Glaucoma Detection Study (GDS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Glaucoma Detection Study (GDS) - detecting glaucoma using a combination of low-cost, portable and easy to perform tests
IRAS ID
264552
Contact name
Victor Hu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
The aim of this project is to develop a low-cost, portable glaucoma detection system which is easily performed and has good reliability and patient satisfaction. Glaucoma is the most common irreversible cause of blindness worldwide but is difficult to diagnose. Tests for detecting glaucoma include the use of visual field machines which are expensive to procure and maintain.
We will test the feasibility and reliability of a combination of low-cost tests and use the results to develop an optimised algorithm for detecting glaucoma. The study will be based at Leighton Hospital, Crewe. Around 100 study participants will be recruited over 12 months, including a range from advanced glaucoma to healthy eyes.
The following tests will be performed:
1) Eyecatcher visual fields - performed using a tablet or laptop computer with an eye-tracker device which improves usability and patient experience.
2) Optic disc photographs - using a hand-held fundus camera with a smart-phone attached.
3) Contrast sensitivity - can be performed using the same device as the Eyecatcher fields.The Eyecatcher fields test has shown good concordance with standard Humphrey visual fields, with improved patient feedback and low cost equipment. Optic disc assessment is fundamental to glaucoma diagnosis and the Remidio hand-held fundus camera takes high quality images. Several studies have shown contrast sensitivity to be reduced in glaucoma. PEEK contrast sensitivity can be performed on a smart phone or tablet computer and has been found to be highly comparable to traditional testing using Pelli-Robson charts.
Our long-term aim is for a single, relatively inexpensive device to be used for all the tests and analyse the results to detect whether glaucoma is present. This will result in improved glaucoma detection with better referral for treatment and a reduced burden on eye care referral services.
We would also like to retrospectively gather clinical data from ophthalmology patients which is of relevance.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0335
Date of REC Opinion
3 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion