Clinical Trial Unit for Vision

The Clinical Trial Unit for Vision (CTUV), housed within the School of Optometry (SO), is a specialized unit dedicated to research and management of clinical trials in optometry. Established in 2023, the CTUV coordinates cutting-edge research studies involving human participants to address specific questions concerning the safety and efficacy of new treatments, interventions, and applications of ophthalmic medical devices.

As a result of both increased use of digital screens in daily life and the extended lifespan achieved by access to improved healthcare and living conditions, vision impairment has become a major global concern and its prevention and treatment is essential for the well-being of people worldwide. For many years, the School has conducted a wide range of research studies and devised interventions to prevent or treat eye diseases, including clinical trials to confirm the feasibility and impact of such interventions, including those which have addressed the potential challenges associated with the increased use of digital technology. This new phase of focus on innovative of eye care requires a dedicated unit for the conduct and management of clinical trials, which has led to the establishment of the CTUV to ensure a high clinical standard of practice for optometry research.

Mission

To elevate the quality and standard of optometry clinical research through conducting investigator-initiated trials across vision care, healthcare studies, and social well-being. Determining evidence-based best practice by better enabling generation of reliable and accurate trial data, the CTUV aims to provide the optimal facilities for conducting clinical trials, exploring new strategies for diagnosis and translational research, improving practices, and treatments of various eye diseases worldwide and to foster strong active collaboration with industry, university partners conducting clinical trials, and funding bodies.

Vision

To pioneer clinical innovation and vision research, the CTUV envisions a future in which researchers, clinical professionals, data analysts, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies can collaborate to conduct patient-based clinical trials. Together this will create a dynamic environment fostering patient-centered therapies, and commitment to education, empowering young optometrists to transform optometric practices for provision of high-quality eye care.

Operations

The CTUV aims to support the development of the optometry clinical landscape with the aid by provision of value-added resources and partnership with experts to provide insights on the study design, initiation, conduct, and outcomes of clinical trials:

Scientific Mentorship and Investigator Training

To oversee clinical trials via research consultations and to minimize potential errors by utilising optimal approaches for research study design, data analysis, and grant applications.

Protocol Development and Regulatory Coordination

To support research projects and grants applications to receive ethical and regulatory approval, and clinical trial registrations.

Data Management and Resources Allocation

To coordinate operational needs of clinical studies, including recruitment of subjects, quality assurance procedures, statistical analyses, and reporting.

Thematic Areas

The CTUV actively engages in clinical research across several critical areas

Primary Eye Care

Myopia Management

Children Vision

Diagnostic Biomarkers

Vision Therapy

Global Research Network

The CTUV is extensively connected with a diversified network of collaborators, researchers, institutions, and industry partners to enhance innovation, capability, and excellence in clinical trial studies worldwide. These worldwide connections enable PolyU to stay at the forefront of eye and vision clinical research.

Human Research Ethics

The CTUV adheres stringently to the University's guidelines governing human research ethics. In essence, all projects involving human subjects must be reviewed for ethical appropriateness.

Collaborate with CTUV

The CTUV is open to discussions with potential collaborators who are enthusiastic about contributing to innovative clinical trial studies. By working together, we can make a significant difference in enhancing the well-being of society by advancing eye and vision research.

so.ctuv@polyu.edu.hk