In various embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for locating an eye of an occupant of a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, a system is provided that includes: (i) a camera configured to generate a camera image of an occupant for a vehicle; and (ii) a processor coupled to the camera and configured to at least facilitate: (a) performing one or more Fourier transforms of the camera image; and (b) identifying a location for an eye of the occupant of the vehicle, using a phase model generated via the one or more Fourier transforms.