Development of a Patient-Specific Corneal Digital Twin Based on Topographic Imaging for Contact Lens Fitting and Future Corneal Interventions

About the Project

This PhD project aims to develop a patient-specific corneal digital twin derived exclusively from routinely acquired corneal topography and tomography data. The digital twin will represent a geometry-based computational model of the cornea, designed to support objective, reproducible, and personalised simulation of contact lens fitting. By focusing on corneal geometry rather than biomechanical modelling, the project prioritises clinical feasibility, robustness, and direct translational impact. Accurate modelling of corneal shape is central to ophthalmic care, particularly for contact lens fitting and planning of corneal interventions. Although modern imaging systems provide high-resolution corneal measurements, current clinical practice relies heavily on qualitative interpretation and empirical fitting rules. This project addresses the gap between rich imaging data and actionable computational models by translating corneal topographic information into a standardised, patient-specific digital representation.

Research Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of the project is to design, implement, and validate a corneal digital twin framework that accurately reconstructs individual corneal geometry and enables virtual contact lens fitting. The specific objectives are to:

• Develop a computational pipeline for reconstructing anterior and posterior corneal surfaces from corneal topography and tomography images
• Define a standardised digital corneal twin representation incorporating surface geometry and associated metadata
• Implement a virtual contact lens fitting environment for soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses
• Validate the geometric accuracy and clinical plausibility of the digital twin using quantitative metrics and comparison with standard clinical indices

Methodology

The research will combine data processing, surface reconstruction, and computational modelling. Corneal elevation maps will be converted into three-dimensional point clouds and interpolated into continuous surface meshes. These meshes will form the core of the digital corneal twin, which will be structured for simulation, visualisation, and reuse. A virtual contact lens fitting module will be developed to assess lens–cornea alignment, sagittal depth matching, and clearance or bearing zones. Model validation will be performed using geometric error metrics and qualitative comparison with routine clinical fitting decisions. The project will adopt an iterative development approach, informed by clinical relevance and validation outcomes.

Significance and Impact

The project introduces a geometry-first digital twin approach that leverages routinely available clinical data while avoiding complex biomechanical assumptions. This makes the resulting framework highly scalable and suitable for real-world clinical workflows. The digital twin will provide immediate value in contact lens fitting and serve as a foundation for future extensions, including biomechanical modelling, refractive surgery simulation, and corneal disease analysis.

Expected Outcomes

The PhD will deliver:

• A validated computational pipeline for patient-specific corneal digital twin generation
• Standardised 3D corneal models for simulation and visualisation
• A virtual contact lens fitting platform
• Peer-reviewed publications and a completed doctoral thesis

How to apply

Formal applications can be submitted via the University of Bradford web site. Applicants should register an account, select 'Postgraduate Research' as the course type and use the keywords 'computer science'. Please include the project title on the Research Proposal section; applicants are not required to supply a research proposal for this project.

Informal enquiries are also welcome.

About the University of Bradford

Bradford is a research-active University supporting the highest-quality research. We excel in applying our research to benefit our stakeholders by working with employers and organisations world-wide across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors and actively encourage and support our postgraduate researchers to engage in research and business development activities.

Positive Action Statement

At the University of Bradford our vision is a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity, where people want to, and can, make a difference. We place equality and diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to social mobility at the centre of our mission and ethos. In working to make a difference we are committed to addressing systemic inequality and disadvantages experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students.

Under sections 158-159 of the Equality Act 2010, positive action can be taken where protected group members are under-represented. At Bradford, our data show that people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups who are UK nationals are significantly under-represented at the postgraduate researcher level.

These are lawful measures designed to address systemic and structural issues which result in the under-representation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic students in PGR studies.

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded PhD project; applicants will be expected to pay their own fees or have a suitable source of third-party funding. UK students may be able to apply for a Doctoral Loan from Student Finance for financial support.