Her recent research focuses on microvascular complications and nerve regeneration in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while also addressing neurodegenerative and other conditions that cause peripheral neuropathy, paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches.

Professor Tavakoli’s work also extends to rare neuropathy models, where her exploration of innovative interventions has opened new research avenues. She is deeply committed to global leadership in training scientists, advancing cutting-edge technologies, and spearheading major collaborations across the UK and internationally.

Interests:

My primary research focus revolves around establishing innovative ocular biomarkers, termed 'oculomics,' and a range of neurological markers to evaluate small nerve fiber damage in diabetes, as well as a spectrum of systemic and neurodegenerative conditions.

The emerging field of oculomics promises personalized and preventive eye care, aiming to transform diagnostics, treatment approaches, and our fundamental understanding of ocular health. Biomarkers play a crucial role in shaping new therapeutics by guiding clinical trial designs, enabling patient stratification, and evaluating treatment impacts on disease progression and recurrence.

This translational research marks a significant advancement in our ability to diagnose, track progression, and evaluate therapeutic responses in patients with diabetic neuropathy and other peripheral neuropathies. It holds immediate diagnostic benefits and promises a novel surrogate marker for assessing new therapies.

Qualifications:

• 2019 Fellowship Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• 2016 Member College of Optometrists (MCOptom)
• 2010 Fellowship, American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)
• 2009 Fellowship, British Contact Lens Association (FBCLA)
• 2008 PhD (Medicine), School of Medicine, University of Manchester
• 2003 MSc, Optometry, University of Bradford
• 2000 BSc (Hons) (Distinction), Optometry, Mashad University of Medical Sciences