Using novel technologies to improve visual performance in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Ref: SHLS20030 Jeon

Background
The prevalence of age related macular degeneration (ARMD) is increasing in the UK; leading to large numbers of older people having difficulty with tasks such as reading and recognising faces. Recent developments in display technologies, such as in Head-Mounted Display (HMD) and hand-held devices (phone, tablet), allow patients the opportunity to manipulate visual conditions to improve their task performance. For example, ARMD patients can control the speed of text presentation to optimise their reading experience wearing the HMD device with a specially developed application. In laboratory based conditions this type of manipulation often shows a good level of improvement in visual task performance but often patients struggle to translate these improvements to their everyday environment.

Aims
This project will examine the capability of HMD and portable display technologies to improve the performance of ARMD patients in a number of visual tasks. The results from this project will help in the development of unique interventions for ARMD patients which will enhance their vision performance within their everyday environment.

Specifications
The successful applicant will be holding a minimum of an undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) in vision science related fields such as optometry/orthoptics/ophthalmology with respective qualification from the UK or equivalent. Previous experience of quantitative research methodology is strongly preferred.