Eyes are essential organs susceptible to a range of diseases. Early detection and timely intervention are crucial for preserving vision.
Ocular imaging, a non-invasive technique, has revolutionized how we diagnose and monitor eye conditions.
The Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center (OIRRC) is at the forefront of this revolution. It is bringing clinical trials to fruition using cutting-edge technology.
Read on to learn more about ocular imaging and how OIRRC plays an important role in advancing eye care.
What is ocular imaging?
Ocular imaging is a method of using various non-invasive techniques to capture images of the eye’s internal structures. These images help diagnose, monitor, and manage various eye conditions.
Some common ocular imaging techniques include:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
This technique provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina. It detects early signs of diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.
- Fundus Photography:
It involves taking photographs of the back of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. It helps diagnose conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration diseases.
- Fluorescein Angiography:
This technique involves injecting a dye into the bloodstream and taking a series of photographs to visualize blood flow in the retina.
- Ultrasound:
This technique uses sound waves to create images of the eye’s structures, including the cornea, lens, and retina. It is useful for diagnosing conditions that affect the eye’s internal structures, such as cataracts and tumours.
Ocular imaging revolutionises eye care research by improving the precision, efficiency, and outcomes of clinical studies. It:
- Increases research safety by tracking non-invasive biomarkers.
- Enables earlier and more accurate detection of diseases like AMD, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Allows precise monitoring of disease progression over time.
- Improves understanding of the pathophysiology of eye diseases
- Enables tailored therapeutic interventions
OIRRC’s key role in advancing eye care research
The Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center (OIRRC) is a research centre to advance the understanding and treatment of eye diseases.
With a team of world-renowned clinicians and scientists, its mission is to improve patient outcomes through innovative research and cutting-edge imaging technologies.
Using advanced imaging techniques, OIRRC generates high-quality images that reveal intricate details of the eye’s structure and function.
It provides essential support to multicenter clinical trials, ensuring the accurate and efficient collection and analysis of vital data.
Beyond its role in clinical trials, the OIRRC actively drives innovative research. Its scientists are skilled in identifying novel biomarkers to detect ocular diseases early in their progression.
Through non-invasive imaging modalities, the research centre aims to revolutionize the diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions.
With the expertise to address critical challenges, OIRRC is driving progress. Its main role includes:
- Standardizing imaging protocols to enable accurate and early detection of eye diseases.
- Providing precise metrics to monitor subtle changes over time. This helps in understanding chronic conditions and evaluating treatment efficacy.
- Identifying and validating non-invasive imaging biomarkers that can serve as reliable endpoints in clinical trials.
- Optimising clinical trials by providing robust imaging data and real-time analysis. It shortens trial durations, improves study efficiency and enables faster evaluation of emerging therapies.
- Utilising portable imaging devices and telemedicine platforms to collect data from remote or underserved areas. This decentralised research expands study access, ensuring diverse representative study populations.
- Detailing analyses to drive therapeutic innovations for rare eye diseases.
- Ensuring consistency and quality across multicenter studies to reduce variability and enhance the reliability of research outcomes.
OIRRC’s key areas of service
Certification: OIRRC certifies both photographers and imaging devices to ensure consistent, high-quality data collection.
Dedicated Project Management: A dedicated project manager oversees each study, facilitating communication between the OIRRC, sponsor, and CRO (Contract Research Organization).
Tailored Protocols: Image acquisition and submission protocols are customized to meet the specific needs of each clinical trial.
Image Grading: Certified graders, mostly ophthalmologists, review and grade all images according to predefined criteria.
Quality Control: Rigorous measures are implemented to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
Data Management: Secure data storage and efficient data transfer processes are in place to safeguard patient information.
Investigator Support: OIRRC provides training and support to investigators and site personnel.
Customer Support: Dedicated customer support is available 24/7 to address questions or concerns.
Founders of OIRRC
OIRRC was founded by Dr. Quan Dong Nguyen and Dr. Yasir J. Sepah in 2017.
Dr. Nguyen, Professor of Ophthalmology at Stanford University, was instrumental in testing and developing several treatments, now approved by the FDA. He is known for leading clinical trials on eye diseases like macular edema and age-related macular degeneration.
Dr. Sepah has been influential in creating automated tools to analyze eye images, such as maps showing damage in diabetic eye disease. He has led large, multi-site trials and supported clinical research centers around the world.
Currently, his work involves working with early-stage clinical trials that test new uses for existing drugs to treat eye conditions like uveitis, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration.
Bottomline
The OIRRC is a leading provider of ocular imaging services for clinical trials. It ensures data quality and regulatory compliance through certification, expert image grading, and rigorous quality control.
With dedicated project management and 24/7 customer support, it streamlines clinical trials and accelerates drug development.
Most importantly, OIRRC acts as a hub for collaboration. It brings together clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders to foster innovation in eye care.
By Rohini Kundu and the AHT Team
