My research involves studies designed to further our understanding of how the brain transforms a sensory input into a co-ordinated motor output. More specifically, my research centres on the human eye-movement system: 

The aim of this work is to further our understanding of how the network of cortical and sub-cortical brain regions control the shifts of gaze and attention that are involved in the process of visual cognition. 

I am also involved in research projects that use eye movement recording to evaluate the reading performance of individuals with a loss of central vision (Age-related Macular Degeneration) and am exploring the use of developing an iPad App (The MD Reader) to improve reading in people with macular disease.

The MDReader

An iPad App to aid reading in people with Macular Disease

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in the developing world with more than 34,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK each year.  Macular degeneration (MD) affects the central part of the retina (fovea) resulting in serious impairments on a wide range of tasks such as reading with profound consequences for quality of life.  Individuals with MD can, however, make use of their preserved peripheral vision using a technique known as eccentric viewing (EV).  Reading with eccentric viewing is difficult and requires practice. 

This project, funded by the RHUL Gateway innovation fund, has enabled us to develop an app for the iPad (The MD Reader) that enables font from sources such as eBooks to be presented in large font (including on digital TV screens) while scrolling across the screen.  Scrolling can be controlled, using a track-pad, allowing speed and direction of text to be changed as required.  The use of scrolling text is designed to reduce the natural tendency to make eye movements (normally made to enable each word to be fixated) to enhance the use of eccentric viewing.  The app will be evaluated, with the support of volunteers from the Macular Disease Society.