Research in Vision Sciences
The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences offers a wide range of expertise including assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disease that affect the eye and vision, furthering knowledge of the eye in health and disease, and improving clinical practice. The vision sciences are a broad area from understanding how vision works through to clinical practice.
Honours and Masters in Optometry and Vision Sciences: Applications and project preference entry for the Bachelor of Biomedicine with Honours, Bachelor of Science with Honours and Master of Biomedical Science are closing soon on October 31, 2023.
Learn more
The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences’ Graduate Research and PhD programs strive to advance eye care and vision, within Australia and internationally, through excellence in research that spans from laboratory to clinical research. The Department offers graduate students a multifaceted research experience, from exploring the fundamental sciences to translational research. Graduate researchers are encouraged and supported to produce academic publications and to build national and international connections to broaden the impact of their research.
Our Programs
Vision Sciences' Research Programs, Bachelor of Science - Honours, Bachelor of Biomed - Honours, Master of Biomedical Science and Graduate Research (MPhil and PhD) strive to advance eye care and vision, within Australia and internationally, through excellence in research that spans from laboratory to clinical research. The Department and its team of academic staff offer students a multifaceted research experience, from exploring the fundamental sciences to translational research. They are encouraged and supported to produce academic publications and to build national and international connections to broaden the impact of their research. Our programs also equip them for further study of the visual system and job opportunities in the health sector and in many relevant industries.
We are committed to training and supporting our next generation of vision researchers. No matter what your major, there may be vision research pathways for you. We offer a full suite of research programs, including:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine with Honours
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Master of Biomedical Science
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
For students who have completed an undergraduate degree, a research pathway through an Honours or Master of Biomedical Science is appropriate. For students with a BSc (Hons) or BBiomed (Hons), further scientific training through a three to four-year PhD or a two-year Master of Philosophy would be appropriate.
Further Information
Explore an overview of the research in the department by downloading our Research Projects 2024 brochure. It summarises projects currently being pursued in the department.
Applying for Research Programs
Honours & Masters
After browsing through the project descriptions in Sonia, students must engage with a potential principal supervisor before submitting their application.
Supervisors currently offering research project opportunities in 2024 are Dr Alexis Ceecee Britten-Jones, A/Prof Lauren Ayton, A/Prof Laura Downie, A/Prof Andrew Anderson, A/Prof Bang Bui, Dr Christine Nguyen, Dr Phillip Bedggood, A/Prof Andrew Metha, Dr Holly Chinnery, Prof Trichur Vidyasagar.
The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences will work with students to match their research interests with the Department’s key specialisations and to assist them in identifying the most appropriate supervision team.
Further information on how to apply for Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Master of Biomedical Science.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programs
More information on how to apply for MPhil and PhD programs is available on the Melbourne School of Health Sciences Graduate Research page.
Scholarships may be awarded to student applicants with the highest Weighted Average Marks (WAM).
Our Students
The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences seeks high-achieving students who demonstrate passion, dedication and drive to further knowledge and innovation in the vision sciences, and applications to disorders involving the eye. With tailored options of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) pathways, our academics will support graduate students throughout their research journey, working towards the overall goal of improving clinical and patient outcomes.
Explore past graduate research theses
Career Opportunities
New career opportunities include fundamental and applied vision research, academia, policy development and clinical trial research. Graduate research and PhDs are also gateways along pathways to leadership positions. We highly support students who want to balance their academic studies with clinical practice, and those who wish to enrol in part-time study.