If you are interested in undertaking a PhD, please contact me by emailing [email protected]

Dr Daniela Oehring is an Associate Professor and Research Scientist at the University of Plymouth, specialising in Ophthalmic Research and Vision Science. With nearly 20 years of international experience in health and medical research, she gained expertise across charity, corporate, and academic sectors from Africa to the UK. As a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society and the Higher Education Academy, Dr Oehring champions ethical practices in medical research, reflecting her commitment as a member of the Committee for Publication Ethics and a trustee of the European Academy of Optometry & Optics.

Her dedication extends to healthcare advocacy, where she trains as a lawyer specialising in health and medical research ethics. Dr Oehring’s passion for advancing eye care is evident in her innovative research projects.

Current roles and responsibilities:

• Chair of the Faculty of Health Research Ethics and Integrity Committee
• UoP Senate Member
• Co-Chair Athena Swan (SoHP)
• Faculty Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Representative (FEDIC)
• Member of the Committee for Decolonisation of the Curriculum
• Lead of Mental Health and Wellbeing Group (SoHP)
• International Exchange Coordinator for the Optometry Programme

Current Projects:

• Open Science Forum Projects 

Space Medicine and Bioastronautics: Collaboration on projects like the CAMões mission and studies focusing on Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS). These studies examine the impact of space conditions on astronaut health, specifically brain and ocular health, to inform future space missions (see more information on the space medicine project).

Biomechanical Characteristics of Scleral Tissue: This project investigates the biomechanical properties of scleral tissue under controlled load. The research aims to establish pathways to controlling scleral tissue growth under stress and explore new therapeutic strategies for preventing myopia and other ocular pathologies.

• We are currently recruiting PhD students for this project (see more information here).

Designing Inclusive Landscape Structures for Myopic and Low-Vision Children: This initiative seeks to create educational environments tailored for children with myopia and low vision, ensuring their educational spaces are accessible and conducive to learning (see more information here).

Developing Core Outcome Measures for Crosslinking Procedures: As part of the UKRI UK-South Korean Partnership, this project aims to standardise the evaluation of corneal crosslinking procedures, which are vital in halting the progression of keratoconus. The research intends to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes by establishing core outcome measures.

• Protocol: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/QBGVA 

Inclusive Vision: This project addresses the neglected eye and vision care area for homeless and other hard-to-reach populations in the UK. It aims to define and triage eye and vision care needs, integrating these findings into educational programs to influence future healthcare professional training.

• Updates: As part of the Exchange Knowledge programme funded by the Burdett Fund for Nurses, the team developed an online webinar to support healthcare workers in providing high-quality care to people experiencing homelessness with diabetes.

• World Council of Optometry (WCO)
• Member of the Committee for Publication Ethics (COPE, www.publicationethics.com)
• International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE)
• British University and College Contact Lens Educators (BUCCLE)
• Crosslinking Consortium UK
• The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
• European Academy of Optometry (EAOO)
• Vereinigung Deutscher Contactlinsen-Spezialisten und Optometristen (VDCO)
• Wissenschaftlichen Vereinigung für Augenoptik und Optometrie (WVAO)

• European Academy of Optometry and Optics:Board of Trustees
• Optometry & Contact Lens Journal:Scientific Editor Board member
• Portuguese Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES)

I have supervised multiple B.Sc. and M.Sc. students as first supervisor and Ph.D. students in a team. Eight students presented on international conferences, one student won the Cooper Vision Summer Summit (2014), and one student was awarded the AOO student travel grant (2015). 

Current:

2024-2026: MD - Sen Jon, Evaluating Approaches to Monitor Brain in Space: Mitigating Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome; Supervisor Team: Mona, Nasser, Daniela Oehring, Stephen Hall

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Qualitative and Quantitative Statistics
• Research Ethics and Governance
• Public Health 
• Ocular Epidemiology

• Certified Marine Mammal Medic (British Divers Marine Life Rescue)
• SSI Diver