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Initially trained as an orthoptist Anita gained an insight into clinical practice before embarking on a scientific career. First with a Masters in Public Health and Community Medicine from Glasgow University followed by a PhD in Clinical Visual Science. Anita has a wealth of research experience in clinical and behavioural visual neuroscience with a broad portfolio of grant capture and peer review as well as contributing to national Priority Setting Partnerships in sight loss and vision.

Anita’s ongoing commitment to excellence and academic leadership can be evidenced with her personal journey from research fellow through to group lead before being a Professor in Vision Sciences and later Head of Department, Vice Dean and currently Dean.

The School of Health and Life Sciences is one of the largest providers of health and life science education in Scotland with circa 6,800 students and 350 staff. As Dean, Anita takes an active role in providing strategic, academic and operational leadership of the School with the aim of driving enhancements, which build on the Schools national and international profile in education, research, enterprise and innovation and community engagement. Ensuring that the University’s mission ‘For the Common Good’ lies at the heart of all School activities with a strong focus on widening access and student attainment.

Professor Simmers is an invited Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers. She is member of GCU Advancing Gender Equality Group, Athena Swan and Race Equality Charter self-assessment teams and an Aurora mentor and role model. Anita was awarded the Trimble Medal in 2019 for her outstanding contribution to paediatric ophthalmology.