Planning an ophthalmology clinical trial? Here are 5 essential questions to ask your equipment supplier

Ophthalmology clinical trials offer critical hope to billions of people worldwide. But as well as the 2.2 billion people* living with a visual impairment, ophthalmic tests are increasingly used in studies related to other therapeutic areas. In oncology studies, for example, regular assessments of visual acuity and macular function can detect the early signs of vision loss caused by chemotherapy drugs with known retinal toxicity. Clearly, the impact of ophthalmic tests is wide-reaching and profound.

Of those currently living with a vision impairment, approximately 90% have preventable or treatable eye diseases^†. Several international clinical trials are also making considerable progress in the quest to advance human knowledge and the treatment of ophthalmic conditions.

In January 2025, a Phase 3 trial evaluating BRIMOCHOL PF^‡ for the temporary treatment of presbyopia announced “highly statistically significant near vision improvements over eight hours”. The results met the pre-specified primary endpoints with regulatory bodies in the USA, European Union, and United Kingdom (UK).

Also that month, Sling Therapeutics revealed positive results from its Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of an oral small molecule (Linsitinib) to treat thyroid eye disease^¶. And in California, researchers are running Phase 2 and 3 trials to evaluate the efficacy of gene therapy to treat retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome^§.

Five crucial questions to ask your equipment supplier ahead of an ophthalmology study

In parallel with this growing clinical trial activity, demand for ophthalmic equipment is naturally showing significant upward trends. However, CROs and sponsors organising and managing ophthalmic clinical trials must still navigate several potential complications. Ask your supplier:

1. Do you have pre-existing relationships with a global network of ophthalmic equipment manufacturers so equipment can be quoted and sourced in our market without delay?

Ophthalmic clinical trials are happening in every major territory and market in the world, including North America, Latin America, APAC, MENA, Australasia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe. From our experience, quick quoting and sourcing capabilities are now essential.

2. Do you provide a comprehensive, full-service approach, including liaising with different manufacturers in different countries, sourcing, installation, training, and maintenance?

Trial organisers can often feel overwhelmed by the complicated international supply chains involved in the delivery of ophthalmic equipment. Having a supplier with established cross-border links and relationships can dramatically ease the strain facing CROs and sponsors.

3. Does your network ensure our on-site teams can access suitable operational support for our ophthalmic equipment as our trial progresses?

In contrast to many simpler and more common medical devices, the relative sophistication of ophthalmic equipment often requires specialised support and advice on an ongoing basis. To prevent unnecessary study delays, any uncertainties or knowledge gaps among your trial staff need to be addressed quickly.

4. Do you have a proactive programme with your distributors and manufacturers to oversee equipment upgrades?

Ophthalmic studies are increasingly benefitting from newer equipment that provides more accurate, consistent, and accessible patient data that minimises the need for potentially variable clinical interpretations. Having access to the most up-to-date equipment can significantly impact the quality of resulting data.

5. Do you remove the worry of us being left saddled with expensive equipment with a long-term product life when we only need it for a relatively short-term trial?

CROs and sponsors looking to purchase ophthalmic equipment often face prohibitively high costs. A full-service rental solution is generally a much more cost-effective approach. 

Expert support and advice for ophthalmic clinical trials

Over the last 35 years, Woodley Trials Solutions has amassed extraordinary experience in supplying clinical trials all over the world. Our partnerships with ophthalmic clinical trials have seen us develop a significant understanding of the particular challenges and needs associated with these studies.

Today, we are able to offer expert product knowledge along with the ability to assess and understand your needs. This takes you from having a basic idea of the potential equipment you may use, through to an extremely detailed solution that’s continually refined to align with your particular trial.

Ask our team about everything from the Heidelberg Spectralis OCT through to the Humphrey Field Analyzer 3 and the ETDRS Clinical Trial Kit. Our full range of ophthalmic products is always expanding, so keep checking our website for the latest details.

If you’re a CRO looking for equipment expertise, support, and regulatory knowledge for your next ophthalmic clinical trial, contact us today. Our friendly team will be happy to help.