What to expect as a study volunteer

Below is a step-by-step outline of our study recruitment process.

Step 1

Your first step is to provide us with some information about yourself – either just your contact details so we can call you to discuss your involvement, or further information about yourself and your vision so we can access which types of studies you may be suitable for. With your permission, we’ll store this on our secure database (we won’t shared it with any third parties).

Step 2

Once you are on our database, we’ll let you know details of our studies that you may be suitable to participate in. All of our studies are approved by an Ethics Committee, and comply to strict regulatory guidelines.

Step 3

When you receive study details from us, let us know if you’re interested in getting involved. We’ll then contact you with further information and may ask you some simple questions to check that you’re likely to meet the study’s inclusion criteria.

Step 4

If you seem suitable, we’ll ask you to either provide an in-date spectacle prescription from your own optometrist or to attend a full eye examination with us. Your eye health is important to us, so we ensure that everyone that takes part in our studies has been examined by an eye care professional within two years of starting a study.

Step 5

You’re now ready to begin. Our recruitment team will provide you with detailed study information and book your visits.  If you’re taking part in your first study with us, we may invite you to a ‘best practice’ session to ensure that you’re handling and storing your contact lenses safely.

Step 6

Your first study visit will vary depending on the study, but will usually be led by a research optometrist and will always start with you signing a consent form. You should only give consent if you fully understand what the study involves, so you’ll be encouraged to ask any questions you need to. You’re never obliged to sign a consent form and you’re free to withdraw consent at any stage of a study, for any reason.

Step 7

If your eligibility is confirmed during your first visit, you’ll continue through the study, following instructions and attending your scheduled visits. At the end of the study, you will sign exit paperwork and be given any reimbursement due.

Step 8

Any clinical data that we collect from you during the study will be collated with that from other participants and analysed. The data will always be anonymised before being shared or published.

 

If you have any further questions about the process, please contact us.