Volunteering for a Clinical Research Study
Our understanding of glaucoma and its treatment are continually improving, but there is still much to discover.
Some types of research into glaucoma need volunteers with glaucoma, including genetic studies, studies conducted following glaucoma drainage surgery and clinical research studies of new tests, eye drops or surgery for glaucoma. From time to time, Glaucoma New Zealand funds glaucoma research that is dependent on volunteer participants.
The success of these studies is totally dependent on volunteer individuals being willing to take part
What do people get out of being a participant in a research study?
Some people appreciate the chance to learn more about their own health and the disease being studied. Sometimes people can gain access to newer treatments before they become widely available, or sometimes it is just the knowledge that they are helping improve the health of future generations.
Are there any risks to people being a participant in a research study?
In order to protect the safety and privacy of study participants, all health research studies involving people in New Zealand are subject to legal and regulatory considerations and are carefully considered by ethics committees and the institutions in which the researchers work before the studies can commence.
What would I have to do for the research study?
This will entirely depend on the particular research study and will be detailed in the information sheet for that study. How do I know if I am suitable for a research study?
The researchers will discuss inclusion criteria with you in more detail. Just because you are not suitable for a particular clinical study does not exclude you from other types of glaucoma research
Can I change my mind about being involved in a research study?
You can change your mind at any time before the study starts or during the course of the study.
Volunteers Needed for a User Study
Alleviating Low Vision Through Mediated See-Through Displays
We are looking for participants who are:
- 18 years or older
- Experience low vision with some usable sight
- Have not had major eye surgery or treatment in the last 6 months and are cleared by a healthcare professional for visual tasks
- No history of severe motion sickness, photosensitivity, or seizures
Your participation would involve
- Wearing a head-mounted display and trying out different vision enhancements to perform a set of reading and object recognition activities you encounter in day-to-day life.
- Share your thoughts in a brief interview
- The session would take approximately 2 to 2 hours and 30 minutes of your time.
Location: University of Canterbury School of Product Design, West Buildings, 9 Engineering Road, Christchurch, or another convenient, accessible location in Christchurch. We will communicate the confirmed location in advance.
NOTE* While the study is based in Christchurch at the University of Canterbury, I would also be open to arranging sessions in another region if there is sufficient interest from a group in that area.
For more information or to register please directly email akila.gamage@pg.canterbury.ac.nz