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Eye and Vision Sciences

Overview

Researchers in the Eye and Vision Sciences area work on basic science and clinical projects to improve our understanding of structure and function of the human visual system, and to translate new knowledge into useful clinical tests. Research topics encompass function and dysfunction, visual optics, ocular imaging, psychophysics and electrophysiology and low vision.

Our applied research with patients takes place within specialist clinics (eg. Low Vision, Learning Difficulties, Paediatrics) of The University of Manchester Vision Centre, the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and the Eurolens Contact Lens Research Centre. The Eye and Vision Sciences Research Group has strong links with the School of Medicine (Medical Genetics, Ophthalmology) and with the optometric teaching programme and the Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences MSc (in the School of Medicine).

Research group leader: Dr Niall McLoughlin

Principal investigators

Members

Affiliates

  • Curtis Dobson - Novel host / pathogen interactions in the CNS: a basis for developing new anti-infective drugs?
  • Rob Lucas - The regulation of animal behaviour and physiology by light

Our research

Function and Dysfunction

The measurement of functional loss in various ophthalmic conditions along with the evaluation and development of measurement technologies forms the basis of this programme.

Visual Optics and Instrumentation

Optimal visual performance depends on the maintenance of a high-quality optical image on the retina. In practice the image may be degraded by refractive error, failure to focus (accommodate) correctly, optical aberration and scattering.

Ocular Imaging

Researchers in ocular imaging use a diverse spectrum of techniques to visualise the tissues of the eye, from the cornea to the retina and the optic nerve.

Visual Psychophysics

Visual psychophysics studies the relationship between visual stimuli and the sensations they evoke while ocular electrophysiology investigates the signals passing along the visual pathway.

Low Vision

Research in low vision concentrates on the design of aids, training in their use, and the appropriate measurement of treatment outcomes.