Longitudinal Study of Changes to the Ocular Surface and Tear Film

About the Project

Details of the Project

Are you in routine eyecare practice and interested in undertaking a practice-based part time (over up to 6 years) PhD focused on understanding the changes in patients tear film and ocular surface over time? A full PhD fee waiver will be awarded to successful candidates and the research can be conducted largely remotely.

Studies demonstrate that about one in three adults [1-3] and one in five children [4] meet the diagnostic criteria for dry eye disease, hence it is commonly encountered in routine primary eye care. The recent TFOS DEWS III report has updated the definition, diagnostic algorithm, identification of pathophysiological drivers and evidence-based management of dry eye disease [5-7]. However, there is scarce literature on changes in the tear film and ocular surface over time in those who are untreated or those who adopt a treatment [8, 9]. The effect of compliance in the latter group also warrants investigation.

This project will:

• Review past longitudinal studies relating to the tear film and ocular surface to identify areas of particular interest
• Establish a group of adults and / or children who will attend their practice at 6 monthly intervals for any symptoms to be reported and their ocular surface to be examined
• Examine treatment compliance and yearly variations in symptomology using the MyDryEye app

Please note: The practice will need to cover standard clinical consumables such as fluorescein and lissamine green dyes and would ideally have an instrument that can objectively quantify tear film metrics such as non-invasive breakup time.

Financial Support

This project covers the Home tuition fees. Candidates who do not have Home status will be responsible for the difference in tuition fees. Currently the difference between ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees is £17,712 for 2026/7.

Overseas Applicants

Overseas applicants may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees. Currently the difference between ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees is £17,712 for 2026/7. As part of the application, you will be required to confirm that you will provide this additional funding. Please indicate this on the application form in the funding section.

Location

This position will be based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus, and will be expected to visit in person regularly.

Person Specification

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:

a] a First or Upper Second Class award in their Undergraduate Degree (Bachelors or UG Masters) from a UK institution, in a subject judged by Aston to be relevant to the proposed research.

OR

b] a Merit (or above)* in a Postgraduate Masters degree in a relevant subject AND an Undergraduate Degree (Bachelors or UG Masters), both from UK institutions.

*where appropriate.

Qualifications from overseas institutions will be also considered but performance must be equivalent to that described above, and the University reserves the right to ascertain this equivalence according to its own criteria.

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Prof James Wolffsohn at j.s.w.wolffsohn@aston.ac.uk

Submitting an application

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected.Your application must include:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience.
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history.
5. Two academic refereeswho can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
6. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
7. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.

Apply for this position here

Please select “ Research - Health Sciences” from the application form options.

If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk