Prevalence, Ocular Biomarkers and Interventions for Myopia Progression in children

About the Project

Details of the Project

The rising global prevalence of myopia, expected to affect half the world’s population by 2050, represents a significant public health issue (1). Beyond a simple refractive error, myopia significantly increases the risk of sight threatening conditions including myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataract (2- 4). These findings underscore the critical need for evidence-based strategies to manage myopia, aiming to slow its progression and mitigate the risk of long-term ocular complications

Regional environmental and lifestyle factors strongly influence the onset and progression of myopia (5-7). Understanding how these factors shape refractive development is essential for improving prevention and management strategies.

This PhD project aims to evaluate the proportion of myopia in children attending an optometric practice by analysing longitudinal clinical data. Available information will include axial length measurements, refractive error status, OCT scans, and fundus images. Two age groups will be examined: 6–7 years and 12–14 years. These data will be compared with established cohort studies, such as the Aston Eye Study and the PreMO database (PreMO platform), to identify potential regional differences in refractive patterns and axial elongation.

A further objective is to identify ocular biomarkers associated with myopia and its progression. Key parameters will include axial length growth rate, choroidal thickness, retinal morphology, and structural changes observable on retinal imaging. Identifying these biomarkers may improve early detection of children at risk of fast progression.

The study will also evaluate the effectiveness of different myopia control interventions currently used in clinical practice, including specialised spectacle lenses and contact lenses.

Overall, this research will provide important insights into the prevalence, risk factors, and progression patterns of myopia in children. The findings will support earlier identification of high-risk children and help guide more effective, evidence-based intervention strategies.

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 Dr Raquel Gil Cazorla at r.gil-cazorla@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

Funding Notes

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.