Myopia (short-sightedness) typically develops during childhood, but the events that lead to myopia development are complex and as yet to be fully explained. Myopia development can be modelled successfully and rapidly in the chicken. Using this model, Dr Barbara Junghans and postgraduate students at the School have determined the anatomical changes that occur in the retina and choroid as a result of prolonged optical defocus and light deprivation, and a current project is exploring the physiological changes in ionic balance in these cell layers which accompany the marked changes in structure.

Orthokeratology, or corneal refractive therapy, is a contact lens-based technique that uses specially designed rigid contact lenses to gently reshape the cornea to reduce or eliminate myopia on a temporary basis. Lenses are worn overnight only, and removed on awakening to allow clear vision without spectacles or contact lenses through waking hours. Dr Helen Swarbrick is conducting research to investigate the corneal effects of this new lens modality. She has supervised a number of undergraduate and postgraduate research student projects to characterise the underlying corneal response to orthokeratology lens wear.

Visual development. The first few years of life are vital for visual development, and abnormal visual input during this time can cause permanent visual deficits. Dr Catherine Suttle, in collaboration with academic staff in the School and elsewhere, is using electrophysiological and psychophysical techniques to investigate this very important area. Postgraduate research projects currently focus on the following issues:

In addition, Dr Suttle is working on the following projects:

Low Vision and the Aging Eye. Dr Peter Herse supervises research relevant to low vision. A recent project investigated the visual determinants of mobility in patients suffering from Retinitis Pigmentosa.