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+ Larger Font / - Smaller Font Research Questions and Answers: 1. Why should I become involved in a research study? The benefits are many. Advances in treatment cannot be made without people wanting to become involved with research. Within the last five years, many new treatments have been created that have helped many individuals to maintain their sight. Research takes many steps before it's available on the market. Each step is thoroughly researched and approved by qualified individuals. Before a medication can be tested on humans, there are generally years of testing that took place prior. The Federal Food and Drug Administration would not let unsafe medications be tested in humans. We would not have the medication choices today (and save eye sights) if people had not volunteered to participate in research studies. Also, you will receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and receive cutting edge treatments to maintain or restore your vision. 2. How do I know if I'm a candidate for a research study? The research team has several studies going on at one time. They are given specific criteria to determine who will be eligible for each study. After the provider examines your eyes, you are given a diagnosis and at that point he will know if you would be eligible for the initial screening to one of the studies. 3. What happens after I am told that I qualify as a study candidate? After the provider determines if you are qualified, the research team coordinator, Brandi Dunn, RN, ADN, is notified and will thoroughly review your records and talk with you. She will give you all the details about the study and find out if you are interested in participating. 4. What testing will be involved? All research tests have different testing criteria, however the required testing could include thorough eye and physical exams, Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT), Fluorescein Angiogram (FA), blood tests, and electrocardiogram. Most initial screenings can take up to 2-3 hours to complete. Some studies require the screening to be completed on the same day and others require it to on a different day. After testing is complete, an approving physician outside the clinic will review the tests to determine if you meet the criteria necessary to participate in the study. 5. How long will I need to be involved in the study? Depending of the type of research, you will be involved anywhere from 6 months to 4 years. However, at any point in the study you can decide not to continue to participate. 6. What are the costs I will incur? It varies to the study. Your insurance company will generally cover most or all of the costs. However, there may be some expenses you will be responsible for and if so, that will be discussed with you in private. Retina Research Institute of Texas Sunil S. Patel, M.D., Ph.D. S. Young Lee, M.D. 5441 Health Center Dr. Abilene, Texas 79606 800-810-7411 325-673-9806 research@westtexasretina.com |
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