Share your experience of living with macular disease
There are regular opportunities for people living with macular disease to participate in research studies. The purpose of these studies is to understand more about the impact macular disease has on individuals, and on their family and friends. It can be anything from completing short surveys to taking part in focus groups or interviews. We also carry out our own surveys.
Below, you’ll find information on the research studies currently looking for participants. If you would like to volunteer for any of the studies listed, please register your interest with the contact provided.
Surveys should all be compatible with screen readers.
Research opportunities
Exploring early stages of development of AMD
Cardiff University’s School of Optometry and Vision Sciences are developing new tests and treatments to prevent sight loss in early-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They are looking for participants aged 55 and over who are either healthy, have early to intermediate AMD (not severe sight loss or geographic atrophy), or are currently taking or have previously taken hydroxychloroquine.
To apply, complete an initial questionnaire. If suitable, the team will contact you to arrange a visit to Cardiff University. Travel expenses of up to £20 may be reimbursed.
Patients’ evaluation of eye healthcare
Dr. Lee Jones and Professor Mariya Moosajee at University College London are conducting a survey aimed at understanding public attitudes towards eye care and experiences with eye health services.
Understanding these perspectives is vital for improving public health outcomes and enhancing healthcare quality. The survey aims to gather insights into individual needs and preferences, while also identifying areas of inequality.
The survey is open to anyone aged 18 and over with a sight loss condition. Participation involves completing an online questionnaire, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Participants will also have the chance to enter a prize draw for a £50 retail voucher, with one winner selected for every 50 respondents.
Take part in the patients' evaluation of eye healthcare survey
Assessing techniques that may help reduce visual hallucinations
Do you have visual hallucinations and have been diagnosed with an eye disease?
Royal Holloway University are running a research study to assess techniques that may help reduce your visual hallucinations.
Eligibility criteria:
- 18 years or over
- From the UK
- No neurological or cognitive impairments
- Loss of vision from any cause with visual hallucinations
If you are interested in taking part or want more information, please contact the research team on cbs.study1@gmail.com
Accessibility of technology to manage diabetes in people with sight loss
Swansea University Medical School are conducting research on the accessibility of technology to manage diabetes in people with sight loss. They would like to ask people with diabetes and some degree of sight loss about their perspective on the subject, asking in particular if they have experienced any difficulties in using or accessing these sort of technologies.
The key aims of the study are to:
- To understand the valuable perspectives of people with diabetes and sight loss about the accessibility of technology for diabetes management
- To try and identify any barriers that may prevent people with sight loss using technology to manage their diabetes
The research has been approved by the Swansea University Medical School Research Ethics Committee.
If you would like to take part in this research, it will take approximately 15 minutes of your time to complete the following questionnaire. You may skip questions, or stop the questionnaire at any time.
If your organisation would like to promote a survey on this page please contact research@macularsociety.org
Other ways you can get involved in research
Taking part in clinical research
Information on clinical trials and how to volunteer to take part in research on new treatments for macular disease.
Research participant database
Sign up for the Macular Society's research database to participate in studies by providing feedback on new developments, or undergoing treatment as part of a clinical trial. Our research participant database is for anyone based in the UK with macular disease, as well as healthy friends, family or volunteers.
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