PERSONAL-EYE-S
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A novel, high-definition PERSONALised artificial EYE Service (PERSONAL-EYE-S): A cross-over, randomised feasibility study of digitally printed versus hand-painted artificial eyes in adults.
IRAS ID
294610
Contact name
Taras Gout
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN85921622
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
After operations to remove a diseased or blind, painful eye many patients suffer from anxiety and depression. The physical and mental trauma of losing an eye is challenging. Returning to normal family, social and work life can be difficult. Artificial eyes have been hand-painted at the National Artificial Eye Service since its integration into the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948. Each eye takes over six weeks to make. Technology advances mean alternatives are now possible. Digital photography of the unaffected eye and printing onto specialised adhesive paper pressed onto the artificial eye is simpler and faster than hand-painting. Although the digitally printed eye appears to be more life-like, there is no research evidence to show whether patients prefer it or whether this process can be replicated on a larger scale and save the NHS money.
We will first look at the steps involved by running this smaller trial, including whether we can get people to take part, collect information about their health, and ask what they liked and did not like about taking part. Thirty-five adults from across England who need a replacement artificial eye will be invited to participate. A computer will randomly select which artificial eye type (hand-painted or printed) they will be given first. Once they have worn the first eye for two weeks, they will wear the other type. Before, and after wearing each artificial eye, we will ask patients how satisfied they were with each eye, how it affected their confidence and well-being using questionnaires. We will also interview some patients and family members to get a better understanding of their thoughts. We will measure how long it takes for the eyes to be produced and how much they cost.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0150
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion