Research

San Antonio Eye Center Clinical Research Department

San Antonio Eye Center is strategically developing the Clinical Research Department with the primary focus of providing the best in patient eye care by strengthening and developing new and existing relationships with study sponsors, regulatory entities, and study patients.

Through clinical research we are committed to furthering our understanding of ophthalmic conditions, their treatment and prevention. Our aim is to go beyond conventional therapies to provide extraordinary care for all patients with vision threatening eye diseases.

Without patients who commit their time to participate in clinical trials, medical advances would not be made and future, effective therapies would be impossible. We applaud all who step forward to make a difference. We encourage patients who may be eligible for a pending or ongoing trial to consider closely the possibility of enrolling in one.

What is a Clinical Trial?

A clinical trial is a scientific designed study in which volunteering participants are given an investigational drug, a surgical intervention, or new diagnostic test, to see if it works the same or better than other treatments, and if it has side effects. Pharmaceutical companies use medical research studies, like the ones offered to patients at SAEC, to evaluate its potential to be used as a treatment option for the public. The results of a study may provide more information about the safety and efficacy of the treatment being investigated and are usually presented to the FDA in hopes of getting the drug approved in the US market.  There are four phases of research studies that occur in human clinical trials.  Our staff is experienced in all phases of clinical trials with a focus on Phase II-IV clinical trials.

SAEC is committed to providing quality results while improving quality of life for our patients. Contact our research department if you’d like more information.

What is an Investigational Drug?

 

An investigational drug is the medication that is being tested in clinical trials. The investigational drug has been approved by the FDA for testing in people but has not yet been approved for treatment outside of the research study.

 

Why Volunteer in a Study?

Your contribution to a clinical research study at SAEC helps future generations by improving and advancing eye disease management and care. By taking part in a research study, you will be contributing to the advancement eye disease management and care. SAEC would like to thank our volunteers for helping us achieve our mission of “improving vision, improving life.”

What is It Like Volunteering for a Study at SAEC?

You will encounter a research coordinator who will review the study with you and confirm you are eligible to screen for the study, either at your appointment or on the phone.  An informed consent will be discussed and given for you to review. The research coordinator will then schedule a screening appointment with one of our providers that is overlooking or assisting in the trial.  The study will be discussed in detail and the informed consent will be signed prior to any study related procedures.  During the screening visit all the required procedures needed to determine if you are a good candidate to continue will be performed.  If you continue to qualify after the screening visit, the study coordinator will schedule the next study visit, usually where study intervention will be started. SAEC research team will remind you of next appointments and follow you throughout your journey in the clinical trial.

Have You Been Diagnosed With Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension?

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy that causes characteristic loss of visual fields and can eventually lead to blindness. A major risk factor for glaucomatous visual field loss is elevated intraocular pressure, or ocular hypertension.

We're currently conducting a research study that tests the effectiveness of an investigational eye drop that helps to reduce ocular pressure.

To qualify for this research study, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) in both eyes (OAG in one eye and OHT in the other eye is acceptable)
Call (210) 226-6169

Ongoing Clinical Trials and Studies

Under the direction of our highly skilled physicians, we are conducting clinical trials and studies in:

  • Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
  • Dry AMD with Geographic Atrophy (GA)
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Glaucoma
  • Uveitis
  • Cornea
  • Dry Eye Disease

​If you would like more information about any of our clinical trials or studies, please email or call and speak with our Research Coordinator.

Email Research Coordinator
Call (210) 226-6169