How to Refer a Patient to a Clinical Study

The NEI is strongly committed to supporting and conducting scientifically meritorious clinical studies. For more than 25 years, NEI-sponsored clinical research has helped and will continue to help practitioners treat their patients most effectively. Eye care professionals are encouraged to refer patients to clinical studies, when appropriate.

Studies Conducted Nationwide

Physicians or optometrists can refer patients to the clinical trials supported by the National Eye Institute by contacting the appropriate coordinating center or any participating clinical center. For those clinical trials that are currently recruiting patients, complete contact information for each clinical center is provided in this online database. Referring physicians and optometrists may be asked to submit the diagnosis, medical history, and results of an eye examination in writing to study investigators.

Studies Conducted at NIH

Physicians or optometrists can refer patients to the National Eye Institute's clinical facilities within the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Preliminary telephone inquiries can determine if there is a National Eye Institute (NEI) investigator with expertise in the area of the patient's ocular problem. Patients are evaluated to confirm the diagnosis, assess therapeutic options, and determine whether they qualify for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) protocol. Only patients enrolled in a NIH research protocol can be treated and followed at the NEI. Referring physicians and optometrists may be asked to submit the diagnosis, medical history, and results of an ophthalmologic examination in writing to the principal investigator.

Physicians or optometrists interested in referring a patient to the NEI intramural program should contact the principal investigator noted in the trial description or call the NEI Clinical Director's Office at (301) 496-9058.