How well do visual impairment simulations replicate true impairment when assessing physical health, gait, and mobility? (HHS-2026-24)

About the project

About the Project Approximately 2 million people in the UK live with visual impairments (VI) that significantly affect their daily activities and independence. Acquired, inherited, and congenital visual deficits can have a substantial impact on mobility, with walking gait being one of the most widely studied aspects of functional movement. Understanding how vision loss influences gait is essential for improving rehabilitation strategies, mobility support, and quality of life for individuals with VI. Due to the challenges associated with recruiting participants with specific visual impairments, researchers frequently use simulated visual impairment techniques to investigate the effects of reduced vision on gait parameters. However, current research lacks consistency in the standardisation and reporting of these simulation methods. In many studies, limited information is provided regarding how closely simulated impairments replicate clinically diagnosed visual deficits. In addition, the effects of participant familiarisation and adaptation to simulated VI are rarely considered. These limitations raise important questions about the validity, reliability, and real-world applicability of existing findings. Working with colleagues with expertise in biomechanics and optometry, this PhD project aims to critically evaluate the use of simulated visual impairment in gait research, with the goal of improving methodological standardisation and establishing the scientific validity of commonly used simulation approaches. The project will investigate how simulation techniques compare to real-world visual impairment and assess factors influencing experimental outcomes. Findings from this research may contribute to the development of a novel, evidence-based visual impairment simulation device for future research and clinical applications. The project would suit applicants from a range of disciplines, including biomechanics, optometry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, neuroscience, and related health or movement sciences. For subject specific enquiries please contact: m.fish@hud.ac.uk We encourage you to discuss your ideas with potential supervisors in advance of application. Type of Award: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Eligibility: These scholarships are open to UK applicants only ; ideally with an MSc in a relevant subject area, applicants with a First-Class Honours degree may also be considered. Location: Huddersfield/Online Funding: Fee waiver Duration: 3 years full-time / 6 years part-time Application Details To apply please submit the documents listed below to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk in full by Friday 30 th October 2026 , including the following documents: A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for. A 2,000-word research proposal outlining how you plan to undertake for the research topic you are applying for. For further guidance on writing a research proposal, please refer to the following webpage: https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/writing-a-research-proposal/ Full CV Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications. Provide references from two individuals – (at least one to be an academic reference) please contact your referees and ask them to send your references directly to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk from their work email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by Friday 6 th November 2026). Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page Please state the research topic number and title in the subject area of the email Please email pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Research areas