Every day, researchers across the UK are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in restoring and protecting sight. Their work is not just about science—it’s about transforming lives. From developing new treatments to preventing avoidable blindness, vision loss research combines innovation, compassion, and determination in equal measure. Among these dedicated scientists is AJ Boyland, a PhD student whose passion and curiosity are helping illuminate new ways to treat sight-threatening infections.
What's AJ's PhD working on?
Deep in the heart of the Institute for Regeneration and Repair at the University of Edinburgh, PhD student AJ Boyland is helping to pioneer new treatments for microbial keratitis—a painful and sight-threatening infection of the cornea. Working under the guidance of Dr. Beth Mills within the Centre for Inflammation Research, AJ’s project focuses on exploring light-mediated approaches, such as Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), to combat bacteria and fungi that attack the eye.
Microbial keratitis can occur when bacteria or fungi penetrate the cornea, often through contact lens misuse in colder climates or agricultural injuries in warmer regions. The resulting infection can trigger a severe inflammatory response—something that’s manageable on your skin, but devastating when it happens in your eye. The inflammation can cause scarring and, ultimately, vision loss.
AJ’s work aims to understand how these new treatments interact with the host, and if it can be used safely and effectively. “It’s a really delicate balancing act,” AJ explains. “You can kill bacteria—that’s great—but your eye isn’t a petri dish. You need to make sure the immune response doesn’t cause more swelling or scarring.”
This careful blend of biology, physics, and medicine makes the work uniquely interdisciplinary. “I get to collaborate with chemists, physicists, and clinicians,” AJ says with enthusiasm. “It’s really interesting—and really cool!”
How did AJ get into vision loss research?
AJ’s path to vision loss research began with a spark of curiosity during an undergraduate degree, where two internships opened unexpected doors. One involved studying tuberculosis in cattle, with a PhD student in the group using optical imaging to diagnose infections through the eye. The proximity to that project revealed the incredible diagnostic potential of ophthalmology—and ignited a fascination.
“I remember learning that you can diagnose things like dementia from a picture of the back of someone’s eye,” AJ recalls. “That blew my mind.”
Later, when Dr. Beth Mills came to give a lecture about vision research, AJ knew this was the field to pursue. “I ended up cornering her after class,” AJ laughs. “There were so many things I thought were really interesting. This was a brand new avenue for treatment—something that doesn’t happen often in infectious disease research.”
For AJ, it wasn’t just about scientific discovery—it was about making a tangible difference. “A lot of research has a long way to go to make real-world impact ,” AJ says. “This project felt different. I could be contributing to helping someone get their vision back. That’s awesome.”
“I remember learning that you can diagnose things like dementia from a picture of the back of someone’s eye,” AJ recalls. “That blew my mind.”
What’s a typical day like for a vision loss researcher like AJ?
AJ’s workday starts early in the lab, where bacteria or fungi have been grown overnight to prepare for testing. “In the morning, I’ll take a small amount of that culture and put it into fresh media so it grows better,” AJ explains. “After a couple of hours, I’ll wash the samples and set them up for Photodynamic Therapy.”
PDT involves applying a light-sensitive drug to the infected cells and then exposing them to light to activate the treatment. After an hour, AJ plates the samples to see how much of the bacteria or fungi have been killed. “Hopefully, it’s done really well!” AJ laughs. “We’ve got some really interesting things coming up , such as testing on human cells and eventually pig eyes.”
It’s a rhythm of careful experimentation, observation, and excitement for what might come next. Each day brings new data and new possibilities—tiny steps that could one day lead to major advances in eye care. “Eventually, we hope this can be used in patients,” AJ says. “That’s the dream.”
What advice would AJ give to anyone considering a career in vision loss research?
For anyone drawn to this field, AJ’s message is clear: go for it.
“Optical research is incredibly rewarding,” AJ says. “It’s one of the few areas where you can visibly see the impact of your work—literally. It’s such a small field right now, which means there’s a huge potential to make a name for yourself, to make real progress, and to help people.”
AJ also reminds us that sight loss is something that touches nearly everyone. “The older you get, the more likely you are to experience some form of vision loss,” AJ explains. “So this isn’t just research for others—it’s research that protects your community, your family, and even yourself.”
“The older you get, the more likely you are to experience some form of vision loss,” AJ explains. “So this isn’t just research for others—it’s research that protects your community, your family, and even yourself.”
A light-filled future
For AJ, pursuing a PhD in vision loss research has been nothing short of life-changing. “Getting this PhD has quite literally changed my life,” AJ reflects. “It’s set me on a path where I can tangibly help people. If we can get this to work, it will have a direct impact on treatments for patients in the future.”
Funded by Fight for Sight, AJ’s work stands as a testament to what’s possible when science, passion, and purpose come together. “This was my hope and dream,” AJ says simply. “To be part of something that helps people—even just a little bit—is everything I ever wanted.”
Help us fund incredible people like AJ, and the work they’re doing to Save Sight. Change Lives. You can donate, volunteer or take part in a challenge event to be part of the Fight for Sight.
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