Our department actively participates in a number of NIH and industry-sponsored clinical trials, with major emphasis on trials related to retinal diseases. In addition, we have several ongoing IRB approved clinical trials within the department and in collaboration with other departments that are relevant to everyday clinical practice. There is lot of emphasis on being at the forefront of technological advances made in the field of diagnostic ocular imaging. As a result of our commitment, we have been recognized as a major site for developing clinical applications of advanced imaging modalities by industry leaders such as Heidelberg Engineering, Zeiss Inc. and Volk Opticals.

NIH-sponsored clinical trials

Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research (DRCR)

The DRCR Network is a collaborative network funded by National Eye Institute (NEI), dedicated to facilitating multicenter clinical research of diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema and associated conditions.

Website: http://drcrnet.jaeb.org/ViewPage.aspx?PageName=Home_Page

We joined the DRCR network in the year 2007 and to date, we have over 175 patients enrolled and actively participating in the various study protocols. In the year 2009, we were recognized as the top performing clinical site out of the 200 certified sites in the DRCR network. Dr. Chalam, who is the Chairman of the department also serves as one of the members on the DRCR Executive Committee. The DRCR protocols we are actively involved in are as follows:

• Intravitreal Ranibizumab or Triamcinolone Acetonide in Combination with Laser Photocoagulation for Diabetic Macular Edema - Ongoing study: enrollment complete
• Intravitreal Ranibizumab or Triamcinolone Acetonide as Adjunctive Treatment to Panretinal Photocoagulation for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy - Ongoing study: enrollment complete

Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2)

This is a NEI-sponsored Phase III study designed to assess the effects of oral supplements of high doses of macular xanthophylls (lutein and zeaxanthin) and omega-3 LCPUFAs (DHA & EPA) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the development of advanced AMD. - Ongoing study: enrollment complete

Sponsor Website: https://www.nei.nih.gov
Principal Investigator: Sandeep Grover, M.D.

Industry-Sponsored Clinical Trials

A Phase II Study of Implants of Encapsulated Human NTC-201 Cells Releasing Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) in Participants with Retinitis Pigmentosa

This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) implants on visual function in people with retinitis pigmentosa. Status: Follow up - Complete - Closed

Sponsor: Neurotech USA
Principal Investigator: Sandeep Grover, M.D.

IRB-Sponsored Department Trials

To view our active trials sponsored by the UF Institutional Review Board, please visit our clinical trials page.