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We have 21 Ophthalmology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

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Ophthalmology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

We have 21 Ophthalmology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

A PhD in Ophthalmology is a highly specialised degree focusing on eye and vision science. You’ll have the chance to lead your own research project that will further our current understanding of our visual systems and how this can translate into clinical tests. Whether you are researching ocular imaging, looking at ways to improve contact lenses or helping clinicians with low vision patient management, you will be aiming to improve the lives of millions of people around the globe.

What's it like to study a PhD in Ophthalmology?

Doing a PhD in Ophthalmology, you will become proficient in the skills necessary to contribute to a research portfolio which spans all areas of visual science. You will work with your supervisor, university and experts in the field to answer some of the biggest research questions in the subject. Some typical research topics in Ophthalmology include: 

  • visual psychophysics and ocular electrophysiology
  • evaluating ophthalmic conditions
  • optimal visual performance
  • contact lenses and the cornea

Typical Ophthalmology PhD research projects take between three and four years to complete. As well as undertaking research training within your department, you will also attend external meetings and conferences and may be submitting research posters as your research develops.

To be awarded your PhD, you must submit a thesis of about 60,000 words and defend it during your viva exam. 

PhD in Ophthalmology entry requirements  

The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Ophthalmology usually involves 2:1 Bachelors in a related subject. A lower grade may be considered if you hold a Masters degree at a merit level in a related subject but you would need to discuss this with the admissions department. You will also need to submit a compelling research proposal detailing your study plans. You may also need some professional experience in Ophthalmology, depending on the programme.  

PhD in Ophthalmology funding options

In the UK, PhDs in Ophthalmology are funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) who provide a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. Depending on the programme, you may submit your own research proposal before being considered for funding or apply for a project that already has funding attached. 

It is also possible to apply for a PhD loan to help with the costs of a doctorate in Ophthalmology (although this cannot be combined with Research Council funding). Other options for financial support include university scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and charities. 

If you are considering a part-time PhD in Ophthalmology, it may also be worth asking your employer if they are happy to sponsor you.  

PhD in Ophthalmology careers

You may choose to become an ophthalmologist, or you may want to continue your research in your chosen area at a university, with the NHS or in the private sector. You could also teach and train medical students.

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Ensuring safety of channelrhodopsin optogenetic therapies for vision restoration

The new exciting biological approach of optogenetic therapy holds the promise of restoring vision to some blind people by introducing a photosensitive protein (photopigment) to surviving cells in the degenerate retina. Read more

MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Designing Early Detection AI Diagnostic Tools for Age-related Macular Degeneration

This studentship provides multidisciplinary training across retinal physiology, pathophysiology, retinal image interpretation, and application of artificial intelligence1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and would suit an individual with experience in programming, artificial Intelligence, and computer science, ideally with a biological background. Read more

Precision Medicine DTP - Exploring retinal biomarkers as a novel predictor of pregnancy complications including stillbirth

  Research Group: Centre for Cardiovascular Science
Background. Every 16 seconds one baby is stillborn. That amounts to more than two million stillborn babies globally every year. Stillbirths have long-lasting personal and psychological consequences for parents and families, as well as substantial costs for wider society. Read more

Sensory Biomarkers for Early Detection in Alzheimer's Disease: Novel Pathways to Effective Interventions (SAMIS_U24FMH)

Primary supervisor - Dr Saber Sami. Background. Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a significant global health challenge. Early detection is critical for effective interventions, yet current screening methods for high-risk populations are limited by their cost and invasiveness. Read more

Sans everything: sensory loss in the 7th age

Please ensure you check the eligibility criteria before applying to this project. The Advanced Care Research Centre (ACRC) is an interdisciplinary, £20M research centre at the University of Edinburgh. Read more

The circadian clock as a regulator of information processing

Endogenous biological clocks are a ubiquitous feature of living organisms, driving rhythms in countless cellular and physiological functions, and influencing almost all biological processes. Read more
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Project Title Developing a National Clinical Standardised Novel Classification System for Retinoblastoma

Wellcome Trust DTP in Genomic Epidemiology and Public Health Genomics. Retinoblastoma (Rb), the most common intraocular malignancy in young children, presents enduring challenges, including vision impairment, physical deformities, and psychosocial struggles for survivors. Read more

Enhanced variant interpretation for the discovery of mechanisms underpinning Ophthalmic genomic disorders

This project will utilize large genomic sequencing datasets from the 100,000 genomes project and the UK BioBank to understand how genomic variation impacts the development and function of cells vital for correct vision. Read more

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