Ophthalmology Clinical Research Unit (OCRU)
About the OCRU
The OCRU offers specialized services led by a team of certified ophthalmic technicians, certified photographers, and experienced research coordinators. We aim to collaborate with researchers, departments within our institution, other universities, and research institutes, to provide specialized ophthalmic expertise to support interdisciplinary clinical studies. We provide comprehensive eye assessments and advanced diagnostic and imaging services and aim to advance research and improve patient outcomes across a range of studies.
Research Areas
Our clinical research covers all ophthalmic subspecialties, including:
- Comprehensive ophthalmology
- Cornea and external disease
- Glaucoma
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Oculoplastics
- Pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus
- Uveitis
- Vitreoretinal diseases
Clinical Research Services
- Investigator Initiated Trials (IIT)
IIT studies are developed and sponsored by an independent investigator or academic institution. They provide an opportunity for clinicians and researchers to advance their scientific acumen and contribute to understanding the benefit-risk profile of therapies and exploring unmet medical needs. CRU can help with protocol development, trial documentation, procedures, participant recruitment, informed consent, regulatory submissions, data management, and compliance. The IIT studies may be submitted to CRU for review. Please contact Asha Varghese, M.S., for more information.
- Sponsor Clinical Trials
Sponsor organizations include pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, or government agencies that initiate and support the clinical trial. The sponsor collaborates with investigators to design the trial. Sponsors allocate resources for trial-related activities, including procedures, participant recruitment, site monitoring, data management, and regulatory submissions. CRU may help with services like trial documentation, procedures, participant recruitment, informed consent forms, regulatory submissions, data management, and ensuring compliance. The sponsor studies can be submitted to CRU for review. Please contact Asha Varghese, M.S., for more information.
- Interdepartmental Research Services (IDRS)
The CRU offers services to clinical research teams for launching and supporting clinical research studies in any department at UT Southwestern. We provide fee-for-service resources to enhance study participants' experience, including:
- Outpatient and inpatient visit facilities
- Point of care services
- Research coordinator
- Photography (eye imaging with different techniques)
- Ophthalmologist and optometrist visits