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

We are offering research internships in our cell and tissue lab. Please contact me by emailing [email protected] to inquire about available spaces.

My research group is equipped to conduct in vitro ocular safety testing using ex vivo porcine and bovine eye models. We routinely perform corneal opacity and permeability (COP) assays, including those aligned with OECD Test Guideline 437 (BCOP), to assess the potential irritancy and barrier-disrupting effects of topical compounds. Our laboratory has the necessary instrumentation and expertise to support both standard toxicological assessments and exploratory endpoints such as cytokine release profiling. We welcome enquiries from academic, clinical, and industry collaborators interested in applying these methods for the evaluation of novel therapeutics, antimicrobials, or ophthalmic formulations. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss potential collaborations or assay development.

Dr Daniela Oehring is an expert in vision systems and translational science at the University of Plymouth, where she leads cross-disciplinary research programmes that integrate ocular biomechanics, statistical modelling, and health research law. With over 15 years of experience across academia, health policy, research governance, and international development, she brings a systems-level approach to innovation in biomedical science.

A Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society and the Higher Education Academy, she serves as Chair of the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Plymouth, a trustee of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics. She is a trained statistician and data scientist, optometrist and currently trains as a lawyer for IP and data protection as well as research ethics and medical law. 

Current roles and responsibilities:

• Chair of the Faculty of Health Research Ethics and Integrity Committee
• Senate Member
• 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)
• 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)

Since 2007, I have supervised (first and co-supervised) over 100 students. Current postgraduate supervision:

2026-2030: PhD - TBC; (SWBio DTP) Population shape, microstructure and mechanics: towards personalised eye models; Supervisor team: Daniela Oehring, Craige Boote, Adam Kyte, Keith Meek

2025-2027: MSc - Marvellous Emete; Optimising Disinfection in Ophthalmology; Supervisor team: Daniela Oehring, Tina Joshi

2024-2028: PhD - Maryam Mohammadzadeh; Mechanotransduction in scleral growth; Supervisor Team: Daniela Oehring, Adam Kyte, Torsten Bossing, Konstantin Glebov, Matt Jones

2024-2025: PhD - Hamid Sadri - Designing and implementing methods for assessing the economic analysis of select medical technologies in the Canadian Health System; Supervisor Team: Mona Nasser, Zhou Yang, Richard Byng, Daniela Oehring

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

2024-2025: MSc - Jun Kioh; The Role of Powered Over-ground Exoskeletons in Improving Gait Performance Among Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review

• Healthcare Regulation and Medical Law
• Legal Epidemiology
• Global & Public Health 
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Qualitative and Quantitative Statistics
• Research Ethics and Governance
• Ocular Epidemiology

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