Clinical Trials
Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group has participated in clinical research for over 15 years and is committed to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for retinal disease. All of our physicians participate in clinical trials, giving patients unique and easy access to the latest developments in treatments of vitreoretinal diseases. We are committed to bettering the quality, efficacy and ease of treatment for our patients.
Participants in clinical trials play an active role in the development of healthcare, and may gain access to new treatments before they are widely available. Patients who have exhausted standard (approved) treatment options may find relief by participation in clinical trials. In turn, they are helping others by contributing to medical research.
Diseases often under study include:
- Wet AMD: Treatment naïve patients, patients who have received treatment, and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
- Dry AMD: Geographic Atrophy
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
- Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Retinal Detachment
- Uveitis
- Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
- Optic Atrophy
- Vitreomacular Traction
Our clinical trials department can be contacted directly at (310) 289-2478 [option 3].
Why are these clinical trials being done?
Many of the conditions we encounter and treat have approved and effective treatments. Most people respond well to these treatments, but not all may feel benefits from the standard of care treatments. For other conditions, treatment has not yet been FDA-approved, and may not be available. Some treatments may have been approved already, but there may not be an established regimen for providing treatment. At Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group, we want to provide you the best care possible, and this may include participating in well-designed clinical trials to open your treatment options and to advance medical care.
At Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group, please feel free to ask your physician at your next appointment to see if there are any clinical trials being held for your condition.
Your first visit as a clinical trials patient may last an average of 3 to 4 hours, where our certified Clinical Trials technicians will perform several exams. These specific exams include, but are not limited to, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography and color fundus photography. Your eyes will be dilated in-clinic prior to these procedures and they will stay dilated for about 4-6 hours after the drops are administered. Once the study-specific diagnostic exams are complete, you will see the physician for an eye examination. Due to the use of dilation drops, we advise our patients to have a friend or family member provide transportation to clinic visits.
For your first visit, please remember to bring the following:
1. List of medications you are currently taking (including injections, eye drops, vitamins and supplements)
For each medication, please write
a.
What is the dose of the medication/vitamin?
b.
How many times a day do you take the medication/vitamin?
c.
When did you start the medication/vitamin?
d.
What condition is the medication/vitamin for?
Also, please BRING these medications with you to your first study visit.
2. List of current medical conditions you may have (for example, hypertension, diabetes, headaches etc.)
For each condition, please write
a.
When did you first experience this condition (e.g. chronic headaches), or when did your doctor first tell
you that you had the condition (e.g. for diabetes).
3. List of past surgeries you have had (for example hysterectomy, hip replacement surgery etc.), and when these surgeries occurred.