Role Title: Genetics and Epidemiology Research Intern
Organisation: Lions Eye Institute
Internship Period: Summer (November - December)
Location: Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands
Myopia (short-sightedness) is a common refractive error in children that can lead to long-term vision problems. Myopia control interventions such as low-dose atropine, orthokeratology, and specialized spectacle lenses, can slow progression but show variable effectiveness. Evidence suggests that behavioural factors, such as time spent outdoors and near work (reading, screens), may influence treatment efficacy. Genetic predisposition may also play a role.
The intern will support the study team by contributing to data management, preliminary analysis, and project support, with the following objectives:
- Summarise participant behavioural data (outdoor and near work time).
- Assist with data cleaning and quality control for clinical and survey data.
- Support the light meter sub-study by managing and aligning objective light exposure data with survey data.
- Conduct preliminary descriptive analyses to explore relationships between behaviours and myopia progression.
- Assist with literature review and preparation of internal reports or visualisations.
The Lions Eye Institute (LEI) is a not-for-profit centre of excellence that combines world class scientific research into the prevention of blindness with the highest level of eye care delivery. Our activities are underpinned by a continuous improvement program and worldwide collaborative research as we strive to achieve our Vision – To prevent and cure blindness and eye disease.