Better eye care services in younger and older people of Northern Ireland through modifying follow up programs

**FUNDING CONFIRMED**

We will conduct two mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) research projects to address health service delivery issues related to vision care for school-aged children and cataract surgical patients. The underlying research question is whether changing the system of follow-up examinations can maintain high-quality care while reducing costs for patients and the health care system.

These projects will require the PhD student work with members of the interdisciplinary research team to carry out the following activities:
• conduct rigorous literature searches and systematic reviews on the topics
• interface with health economists and anthropologists on the team to develop data collection methods and instruments
• assist with data collection and analysis (audits of NHS anonymised datasets, interviews and/or observation of school-aged children being screened for visual problems and cataract surgical patients)
• prepare data summaries and full reports for oral and written dissemination.

The ideal candidate will have:
• a BSc in optometry from an accredited school/program in the UK
• an MPH degree from a recognized university
• a clinical license and 3+ years’ experience as an optometrist in the UK
• experience in quantitative and qualitative research (study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and write-up)
• a full UK driving license and access to a car
• willingness to work extended hours (e.g., evenings or weekends, as needed).

Optional but desirable criteria include:
• experience presenting research findings at professional meetings, conferences or workshop, as well as to patient/family carer groups
• being a named co-author on at least one publication submitted to or published by a high-impact peer-reviewed journal
• experience working in the voluntary sector with people who have visual impairments (e.g., RNIB)

PLEASE NOTE:

This project will involve Regulated Activity (working with children and/or vulnerable groups).

The successful applicant will be required to supply their details to the School Postgraduate Office in order for a criminal history check to be undertaken (Enhanced Disclosure Checks). The project will be conditional on the successful applicant being issued with a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.

REQUIREMENTS

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/StudyatQueens/InternationalStudents/EnglishLanguageRequirements/

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/