Eye Research: How Do I Get Involved?

So much health news coverage is devoted to the outcomes of clinical research studies. It is always exciting to learn about medical breakthroughs, but where did the researchers find the patients?

Are you thinking about enrolling in a clinical trial? Perhaps you are a healthy volunteer, a good citizen. Maybe you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration or optic neuritis. Will study participation get you any closer to a cure? Statistically, the brutal answer is "not likely" but your participation will advance scientific knowledge and that is what good research is all about.

Your local eye doctor is the logical first step to inquire about enrolling in a clinical study. Make sure the study conforms to all of the ethical guidelines relating to human investigational studies. Ask the doctor if they have any financial involvement in the project - the answer may surprise you!

You can also explore the online database of available clinical research studies that are approved by the National Eye Institute. Click here to see what types of vision problems are currently being studied.

New discoveries in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders depend on the generosity of research volunteers. Interested?

Related Topics: Clinical Trials: Cutting-Edge Care, Americans Want More Medical Research

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