We offer research programs for graduates of optometry and other sciences. Research for a Master of Science by Research (MSc) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) can be undertaken in a diverse range of areas and disciplines including clinical optometry, applied research and basic research.
If you’re interested in pursuing higher degree research with the School of Optometry & Vision Science, then you will need to find a supervisor. SOVS has an excellent range of expertise across seven research groups. Among these are affiliated institutes; the Brien Holden Vision Institute and the Centre for Eye Health.
Our primary research areas are in anterior segment and contact lenses, posterior segment in health and disease, optics and applied vision, vision science and public health optometry. Take some time to review the research areas and identify who you would like to have as a supervisor. Once you have selected a supervisor, check our admission requirements and submit an expression of interest.
Finding a supervisor
- To learn more about the process of finding a supervisor, please visit the UNSW Graduate Research page. Information on UNSW admissions can also be found here.
- Take time to review our Research Groups
- Applying as an International Student? See why UNSW is Australia’s global university.
- Don’t forget to check out our available scholarships.
Research topics
View our research topics below:
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Contact lens related infection: epidemiology, microbiology and microbial pathogenesis, resistance to antimicrobials:
- Associate Professor Nicole Carnt
- Professor Lisa Keay
- Dr Jerome Ozkan
- Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton
- Dr Ajay Vijay
- Professor Mark Willcox
- Dr Muhammad Yasir
- Dr Rajesh Kuppusamy
- Dr Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan
Dry eye: contact lens wear, innervation and symptoms, sex hormones:
- Associate Professor Nicole Carnt
- Associate Professor Blanka Golebiowski
- Professor Isabelle Jalbert
- Associate Professor Maria Markoulli
- Dr Simin Masoudi
- Dr Jerome Ozkan
- Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton
- Dr Ajay Vijay
- Professor Mark Willcox
- Dr Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan
Environmental effects on the ocular surface: climate, bushfire smoke, digital devices, smartphones:
Myopia control incl. orthokeratology:
Ocular surface disease: allergy, biomarkers, diabetes, keratoconus, obesity and nutrition:
Ocular therapeutics and drug delivery:
Tear film biochemistry, ocular homeostasis and pathology
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Blue light blocking lenses, effects on visual and non-visual systems:
Functionalised nanoparticles as contrast agents for bio-imaging:
Optical coherence microscopy for ultrahigh-resolution 3D imaging:
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Blue light blocking lenses, effects on visual and non-visual systems:
Functionalised nanoparticles as contrast agents for bio-imaging:
Optical coherence microscopy for ultrahigh-resolution 3D imaging:
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Binocular Vision
Development and maturation of the visual system, amblyopia, colour vision
Digital devices (smartphones and computers), eye strain and dry eye:
Low vision, visual rehabilitation, accident prevention – Multisensory experience of self-motion
Surface and Material Perception:
Visual electrophysiology, visual psychophysics, detection of brain abnormalities:
Visual Processing:
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Access to eye care by asylum seeker and refugee communities in Australia:
Ageing and road safety:
Cost-effectiveness of cataract surgery:
Cost-effectiveness of low vision services:
Epidemiology of eye injuries:
Falls risk and low vision:
Innovative models of eyecare delivery:
Mental health and low vision:
Quality of eye care, evidence-based practice, health systems research:
School vision screening:
Use of alternative and complementary medicines:
Barriers and enablers influencing eye care for older people receiving home care and residential aged care services:
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Quality of life item banks for age-related macular degeneration:
Macular disease social impact study;
Quality of life impacts of non-strabismic, binocular vision, accommodation, and visual tracking disorders in children:
Amblyopia and strabismus-specific quality of life item banks for adults;
Keratoconus-specific quality of life item banks:
Ocular surface disease-specific quality of life item banks:
Keratitis-specific quality of life item banks: