PhD Study : ​Is there a benefit of prescribing coloured lenses for those with symptoms of visual stress?

Summary

Visual stress is a condition that can be characterised by symptoms of visual distortions which arise when looking at crowded, highly-contrasting, horizontal striped patterns such as reading text. It is a relatively common, though under-recognised condition, and the use of coloured filters have been reported to alleviate the symptoms of visual stress (Evans & Allen, 2016). While optometrists conduct visual assessments and check near vision and binocular visual function, visual stress may be overlooked in conventional eye tests, but may be a significant underlying issue for a patient. Specialised assessment is necessary to reveal visual stress and conduct colourimetry testing, but there is no established framework for diagnosis. Colour is typically prescribed using coloured overlays or colour-tinted spectacle lenses.  However, there are few robust studies that have systematically reviewed the effects of colour in adults (Evans and Allen, 2016; Griffiths et al., 2016).

Visual stress is particularly relevant to the University student population. Students are often expected to read and comprehend large volumes of written material during their studies. With the advancement of portable electronics (smartphones, tablets, laptops) the average student can spend a significant proportion of their time reading text on an electronic screen. Glare and reflections are frequently identified as worsening the visual perceptual distortions associated with visual stress. Hence, text displayed on an electronic screen may exacerbate the visual stress symptoms perceived (Chu et al., 2011).

Considering the current evidence, there is inconsistency in diagnostic criteria and limited research robustly evaluating the use of coloured filters to alleviate visual stress, it is clear that visual stress could go undetected and undiagnosed in the population. There could be a significant proportion of the student population who could have undiagnosed visual stress that may benefit from treatment to aid reading ability in their studies.

Project Aims

The aims of this research project are to investigate the prevalence of visual stress in the adult student population and to assess if there are any co-existing factors (history of migraine, dyslexia) to evaluate and create diagnostic criteria to identify and manage visual stress. From the large-scale investigation of the student population the project will then conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of coloured lenses on those with visual stress to determine whether coloured lenses alleviate symptoms and improve reading.

Please note: Applications for more than one PhD studentships are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living