Clinical Trials in the University of Louisville Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

Advancing Our Understanding of Eye Diseases and How to Treat Them

Clinical trials in the University of Louisville Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences are offering patients and doctors the opportunity to participate in potentially groundbreaking therapies and procedures and advance the field of ophthalmological research. We’re assessing new drugs for approval. Evaluating new instruments and techniques. We’re doing the clinical trials that will change the way doctors view and treat eye diseases in the future.

The University of Louisville’s status as an academic medical center means we are commonly involved in multi-center clinical trials often sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. The Department of Ophthalmology’s specialized equipment and photographic capabilities give us the resources to participate in difficult trials that require very high technical evaluation.

We are always looking for the help of volunteer patients interested in advancing the understanding of eye diseases. The department regularly has several trials in progress.

Understanding Clinical Trials
Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important decision. It’s always helpful to discuss your potential participation with your physician, family members, and friends to determine what is right for you.

Clinical trials can be the best way for participants to:

• Actively play a role in the healthcare they receive
• Take part in the latest research treatments before they are widely available to other patients
• Contribute to medical research that may help others

Too often, the myths about clinical trials get more attention than the facts. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions:

• Clinical trials are not just an option used as a last resort
• Trial participants are not “guinea pigs” for testing drugs
• Clinical trials are not just for sick patients—they’re for healthy patients, too

It’s important to note that the ethical and legal codes that apply to medical practice apply to clinical trials as well. Also, clinical trials in the University of Louisville Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences are carefully regulated with built in safeguards to protect participants.

If you have further questions about clinical trials, please visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. There you’ll find extensive information about the clinical trials process, including more on the benefits and potential risks.