[1][3] Van Heyningen began doctoral studies under the mentorship of biochemists Robin Hill and Malcolm Dixon.
[1] However, due to the classified nature of her work (it was on the effect of poison gases on metabolically important enzymes, and this was during World War II), she was unable to publish her research and complete her degree.
[1][3][4] She and her family moved to London, where she took a job at the Lister Institute, researching blood group antigens.
[1] Shortly thereafter, van Heyningen began working on a DPhil in the anatomy department, under the supervision of Joseph Weiner.
[3][4] In 1976, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology presented her with its Proctor Medal, citing her "important contributions to our understanding of the lens and cataract".