Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre
We are a multidisciplinary research group based in the heart of Cambridge at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). As clinicians in the sensory sciences of vision and hearing, we conduct internationally-recognised fundamental and translational research to improve health, performance and wellbeing.
We benefit from world-class facilities, including dedicated research space within Compass House and the University Eye Clinic.
Our team
The VHSRC comprises 13 academic researchers and 10 postgraduate students within the School of Psychology, Sport and Sensory Sciences. We are qualified clinicians (optometrists, dispensing opticians, audiologists and orthoptists) who contribute to Sensory Sciences courses.
We collaborate with the Vision and Eye Research Institute, and other internal and external partners.
If you would like to find out more about the VHSRC or discuss research opportunities, contact our centre Directors of Research, Prof Kez Latham and Prof Peter Allen.
Our research hubs
Anterior eye and contact lenses
Hub lead: Dr Marta Vianya-Estopa
Areas of interest include: anterior eye evaluation, evidence-based contact lens practice, and pedagogical research.
Key facilities: Antares Plus corneal topographer and video slit lamp.
Applied hearing
Hub lead: Dr Saima Rajasingam
Areas of interest include: improving the uptake of hearing care including the use of ‘hearables’, improving understanding of and interventions for tinnitus, and dual sensory impairment.
Key facilities: audiometric test booth constructed to meet audiological test requirements (including wall and roof panel, structurally isolated floors, acoustic doors and acoustic windows).
Low vision
Hub lead: Prof Kez Latham
Areas of interest include: assessment of visual function, relationships between visual function and functional vision, and interventions to support people with vision impairment.
Key facilities: general optometric research facilities including reading and contrast sensitivity assessment, Octopus and HFA3 perimeters, and optical low vision devices.
Visual function and clinical communication
Hub lead: Prof Peter Allen
Areas of interest include: sports classification for visually impaired athletes, the impact of visual factors (including hand/eye dominance) on elite sport, and communication within clinical settings.
Key facilities: general optometric research facilities including refractive equipment, HFA3 perimeter, and colourimeter.
Visual perception and paediatrics
Hub lead: Dr Monika Formankiewicz
Areas of interest include: mechanisms of spatial, binocular and colour vision perception and eye movements in normal, developing and anomalous visual systems.
Key facilities: EyeLink 1000 eye tracker, a ViSaGe stimulus generator and calibrated monitors.