Discover the Research Shaping Vision Science
The Master of Science in Vision Science program at Marshall B. Ketchum University's Southern California College of Optometry prepares optometrists to become leaders in research, academia, and industry. One of the cornerstones of our program is the thesis project—an opportunity for students to conduct original research that advances the field of vision science.
Why Review Alumni Thesis Projects?
If you're considering applying to our MS program, exploring past thesis projects can give you valuable insight into:
- The breadth and depth of research opportunities available
- The types of questions our students investigate
- The real-world applications of vision science research
- The quality and rigor of work produced by our graduates
- Potential areas where you might focus your own research interests
Our alumni have conducted groundbreaking research across diverse areas of vision science, from clinical investigations to basic science studies, contributing new knowledge that impacts patient care, and industry innovation. Here are the titles of past projects:
Year |
Full Title |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Mesopic Visual Acuity: Determinants, Repeatability, and Recommendations for Testing Standardization |
| 2014 | Test Efficacy of the Fluorescein Breakup Time Test in Dry Eye Diagnosis |
| 2015 | Preservative, pH, and Viscosity Effects on Human Barrier Function |
| 2016 | The Impact of Convergence Insufficiency on Reading Rate and Accuracy |
| 2016 | Surround Propinquity and Tonic Accommodation |
| 2016 | The Association Between Macular Pigment Optical Density, Iris Color, and Hue Discrimination |
| 2017 | Anisometropia and Accommodation: Patterns of Accommodation in Conflicting Stimuli |
| 2017 | Objective Measurement of Changes in Accommodative Dynamics Throughout Facility Treatment: A Dose-Response Relationship |
| 2017 | The Sensitivity and Specificity of Diagnostic Tests for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction |
| 2018 | Symptoms and Vergence in Presbyopia |
| 2018 | The Effect of Swimming Goggles on Meibomian Glands |
| 2019 | Investigation of Multi-Notch Filtering for the Management of Inherited Color Vision Deficiencies |
| 2020 | The Effect of Marginal Eyeliner Use on Tears and Meibomian Gland Function |
| 2021 | Visual Factors in Attention and Reading |
| 2021 | Fixation Stability in Early and Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients |
| 2021 | The Relationship Between Saccades and Dark Adaptation in Early to Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) |
| 2021 | An Investigation Into Possible Perceptual Learning in the Lanthony D15 Color Vision Test |
| 2021 | Effects of Blur on Sight-Reading for Pianists |
| 2022 | Effect of Changes in Neck Posture on Ocular Accommodation |
| 2022 | Diagnostic Ability of Common Stereoacuity Tests on Artificially Stereoblind Adults |
| 2023 | The Effect of Test Time on the Farnsworth D15 Test in Patients With Color Vision Deficiency |
| 2023 | Correlation of Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity with Cone Function in Patients With Different Genotypes of Retinitis Pigmentosa |
| 2024 | An Investigation Into Possible Improvement of Performance in the Lanthony D15 Color Vision Test With Intentional Practice |
| 2024 | A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Topical Androgen Treatment in Dry Eye |
| 2024 | Comparison of Standard Clinical Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity Tests With the Konan ColorDX Test Under Photopic, Mesopic, and Defocus Test Conditions |
| 2024 | Evaluation of Keratoconus and Its Impact on Vision-Related Quality of Life |
| 2025 | Validity Evidenced Research on the Primary Mental Abilities Test as a Potential Mental Rotation Test for Children |
About the MS in Vision Science Program
With the growing number of optometry programs in the United States, there's an increasing demand for qualified academics in the field. Our MS degree program equips optometrists with skills for multiple career paths:
- Teaching in Optometry Schools: Gain additional academic credentials and skills that help you standout for faculty positions as well as experiences not typically available through professional optometry school or residency programs alone.
- Conducting Vision Science Research: Pursue clinical or basic research in optometry schools, medical schools, industry settings, or private practice environments.
- Advancing Industry Innovation: Work with pharmaceutical and contact lens companies developing the next generation of optometric technologies and treatments.
- Leading Private Practice Research: Participate in multi-center clinical studies, contributing to evidence-based optometry while maintaining your practice.
Access Full Thesis Projects
Ready to explore the innovative work of our alumni? Visit the MBKU Library to access complete thesis projects from our graduates.
The library's collection showcases the diverse research interests and rigorous scholarship that define our program. Whether you're interested in ocular disease, visual perception, contact lens technology, pediatric vision, or any other aspect of vision science, you'll find examples of high-quality research that can inspire your own academic journey.
Start Your Research Journey
There is both opportunity and great need for new knowledge in vision sciences, teaching, and research. If you have a background in research and want to continue this work as an optometrist or scientist, we invite you to explore what's possible in our MS in Vision Science program.
Learn more about applying to the MS in Vision Science program