PhD Studentship: Home monitoring of vision in people with multiple sclerosis

DoS: Dr Mahesh Joshi (Mahesh.joshi@plymouth.ac.uk)

2^nd Supervisor: Prof Jenny Freeman (Jenny.freeman@plymouth.ac.uk)

3^rd Supervisor: Prof Paul Artes (Paul.artes@plymouth.ac.uk)

Applications are invited for a 3 year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1^st October 2026.

Project Description

Visual disturbances are common and troubling manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These disturbances are often intermittent and difficult to measure in clinics. Virtual Reality (VR) platforms may provide a new way of monitoring vision at home and may empower patients to provide much more accurate and in-depth information about their vision. This could lead to a paradigm shift for monitoring vision in patients with MS – enabling earlier and more reliable detection of vision-related manifestations in MS and better assessment of disease progression.

This PhD project will first explore the validity and reliability of vision outcome measures on VR devices. We will then conduct a feasibility and acceptability study of home monitoring of vision in MS. Our work will contribute to the evidence-base supporting the use of home-based tests to track vision changes in chronic neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. It will also contribute to the development of new vision-related metrics for diagnosis and prediction of disease progression.

The project will provide opportunity to:

• Be involved in a research project with direct clinical impact
• Develop expertise in VR based vision assessment
• Develop skills with clinical balance/mobility assessment
• Develop understanding of Multiple Sclerosis care in the NHS

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree in Optometry/Orthoptics/Ophthalmology or a relevant Masters qualification.

Essential skills include:

1. Previous research experience and/or clinical experience in use of virtual reality devices or vision assessment in neurological conditions
2. Strong organisation and time management skills
3. Clinical communication and problem-solving skills

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for three years and include full Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend at the 2026/27 UKRI rate (to be confirmed; compare the 2025/26 UKRI rate of £20,780 per annum). The last 12 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period. The studentships will only fully fund applicants with relevant qualifications.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights, etc.

You cannot work full time while receiving a PhD stipend.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Mahesh Joshi, Mahesh.joshi@plymouth.ac.uk

How to Apply

To apply, please click the Apply button above. Please include the following documents with your application:

• CV / résumé
• Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying). 
• Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button above.  

The closing date for applications on 20 March 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly after the deadline.

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