New approaches to measurement of the cornea using smartphones

Interested in PhD study at the ABI? Join our webinar this Thursday to find out more and ask any questions you might have.

Accessible low cost measurement devices, that can be used in the places where people live, are a means to address the health needs of those who often experience barriers to standard eye care services. Hand-held corneal topographers, and specifically, smart-phone based corneal topography is a recent emerging technology that offers the potential to enable in-community screening for potentially sight threatening conditions such as keratoconus, and other important conditions of the anterior eye.

Although smart-phone based corneal assessment is a rapidly developing area of research, the potential of the method has not been fully realized.

In this highly translation focused project we aim to study, develop and then validate a smart-phone based corneal topographer. This project will involve the construction of a suitable attachment, the application of image processing methods, and validation of the system using a combination of simulation and laboratory-based experiments. We expect to focus on both novel estimation techniques, as well as potential novel applications of this technology by drawing on the expertise of our clinical collaborators.

Desired Skills

• Image processing
• Hardware development
• Clinical

Find out more about this project and other projects on our website here.

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute - breaking boundaries in bioengineering for more than 20 years

At the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), we apply engineering and technical innovation to advancing medical care, human capability, and understanding of human physiology. Our team of world-renowned researchers are working on everything from artificial intelligence avatars, to implantable devices, to digital models of the human body. Our focus on research excellence and commercialisation adds value to society and to the global economy.

Our research makes a real difference in the world. We’ve designed sensors to diagnose stomach disease without needing invasive surgery; developed a tiny wireless implantable device to measure brain pressure and save the lives of children with hydrocephalus; and we lead the world in building digital models of the human body which will enhance personalised medicine approaches for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Join our team of researchers for a postgraduate degree and together we can make a difference. Our graduates are amongst the most employable in the world - many either continue their career in research, find employment with industry leaders such as Rocket Lab or Fisher & Paykel, or launch their own startup companies.

Our students come from over 50 different countries and a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, including Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics and Science.

Want to know what our students think about studying at the ABI? Watch this video!