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
Understanding the experience of those receiving eye injections for macular disease
The Macular Society is conducting a survey to explore the experiences of individuals who receive, or have received in the past five years, anti-VEGF injections. These injections are administered to people with conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular oedema, and other macular diseases.
The aim of the survey is to better understand how treatments are administered and patients' experiences regarding any changes to their treatment.
Exploring the links between AMD and nutrition
This survey aims to gather data on the dietary habits of individuals diagnosed with macular disease.
Research has shown that proper nutrition can improve macular health and reduce the risk of AMD. This survey is intended for individuals with macular disease who are 18 years of age or older. It consists of four sections and should take no more than 15 to 20 minutes to complete
Thank you for your time and everything you do to Beat Macular Disease.
If you have any questions relating to this survey please contact Guillermo Romero at guillermo.romero@macularsociety.org
Exploring the needs and experiences of people with cataracts
Just Worldwide is an independent healthcare market research recruitment company based in the UK recruiting participants for healthcare market research studies. Their studies are non-clinical and non-promotional and are often commissioned by pharmaceutical companies developing new treatments and support programs.
They are currently seeking people with cataracts, both before and after recent surgery, to participate in a 45-minute Zoom interview. Participants will be compensated £60 for their time.
To find out more details see the attached leaflet or to get involved, please email engagement@just-worldwide.com. Please note applications close 29 November.
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 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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