Recruiting for three PhD positions in the “Virtual Reality for enhanced Visual Rehabilitation” (VR4eVR) project

We refer to the specific vacancy descriptions for further details on each of the projects as well as the recruitment procedure:

• PhD in VR-based vision assessment and visual impairment simulation
  This project will predominantly be carried out at the Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology of the University Medical Center Groningen. It will focus on implementing vision assessments (such as visual acuity and visual field integrity) in the VR environment. One of the objectives of this project is to develop a VR-based solution that can demonstrate the consequences of the HH patients’ vision impairment to their relatives in a simulation mode. Note: this position may also be available as a postdoc position, pending permission by NWO. If you want to apply for it as a postdoc, please indicate so at the top of your letter.
• PhD in assessment of health-related quality of life
  This project will be carried out at the Healthy Ageing Allied Healthy Care and Nursing group at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences and the Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology at the University Medical Center Groningen. The project will focus on developing a set of assessments to measure health-related quality of life and healthy living. The project will make use of existing field labs for the evaluation of the VR-based at-home training solution.
• PhD in Visual Analytics
  This project will be carried out at the Visualization and Graphics group at Utrecht University and aims at developing a visual analytic solution for exploring complex data from the VR vision training (such as eye-tracking data, task progress, success rates) that allows therapists to monitor and adjust the vision training.

Homonymous hemianopia (HH) is blindness in one half of the visual field of both eyes and affects half of visually impaired stroke survivors. Individuals with HH often face difficulties in daily activities, impacting their participation in society, independence, health, and quality of life. Fortunately, training can help compensate for HH or even partly recover sight. However, such training is often inaccessible due to long waiting lists and the need to visit specific rehabilitation centers, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues or those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Additionally, the required intensive professional involvement results in high healthcare costs and is increasingly difficult to provide due to a shortage of healthcare professionals and a growing number of patients. Moreover, not all patients respond equally well to the training.

The VR4eVR project aims to make vision training more accessible and effective, particularly through the use of virtual reality (VR), and to understand how vision training can lead to healthier living.

The project, supported by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and the Visio Foundation, is a collaboration between the UMCG, Royal Visio, the RUG, the UU, the UT and a large number of additional partners.

During the VR4eVR project, we will develop and test a VR-based at-home training solution with remote monitoring to make training more accessible and effective. We will assess the effectiveness of the training in terms of improvements in visual function and functional vision, as well as tracking physical health and mobility parameters. Offering the training in VR can reduce the training load by making it self-paced and more engaging for patients. We expect that at-home vision assessments will reduce the number of required visits to rehabilitation centers, thereby increasing training accessibility and reducing health inequalities by making therapy available to all, including low social-economic-status groups. Additionally, we expect that the professional load and healthcare costs related to HH therapy will decrease.

By disseminating the knowledge gained during VR4eVR to rehabilitation professionals, HH patients, and their families/caregivers, we aim to increase awareness about treatment options and enhance the support provided to HH patients. We will organize field labs to bring together scientists, engineers, HH patients, and rehabilitation professionals, ensuring that our developed solution is optimally suited for deployment in visual rehabilitation.