Clinical Trials

In order for a new treatment to move from a concept in the laboratory of an individual researcher to availability for us to use in the office routinely, a number of steps are required. In many cases, the important final step is evaluation of the new treatment in a large clinical trial. In a clinical trial, the new treatment is compared to one or more other existing treatments, when there is one available, or to no treatment. The outcome of interest in the clinical trial typically is a measure of visual function, such as visual acuity or visual field, but may be a measure of patient satisfaction or vision-related quality of life or benefit relative to cost. Of course, safety of the patient is our primary concern.

Georgia Retina, P.C. has a long history of commitment to and participation in clinical trials in order to provide our patients access to new, state-of-the-art preventative, or therapeutic, treatments. At Georgia Retina, our goal is to provide patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials of new treatments for retinal diseases. We partner with the National Eye Institute, some of the nation's top pharmaceutical companies, and other clinical practices to explore the causes and cures for many retinal conditions.

We take special care to ensure that our study patients experience the best medical care possible. It is easy for patients to participate successfully in our studies and make informed decisions about their condition. Feel free to contact us to determine if you may be eligible for a study. Eligibility is determined through a screening process that varies for each clinical trial. If you are determined to be ineligible for a study, the doctors and staff of Georgia Retina, P.C. will continue to care for your eyes and provide you with the best care available.

Trials Actively Enrolling Patients at Georgia Retina

Age-Related Macular Degeneration:

• AREDS2 - is a study testing oral supplements of vitamins and fish oil to prevent vision loss from ARMD. The study includes two exams initially with annual eye exams for five years. All study supplements and a daily vitamin are provided at no charge.
• PDEX - is a trial for patients with wet ARMD comparing Triple Therapy (PDT plus Lucentis® and Dexamethasone) versus monthly injections of Lucentis® alone. Following the screening/randomization visit the patients are seen at least once a month for 13 months.
• RVT 002 - The RVT 002 Registry is studying patients with AMD/CNV that have received either (1) Lucentis® within 14 days of Visudyne® or (2) triple therapy with Visudyne® an anti-VEGF antibody intravitreal therapy (Lucentis® or Avastin®), and an intravitreal steroid (such as dexamethasone or triamcinolone), where all the therapy components are delivered within 14 days.

Diabetic Macular Edema:

• AGN 206207-012 – is a 52-week trial comparing a posterior segment drug delivery system in combination with laser for patients with diabetic macular edema.
• RISE – is a trial for patients with diabetic macular edema and involves monthly injections of Lucentis® or sham injections for 36 months.

Macular Edema from Retinal Vein Occlusions:

• SCORE - The SCORE study involves patients with macular edema from central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion BRVO. Patients may be enrolled if the macular edema has been documented for at least 3 months and no longer than 18 months. The patients may be assigned to a steroid injection of 1 mg, 4 mg or our standard of care, which may be laser or observation.

Trials No Longer Enrolling Patients

The following studies are now closed to enrollment of new patients, but we are continuing to follow enrolled patients and collect data:

• AART - - a study examining the role of Retaane (anecortave acetate) in preventing the development of choroidal neovasularization (wet AMD) in patients with high risk features of dry AMD.
• HORIZON – is an open-label extension study which allows eligible patients who have completed participation in certain other Lucentis® clinical studies to continue receiving the drug.

Thank you for your interest in our clinical trials. Periodically we will list clinical trials on this page that are actively enrolling new patients at Georgia Retina. Please also check back in the future for updates.

Georgia Retina's Study Coordinator - Leslie Marcus, B.S., CCRC

Leslie has more than 7 years of clinical research experience. In addition to experience conducting ophthalmology studies she has also coordinated clinical trials for conditions such as Diabetes, Diabetic Neuropathy, Chronic Pain, Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipidemia, Insomnia, Obesity, Osteoarthritis, and Postherpetic Neuralgia.

She received a Bachelor's of Science degree with a major in Nutrition and Food Science from Georgia Southern University in 2000. Leslie became a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals in 2004.

Leslie serves as a vital link in communicating between the practice and the research sponsor team. She manages the research personnel and handles the administrative responsibilities of clinical trials from the developmental phases to the completion of the studies.

When asked what she likes most about conducting clinical trials Leslie said, "I am passionate about clinical research because it helps to provide our patients with the possibility of receiving treatments that may not have been available to them. Hopefully, the trials that we are involved in will help to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients."

If you wish to participate in clinical trials at Georgia Retina, P.C., please contact Leslie at (404) 299-5209.