To study how the mechanical properties of the crystalline lens and the ciliary body affect the lens’ optical power during accommodation by means of Finite Element Modelling (FEM). This leads to clear estimates of the forces experienced by the ciliary body and crystalline lens. The project will involve creating an extensive range of finite element models that can cover all physiological combinations of forces and that produce lens shape changes that mimic those seen in the biological lens. Models will be tested for variations in anatomical features such as capsular thicknesses to ensure biological compatibility over all possible individual variations and predictive models will be created for changes with age and growth. The candidate should have a degree in Biomedical or Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Computing and possess computational competency and skills in Finite Element Modelling. The successful candidate will be based in ARU with 3 planned secondments.

To assess the interindividual and age-related differences in material properties of the eye by applying optical coherence elastography to a large cohort of healthy individuals. Furthermore, the influence of behavioural and environmental factors (e.g. sunlight exposure, smoking habits, hormonal effects etc.) will be studied. The project will involve transforming an experimental measurement procedure for in vivo application. The successful candidate will be based in UBERN with 3 planned secondments.

To investigate the coupling between optics and mechanics when under internal ocular muscle forces and how this affects the external shape of the eye globe. This has wide ranging impact on a number of eye conditions. The project will involve Finite Element Modelling of these optical and mechanical interactions. Validation will be made with cohorts of young and old healthy volunteers, as well as patients with glaucoma. The successful candidate will be based in WUST with 3 planned secondments. The candidate should have a degree in Biomedical or Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Computing and possess computational competency and skills in Finite Element Modelling. Optical modelling knowledge would be desirable.

To determine how the crystalline lens oscillates after a change in eye gaze as due to inertia by creating a FEM of the lens and ciliary body and introduce motion and validate the result with data of a cohort of healthy volunteers. The successful candidate will be based in WUST with 3 planned secondments.

To study variations in the mechanism of accommodation in eyes with different refractive errors and to produce predictive models. This will lead to accurate and more personalised response predictors that will be a) essential for the development of appropriate training aids in younger eyes to prevent progression of refractive error and b) used to predict most appropriate implant lenses for a given eye. This project will involve screening the full range of refractive errors, measuring all ocular parameters as well as changes in the eye in response to accommodation. The results will be used in the construction of eye models that will be used to predict the type of accommodative response and what effect this has on the optics and mechanics of the eye. Applicants should possess skills in measurement of parameters of the eye and either basic knowledge of finite element modelling or a willingness to learn this. The successful candidate will be based in ARU with 3 planned secondments.

To determine the optical effects of the residual accommodative response in presbyopes. While people over age 60 years no longer accommodate, they can still experience lens alterations that affect visual quality. To this end the changes in wavefront aberrations will be measured in presbyopes during and after a near-vision activity. Applicants should possess qualifications and/or experience in physical or physiological optics. The successful candidate will be based in CSIC with 3 planned secondments.

To develop a highly accurate optical model of the age-related changes in the internal structure of the crystalline lens that is as close to physiological reality as possible, including a gradient refractive index and a gradient isoindical curvature. Applicants should possess qualifications and/or experience in physical or physiological optics. The successful candidate will be based in CSIC with 3 planned secondments.

To design a model of the entire eye that includes the biomechanical influences on the optical quality. This model starts from literature data and will gradually incorporate material parameters clinically determined for a large cohort to develop a statistical model of the opto-biomechanical properties of the eye in collaboration with most other participating centres. The successful candidate will be based in UANT with 3 planned secondments.

To develop models that simulate healthy eye growth starting from infant biometry based on a variety of algorithms (genetic, ODE/PDE/…). These models will help to better understand the processes underlying emmetropization and myopia research. The successful candidate will be based in UANT with 3 planned secondments.

To build a statistical eye model of the wavefront aberration changes during accommodation at different ages and target distances for use in the understanding of the optics of the accommodating eye and evaluation of accommodative properties of intraocular lenses. The successful candidate will be based in UMIN with 3 planned secondments.

To create a statistical eye model of the peripheral aberrations based on wavefront measurements in a large cohort of healthy volunteers. Based on this model the changes in image quality will be studied as a function of fixation angle and correlated with the results of psychophysical and electrophysiological examinations. The successful candidate will be based in UMIN with 3 planned secondments.

TTo experimentally determine the effect of increasing or lowering the stiffness of animal cadaveric tissues and study the induced geometric changes to be used as a form of refractive correction. These changes are then modelled into Finite Element models to predict the best possible treatment modalities. The project will require the design of both, experimental protocols and finite element simulations. The successful candidate will be based in UBERN with 3 planned secondments.

To develop a detailed 3-D fluid-structure patient specific model of the eye to simulate the how the cornea deforms during non-contact tonometry. To this end a FEM will be created that simulates the turbulent behaviour of the ocular liquid media, which will be clinically validated with Corvis biomechanical data. Candidates should hold a Masters degree in mechanical or biomedical engineering. Experience in finite element modelling will be an asset. The successful candidate will be based in UNIZAR with 3 planned secondments.

To develop a biomechanical model of the corneal response to refractive surgery to better predict the postoperative outcome. After formulating the model, it will be clinically validated. Candidates should hold a Masters degree in mechanical or biomedical engineering. Experience in finite element modelling will be an asset. The successful candidate will be based in UNIZAR with 3 planned secondments.

To assess how the size and shape of the anterior capsulorhexis made during cataract surgery and the material properties of the capsular bag affect the postoperative position of the intraocular lens (IOL). The analysis will be based on a FEM of the lens bag and IOL in which a number of variations will be introduced (stiffness, IOL type, capsulorhexis size…). These results will be clinically validated with a group of postoperative cataract patients. The successful candidate will be based in AMO with 3 planned secondments. This project will require computational competency with some knowledge of Mechanical Modelling.