School Funded PhD Studentship available in the University of Huddersfield’s School of Applied Sciences: Improving optometric referrals for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

About the Project

The neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) can have devastating effects on central vision, but fortunately timely intervention with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (antiVEGF) has improved outcomes for countless individuals. In the UK NICE guidelines recommend treatment commences within 14 days of referral to the hospital eye service. A recent study found that the optometric referral accuracy of nAMD may be as low as 37%, a figure which has not improved in over a decade. This could result in many false positive referrals – patients suspected of having nAMD when they do not actually have it, possibly leading to treatment delays for those with the disease. In Bradford for example, only one fifth of suspected nAMD patients are seen within the recommended 14 days. This PhD project will aim to investigate factors that may influence optometric referrals of nAMD, including the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, and look at possible ways of improving diagnostic accuracy. Depending on the interests of the candidate this could be through focus groups / questionnaires / semi-structured interviews or through the development of a training tool for primary care clinicians.

For subject specific enquiries please contact: c.fulcher2@hud.ac.uk.

Name of supervisor(s) - Dr Corinne Fulcher

Fully funded PhD research scholarships are offered in the School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, for an October 2026 start.

Please note that there are more projects than funded scholarships available, therefore this is a competitive application process. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview by the 18th June 2026. The interviews will be held on campus on the 25th June 2026. After interview the most outstanding applicants will be offered a scholarship.

Application Details

You must submit your application in full by Friday 5th June 2026, including the following documents:

• A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for.
• Full CV
• Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
• Provide references from two individuals – please contact your referees and ask them to send your reference directly to gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.ukfrom their email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by 12th June 2026)
• Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page

Please email gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.ukwith queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Summary of Award

Type of Award                 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Eligibility                   Open to home applicants only. Applicants must have an upper-class degree or above, in a related field or be in line for this award in the 2026 summer examinations.

Location                    Huddersfield

Funding                     3 years full-time research covering tuition fees and a tax-free bursary (stipend) starting at £21,805 for 2026/27.