- SF15, Peninsula Allied Health Centre, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
- +44 1752 588886
- hetal.buckhurst@plymouth.ac.uk

Profiles
Dr Hetal Buckhurst
Associate Professor in Optometry
School of Health Professions (Faculty of Health)
- Optometry
- Corneal biomechanics
- Scleral biomechanics
- Myopia
- Tonometry
Email publicrelations@plymouth.ac.uk to enquire.
Biography
Biography
Qualifications
Dr Hetal Buckhurst graduated in Optometry from Aston University in 2004. After completing her pre-registration year in 2005, she continued to work in optometric practice for a further 2 years. Following this, Hetal took up the role of a Clinical Demonstrator at Aston University in 2008. In 2010 she completed her PhD investigating scleral and ocular rigidity in humans and its possible links with myopia and other pathologies. After the PhD, Hetal acted as a temporary module leader for the Clinical Optometry module for the first year Optometry program at Aston University. In July 2011, Hetal joined Plymouth University to set up a new BSc Optometry course. In addition to developing the undergraduate programme, Hetal is actively involved in research relating to anterior segment biomechanics and myopia
Professional membership
General Optical Council (GOC) College of Optometrists (MCOptom) Association of Optometrists (AOP) Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Teaching
Teaching
Teaching interests
Module lead:
Staff serving as external examiners
University of Central Lancashire (2019-present)
Research
Research
Research interests
- Biomechanics of the anterior segment of the eye
- Myopia
- Ophthalmic instrumentation
Research degrees awarded to supervised students
PhD Supervision
2012 - 2015 Dr Catriona Hamer PhD (Co-supervisor) Thesis title: Analysis and correction of corneal astigmatism in modern pseudophakia
2013 - 2017 Dr Daniela Oehring PhD (Director of Studies) Thesis title: Ocular biomechanics of the anterior segment
2013 - 2017 Dr Nicola Szostek PhD (Co-supervisor) Thesis title: Assessment of ocular accommodation in humans
2014 - 2018 Dr Afzam Shah PhD (Director of Studies) Thesis: An investigation of computer vision syndrome with smart devices
2014 - Present Elizabeth Law PhD(Co-supervisor) – Part timeGrants & contracts
Investigators | Title | Start date | Sponsor | Funding amount |
Dr H Buckhurst | Biomechanics of the para-central cornea in orthokeratology | October 2014 | College of Optometrists | £28,079 |
Dr H Buckhurst | Regional variation in the biomechanical properties of the anterior surface of the eye | April 2014 | Plymouth University | £60,000 |
Dr P Buckhurst Dr H Buckhurst | Anterior eye imaging: Assessment of a microincision IOL and aspheric toric IOL | October 2014 | Bausch and Lomb | £93,600 |
Dr P Buckhurst Dr H Buckhurst | A randomised intra-patient comparison of closed loop and plate haptic toric, aspheric, aberration neutral, hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses in patients with bilateral astigmatism | February 2015 | Rayner | £9,450 |
Dr P Buckhurst Dr H Buckhurst Dr P Hewson Dr M Craven
| Clinical Assessment of the WIOL-CF | May 2015 | Medicem | £14,000 |
Dr P Buckhurst Dr H Buckhurst Dr P Hewson | Assessment of the Harmoni Modular IOL | August 2015 | Clarvista Medical | £96,312 |
Dr P Buckhurst Dr H Buckhurst | Anterior eye imaging: Assessment of an aspheric toric IOL | October 2015 | Bausch and Lomb | £98,600 |
Dr P Buckhurst Dr H Buckhurst Dr P Hewson Dr M Craven | Clincal assessment of a modular aspheric IOL | September 2015 | Clarvista Medical | £96,312 |
Dr P Buckhurst Dr H Buckhurst | Evaluation of a micro-incision IOL | November 2017 | Bausch and Lomb | £15,000 |
Dr P Buckhurst Dr H Buckhurst | Randomised clinical investigatorion on the Bi-flex M intraocular lens | November 2017 | Medicontur | £20,000 |
Publications
Publications
Key publications
Key publications are highlighted
JournalsPersonal
Personal
Other academic activities
Journal manuscript reviewer for Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Clinical and Experimental Optometry, Clinical Ophthalmology and Contact Lens and Anterior Eye