Research

We will test a screen overlay which fits on top of mobile phones in order to eliminate the need for reading spectacles. We want to know how well it performs. We want people in the age range 50-65 years with good distance vision without spectacles, but who have trouble with close work unless they use their spectacles. Reimbursement will be a $50 gift card for screening only, and this will be increased if suitable for the experiment to $100 gift cards on full testing.

Participant Information

Lead researcher: David Atchison

Project end date: 30 June 2026

Chronic low back pain (LBP) has a significant socioeconomic burden. Despite its high prevalence, the mechanisms underpinning why pain persists in some individuals but not others are poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the association between interoception and LBP to reveal critical insights into whether Interoception could be a candidate mechanism involved in the development and maintenance of chronic LBP.

Participant Information

Lead researcher: Simon Sumers

Project end date: 01 September 2026

This study aims to evaluate factors that may be associated with eye growth and change in refractive error over twelve (12) months in children with ‘pre-myopia’ (i.e., those without myopia who are at high risk of myopia based on their age and refractive error). Enrolled children would attend three (3) visits to the Optometry and Vision Science research laboratories in Kelvin Grove, O Block at 6 month intervals (0, 6, and 12 months) for a series of eye and vision measurements. Children will be recruited if they are aged between 6 and 12 years (inclusive) and their refractive error indicates that they may have pre-myopia.

Participant Information

Lead researcher:  Dr Rohan Hughes

Project end date: 31 May 2027

This clinical research study investigates how customised scleral contact lenses affect visual performance in individuals with keratoconus. We are recruiting participants aged 18–40 years, including both individuals with keratoconus and those with healthy eyes.

The study involves two visits at QUT Kelvin Grove Campus: a baseline eye assessment (~2 hours) and a follow-up session (~4 hours). Keratoconus participants will be fitted with trial scleral lenses during the first visit and with customised scleral lenses during the second visit. Participants will receive a $50 gift voucher per visit.

Participant Information

Lead researcher:  Professor David Atchison

Project end date: 6 July 2027

This study aims to explore how people form beliefs about health interventions and treatments. Researchers are developing a new questionnaire designed to better understand how factors such as communication, treatment presentation, practitioner interactions, and previous experiences may influence beliefs about healthcare interventions.

Participants will complete a one-on-one cognitive interview. Findings will be used to improve the clarity, relevance, and applicability of the questionnaire across health contexts.

Participants may be eligible if they are aged 18 years or older and are currently receiving, or have recently received (past 2 months), a health intervention or treatment.

Reimbursement will be provided as a $50 gift card for participation.

Participant Information

Lead researcher:  David Holt

Project end date: 1 July 2026