Participating in Clinical Trials

A clinical trial (also known as a study) is an investigation conducted in humans which aims to find out, or confirm, how a product or technique works, and/or its safety. At the Clinical Research and Trial Centre, we conduct clinical trials involving testing of eye-related products and techniques. These may include:

Contact lenses
Contact lens solutions
Contact lens cases
Spectacles
Eye drops
Eye examination techniques
Specialised equipment

These trials, an integral part of the Institute’s research activities to improve eye care, rely heavily on the invaluable contributions of volunteer participants. Without our volunteers, research into new and improved methods of vision correction would not be possible.

Who can participate?

You may be able to participate if you are:

In need of vision correction
Currently wearing contact lenses or spectacles - if you have never worn contact lenses before, you can have the opportunity to try contact lenses under close supervision and receive full training in their care and use.
Available for regular visits to the Brien Holden Vision Institute, located at the Kensington campus of the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. For details of our location click here.

Volunteers receive free contact lenses and solutions (or other vision correction/eye care products as used in the trial) and eye care for the duration of the trial.

Over 1000 volunteers participate in our clinical trials every year. We are always looking for volunteers to take part and join us in developing the next generation of vision correction products.

Volunteers such as yourself are fundamental to achieving our goals of better products and technologies for vision correction, the benefits of which are invaluable to people in need. We can't help others without your help.

To enquire via email about participating in a clinical trial at the Clinical Research and Trial Centre at the Brien Holden Vision Institute click here.

You can also telephone us on: 1300 651 663

Is there a fee?

No, there is no fee for participating.

Volunteers receive free contact lenses, solutions (or other vision correction/eye care products as used in the trial) and eye care for the duration of the trial. There is also limited free parking available.

How do I register to participate in a trial?

To register to participate in a trial you must first attend a pre-trial screening consultation.

During this visit an optometrist will take basic measurements of your eyes and check their general health. These checks are similar to what your optometrist would usually perform, and determine your suitability for taking part in our trials:

Vision measurement
Assessment of prescription
Measurement of eye pressure
Dilated fundus examination, to allow a thorough screening of the back of the eye
General assessment of eye health

We will also ask you about your general health and treatments.

To register contact the Clinical Research and Trials Centre via email by clicking here.

You can also telephone us on: 1300 651 663

There are three possible outcomes following a pre-trial screening examination:

clinic_chart

To enquire about participating in a clinical trial contact the Clinical Research and Trials Centre via email by clicking here.

You can also telephone us on: 1300 651 663

What are the benefits?

Receive free eye care for the duration of the trial.
Try out contact lenses free of charge (trials involving contact lenses).
Receive free contact lenses and solutions (or other eye care products that are part of the trial) for the duration of the trial.
Make a contribution to science! You will be contributing to valuable scientific research and development of new, improved methods of correcting sight.

What are the main risks?

The time and effort to attend the visits
The product may not work for you
A reaction to the products used
We closely monitor eye health to ensure safety

Do you take over my eye care?

We do not take over the care from your eye care practitioner, so you should continue visiting them regularly – we recommend approximately every 18 months to 2 years. We provide eye care associated with the clinical trial, and then refer you back to your usual eye care practitioner.

Participant responsibilities

In order to protect your safety and ensure the data is accurate and useful, we request that you:

Answer any questions accurately and honestly
Follow study instructions – even if it is different to what you normally do
Attend all scheduled visits
Tell us immediately if you experience any problems

Ethics and Informed Consent – How we protect your rights and welfare

The Brien Holden Vision Institute takes its ethical responsibility to clinical trial participants very seriously, and is commited to maintaining a high standard of research.

As well as all the eye checks we perform to ensure your eye suitability and safety, a committee comprised of research specialists, optometric clinicians, scientists and a biostatistician, reviews all proposed clinical trials. Clinical trials must then be reviewed and approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee, and conform to Australian and international regulations and codes of conduct for clinical trials. For more information click here.

Prior to enrolment in a trial, the nature of the trial and any risks that may be involved will be explained to you. A Participant Information Sheet and Informed Consent Form will be given to you to read, and then you can discuss any questions or concerns with the clinical optometrist. If you are interested in participating, the informed consent form is signed, and a copy will be given to you to keep.