At Berkeley Optometry, 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 are described below:

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.

The CAM Study

The Childhood Activity and Myopia (CAM) Study is interested in understanding how your child’s typical indoor (e.g. device use) and outdoor activities may be related to whether or not they wear glasses.

Intermittent Exotropia Treatment Study

We are now enrolling patients with intermittent exotropia for our new study (IXT7). An intermittent exotropia is a common type of strabismus (eyeturn), where one eye turns outwards. 

The Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) is conducting this clinical trial to evaluate the effect of full-time patching versus no patching (observation). The purpose of this study is to see if full-time patching can improve distance control of IXT after 3 months of treatment. 

The CHAPERONE Study

The CHAPERONE study, sponsored by Bausch Health, is a double-blind longitudinal study designed to investigate the use of microdosed atropine to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children.

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. Aside from refractive error, amblyopia is the most common cause of vision loss in infants and young children.

Hypersensitivity to Light in Traumatic Brain Injury

Our researchers are investigating the mechanisms of light sensitivity in healthy adults with photalgia or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Participants are compensated for their time at $40, and up to $20 for parking and transportation reimbursement.

Assistive Technology for Reading for People with Visual Impairment

People with low vision often use screen magnification software to read on a computer screen. Since a magnifier expands the screen content beyond the physical size of the screen (the “viewport”), it is necessary to move the content so that the portion of interest falls within the viewport. This typically requires continuous horizontal or vertical scrolling using the mouse or the trackpad, a tedious operation that can be challenging for those with poor manual dexterity.

This project will develop a new software system that relies on the user’s own gaze to control scrolling when reading with magnification. This will greatly facilitate use of a screen magnifier, and thus enable better access to onscreen information for people with low vision.

Enhancing Vision for People with Macular Disease

People with macular disease, for example, macular degeneration, often experience difficulties with daily tasks such as reading and seeing faces. The goal of this research project is to develop methods to enhance vision for people with macular disease. 

Ocular Surface Study

Our Ocular Surface Study looks very closely at the ocular surface and provides participants a thorough evaluation of their eyes.

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.

Scleral Lens Study

This study evaluates safety and efficacy of scleral lenses for those patients with compromised or healthy corneas.

Tear Production Study

The Tear Production Study examines the accuracy and efficiency of current tear production measuring methods.