Vision is one of our most valuable senses. At Berkeley Optometry, world-renowned faculty are exploring a rich array of research questions relating to how we see and why vision fails. The answers have the potential to change lives.
Our goals are to explore new models and strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ocular anomalies by conducting patient-based clinical studies/trials, as well as translational research.
Our researchers are involved in clinical trials and studies that often seek participants. Current studies described below.
Amblyopia or “Lazy Eye”
Amblyopia, also referred to as ‘lazy eye’, is a neuro-developmental abnormality that results in physiological alterations in the visual pathways and impaired vision in one eye, less commonly in both.
Amblyopia reflects a broad range of neural, perceptual, oculomotor and clinical abnormalities that can occur when normal visual development is disrupted early in life. Aside from refractive error, amblyopia is the most common cause of vision loss in infants and young children. Our lab has a number of ongoing studies aimed at an improved understanding of amblyopia, and evaluating novel methods for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with amblyopia, both in children and adults.
We are actively recruiting both children and adults with amblyopia for short term and longer term studies.
These studies are being conducted by the lab of Professor Dennis Levi. For more information about our research and to contact us, please visit the Levi Lab page.
Contact Lens Studies
We have various contact lens studies throughout the year, and we welcome anyone who is a current soft contact lens wearer (with or without lens-induced discomfort) to participate.
These studies typically require several visits over the course of 1 day in which clinicians will assess fit and wearing-comfort of contact lenses. Studies are updated weekly so please contact us for the most up to date information about these studies.
Anyone who is a current soft contact lens wearer (with or without lens-induced discomfort) to participate.
The studies are being conducted by Clinical Research Center (CRC) at Berkeley Optometry. We are a multi-disciplinary research team dedicated to the study of dry eye disease and contact lens-related research. Our goals are to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ocular conditions by exploring new models and strategies by conducting human-based clinical studies and trials. If you are interested in any of our studies, please feel free to contact us via email at ucbcrc@berkeley.edu or call our office at (510) 643-9252.
Extended Contact Lens Study
In this study, you will be able to try lenses that you can sleep in.
This study will consist of 9 visits over the course of 1 year with weekly journal entries. Contact lenses will be provided for the entire duration of the study in addition to subject compensation per visit.
Successful soft lens wearers of Chinese or Taiwanese descent.
This study is being conducted by Clinical Research Center (CRC) at Berkeley Optometry. We are a multi-disciplinary research team dedicated to the study of dry eye disease and contact lens-related research. Our goals are to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ocular conditions by exploring new models and strategies by conducting human-based clinical studies and trials. If you are interested in any of our studies, please feel free to contact us via email at ucbcrc@berkeley.edu or call our office at (510) 643-9252.
Ocular Surface Study
Our Ocular Surface Study looks very closely at the ocular surface and provides participants a thorough evaluation of their eyes.
Study participants will receive a thorough examination of the front part of their eyes and be followed bi-annually.
Most people ages 18 years and older, with or without dry eyes, are eligible to participate.
This study is being conducted by Clinical Research Center (CRC) at Berkeley Optometry. We are a multi-disciplinary research team dedicated to the study of dry eye disease and contact lens-related research. Our goals are to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ocular conditions by exploring new models and strategies by conducting human-based clinical studies and trials. If you are interested in any of our studies, please feel free to contact us via email at ucbcrc@berkeley.edu or call our office at (510) 643-9252.
Myopia “CHAMPS” Study
This study is investigating whether the use of an eye drop used daily before bedtime can safely slow the progression of myopia in children. Currently closed for enrollment.
This is a 4-year study. During the study, your child will be asked to:
- Use the study medication as directed by the study doctor.
- Attend study visits every 3 months at the optometry clinic.
- Attend visits every 6 months to have your child’s eye health checked.
For more information on this study, please visit the CHAMPS Study webpage.
Your child may be able to participate if:
- They are between the ages of 3-10 years old.
- Their current glasses prescription is between -0.50 D and -6.00 D, with no more than -1.50 D of astigmatism.
Scleral Lens Study
This study evaluates safety and efficacy of scleral lenses for those patients with compromised or healthy corneas.
If you have been diagnosed with significant dry eyes or with a primary corneal ectasia disease (such as ‘keratoconus’ and ‘pellucid marginal degeneration’) and you are interested in learning more about scleral lenses, you may be qualified to participate in our Scleral Lens Study.
This study is being conducted by Clinical Research Center (CRC) at Berkeley Optometry. We are a multi-disciplinary research team dedicated to the study of dry eye disease and contact lens-related research. Our goals are to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ocular conditions by exploring new models and strategies by conducting human-based clinical studies and trials. If you are interested in any of our studies, please feel free to contact us via email at ucbcrc@berkeley.edu or call our office at (510) 643-9252.
Tear Production Study
The Tear Production Study examines the accuracy and efficiency of current tear production measuring methods.
Most people are eligible to participate in this study and we welcome all who are interested to contact our clinic to learn more.
This study is being conducted by Clinical Research Center (CRC) at Berkeley Optometry. We are a multi-disciplinary research team dedicated to the study of dry eye disease and contact lens-related research. Our goals are to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ocular conditions by exploring new models and strategies by conducting human-based clinical studies and trials. If you are interested in any of our studies, please feel free to contact us via email at ucbcrc@berkeley.edu or call our office at (510) 643-9252.
