PhD Study : Determining more appropriate visual function predictors of driving performance: can we do better than current visual standards?

Summary

The task of driving requires appropriate visual, motor and cognitive skills to effectively operate a vehicle. Over 40 million people in the UK have a driving licence. In the UK, the visual requirements for driving have been largely unchanged since their introduction and are still based on individuals reading a vehicle number plate. This has an approximate correlation to more clinical visual measures, but is far from a robust assessment of vision. However, the DfT like the self-testing aspect of this test, and argue that this is a pragmatic choice given the lack of evidence to demonstrate a compelling reason to update this. Despite the task of driving unarguably requiring input from the visual system, there remains a significant knowledge gap in what tests provide an appropriate assessment for adequate vision, and what level of vision is ‘safe’.

One of the reasons for lack of evidence is that it is difficult to tease apart the ‘real-world’ task of driving, and the visual factors that may influence safe driving.  Studies have shown that visual acuity alone is not a good predictor of driving performance. This is perhaps not surprising as visual acuity, while a measure of the resolution ability of the eye (i.e. visual detail), is not a holistic measure of visual function. Several studies have shown that contrast sensitivity (CS) measures correlate better with visual performance.  However, visual fields and visual attention will also have a strong influence on driving performance, as will the lighting conditions visual functions are measured in.

To gain a driving licence, a hazard perception test has been introduced as a means to probe visual response times, but once a licence is obtained, there are no requirements to test this again for UK drivers. Dark adaptation is known to slow down with age, thus abrupt changes in light intensity, like that which occurs with car headlights in low lighting conditions, take increasingly longer to adapt from. The UK, at northerly latitude, has many hours of night driving for individuals in the winter months.

Recent research has highlighted the potential value of mesopic (low light level) visual function tests in determining night driving performance. In summary, as we age, our contrast sensitivity reduces, visual attention and response times diminish, and dark adaptation rates slow down.  These factors, coupled with the increased risk of ocular disease with age, such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, mean that older drivers may have a more compromised visual ability for driving.

This exciting PhD study will investigate the potential for clinically available measures to better determine visual function and develop normative data for older adult drivers. Three aspects will be investigated:

(i)contrast sensitivity in photopic and mesopic conditions, using Pelli-Robson and low contrast acuity tests, compared to the Mesotest II.

(ii)visual attention using an eye tracking system with capability to simulate visual compromise in terms of reduced visual fields and acuity, while conducting a hazard perception test.

(iii)correlation between dark adaptation and individual perceptions and difficulties with night driving.

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

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.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• 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