About the Project
Institute of Ophthalmology 4-Year PhD Studentship (1FTE)
UCL Department / Division: UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
Duration of Studentship: 4 years, available to start from 1st October 2026
PhD Title: Optimising implementation of childhood myopia management: an embedded implementation science study within the SEISMYC trial
Supervisor(s): Prof. A. Dahlmann-Noor and Prof. F. Lorencatto
Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-sciences/ioo
We are delighted to offer a fully funded four-year PhD studentship investigating how evidence-based treatments for childhood myopia (short-sightedness) can be successfully implemented within community optometry and the NHS.
Myopia is one of the fastest growing causes of visual impairment worldwide and has become a major public health challenge. Progressive myopia substantially increases the lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy and irreversible sight loss. Although effective treatments such as myopia control spectacle lenses and low-concentration atropine are now available, there is limited evidence on how these interventions can be implemented successfully, equitably and sustainably within routine clinical practice.
Embedded within the NIHR-funded SEISMYC trial, one of the largest UK studies of childhood myopia management, this PhD will investigate the behavioural, organisational and contextual factors that influence successful implementation of evidence-based myopia care. Using implementation science, behaviour change methodology and mixed-methods research, the successful candidate will work with children, parents, community optometrists, dispensing opticians, ophthalmologists and public contributors to identify barriers and enablers to implementation, co-design theory-informed implementation strategies and evaluate their acceptability and feasibility during the trial.
The project will directly inform future NHS delivery of childhood myopia management and contribute to reducing inequalities in children's eye health.
The studentship is based at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, consistently ranked among the world's leading centres for vision research, in partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital, the largest co-located site for eye research, education and clinical care worldwide. The student will also receive specialist supervision from the internationally recognised UCL Centre for Behaviour Change, providing a unique opportunity to undertake doctoral research at the interface of implementation science, behavioural science and paediatric ophthalmology.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- A scoping review and evidence synthesis of barriers and enablers to implementing childhood myopia management.
- Qualitative interviews and focus groups with children, parents and eye care professionals participating in the SEISMYC trial.
- Application of implementation science and behaviour change frameworks (including COM-B, the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behaviour Change Wheel) to identify barriers and enablers to implementation.
- Co-design workshops with patients, parents, clinicians and public contributors to develop and refine implementation strategies.
- Evaluation of implementation outcomes alongside the SEISMYC trial.
- Development of an implementation toolkit and recommendations to support future NHS delivery of childhood myopia management.
- Collaborate with ophthalmologists, optometrists, behavioural scientists, implementation researchers and patient and public contributors across UCL, Moorfields Eye Hospital and partner organisations.
- Contribute to research governance, ethics applications and study documentation where appropriate.
- Prepare progress reports and contribute to regular supervisory and project meetings.
- Present research findings at local, national and international scientific meetings and conferences.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Contribute to dissemination, public engagement and knowledge mobilisation activities, including engagement with children, families, clinicians, policymakers and community organisations.
- Undertake relevant training in qualitative research, implementation science, behaviour change methodology, health services research and clinical trial methodology.
- Contribute to the wider activities of the research group, department and university, and comply with UCL policies and procedures.
Person Specification
Essential
Applicants should have:
- A first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in psychology, health psychology, behavioural science, implementation science, public health, health services research, sociology, anthropology, nursing, pharmacy, optometry or another relevant healthcare or social science discipline.
- A strong interest in implementation science, behaviour change, healthcare improvement or health services research.
- Experience of research methods through an undergraduate dissertation, Master's project or equivalent research activity.
- Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with children, families, healthcare professionals and members of the public.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
- A strong motivation to undertake doctoral research and contribute to high-quality scientific publications.
Desirable
The following would be advantageous:
- A Master's degree (MSc, MRes or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
- Experience of qualitative research methods, including interviews, focus groups and qualitative data analysis.
- Experience of mixed-methods research.
- Familiarity with behaviour change and/or implementation science approaches.
- Experience of patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) or co-design.
- Experience working in healthcare, public health or health services research.
- Experience of systematic reviews or evidence synthesis.
- Experience of scientific writing, conference presentations or publications.
- An interest in child health, ophthalmology or reducing health inequalities.
Commencement
The successful candidate is expected to start on the 1st of October 2026, however some flexibility with respect to the start date may be possible and can be discussed further at interview.
Funding Notes
This studentship is funded by Moorfields Eye Charity for three years and includes a tax-free stipend, UK home-rate PhD tuition fees at University College London, and research expenses in accordance with the Moorfields Eye Charity PhD Studentship Scheme.
Eligibility
The full studentship (tuition fees and salary stipend) is eligible for candidates classified as UK students (please see ‘Tuition fee classification’ on this page: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/tuition-fees).
Enquiries
Enquiries relating to the application process should be sent to the Research Degrees Manager at ioo.pgr@ucl.ac.uk.
Informal enquiries regarding the studentship opportunity can be made to Prof. Dahlmann-Noor at Anngret.dahlmann@ucl.ac.uk.
How to apply
Please prepare a single PDF document in the following order:
- A covering letter outlining motivation, interest, and suitability for this project;
- CV / resume
- Contact details for two academic referees
Attach to an email with the reference SEIS2 in the subject line and send to the Research Degrees Manager at ioo.pgr@ucl.ac.uk by the deadline stated below. Any details specified in the body of email messages will not form part of the application. We ask that applicants follow these instructions carefully since deviation from them may invalidate your application.
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