Clinical trials in optometry are becoming one of the most important pathways for advancing patient care, expanding treatment options, and helping eye care professionals shape the future of the profession. A recent episode from one of the top optometry podcasts explored how clinical research is evolving, why more optometrists are becoming principal investigators, and how practices can begin participating in clinical trials.

Featuring insights from Dr. Carol Aune, the conversation focused on real-world clinical research, innovation in eye care, AI integration, myopia control, cataract treatment development, and how practices can become involved in research without completely stepping away from patient care.

Key Takeaways

Every medication, contact lens, ophthalmic drop, and device used in eye care must go through the clinical trial process before reaching patients. According to Dr. Carol Aune, clinical trials are necessary if the profession wants continued innovation in treatment options.

For years, ophthalmologists were often the primary investigators leading eye care clinical trials. That changed when FDA requirements evolved, allowing qualified optometrists with the proper experience and training to become principal investigators.

That shift has opened the door for more optometrists to play a direct role in advancing patient care through research participation.

One of the biggest questions discussed during the episode was how an optometrist can actually enter the world of clinical research.

Dr. Carol Aune explained that many eye care professionals begin as sub-investigators before transitioning into leadership roles within research.

She also emphasized that many optometry schools already expose students to research opportunities.

Research participation does not always begin with running a study independently. Many optometrists first gain exposure by assisting on active studies or working alongside experienced coordinators and investigators.

Clinical trials are not solo projects. Successful studies require an organized team structure.

Dr. Carol Aune noted that experienced coordinators are especially important during the startup phase because sponsors want confidence that protocols will be followed correctly.

Clinical research operates on strict timelines and standardized assessments. Study visits often include precise testing windows, documentation requirements, and regulatory oversight.

Some visits may require:

This level of structure ensures patient safety while maintaining accurate data collection.

One of the most valuable parts of the conversation was the transparency around workload and startup expectations.

Dr. Carol Aune explained that many optometrists already own the majority of the equipment needed for ocular clinical trials.

The primary investment often comes from staffing and time allocation.

Experienced research coordinators may earn approximately:

Dr. Carol Aune shared that when she first entered research, she often arrived early, worked through lunch, and stayed late to manage study participants while still maintaining a full clinical schedule.

That reality highlights the level of commitment required to build a successful research program.

One of the strongest patient experience themes throughout the episode was the idea that clinical trials can become treatment opportunities for patients who may not respond well to existing therapies.

Clinical trials may provide access to therapies years before they become commercially available.

For patients struggling with chronic dry eye or progressive myopia, participation in a study may offer additional treatment pathways that would otherwise be unavailable.

Artificial intelligence is beginning to influence clinical trials in eye care, although Dr. Carol Aune explained that implementation is still early.

Currently, many imaging assessments are reviewed manually by centralized reading centers to maintain grading consistency.

The discussion also touched on oculomics and how ocular imaging could potentially help identify systemic disease patterns in the future.

One of the most exciting sections of the conversation focused on personalized medicine. Dr. Carol Aune discussed studies involving genotype-specific therapies where treatments may only work for patients with certain genetic markers.

Researchers are studying therapies targeted to specific genetic profiles rather than using one treatment approach for every patient.

New biologic therapies are being evaluated to support wound healing through DNA repair mechanisms instead of only targeting inflammation.

One of the most discussed innovations involved investigational cataract drops.

While Dr. Carol Aune noted these drops may not replace cataract surgery entirely, they could potentially:

Access to cataract care remains a major healthcare challenge globally, making pharmaceutical treatment options an area many eye care professionals are watching closely.

The episode also explored the importance of diversity in clinical research participation.

Dr. Carol Aune explained that community engagement plays a major role in building trust and reducing stigma surrounding clinical trials.

Building trust within communities helps patients better understand that clinical trials are focused on advancing care and improving outcomes rather than experimentation.

For eye care professionals interested in participating in research, Dr. Carol Aune recommended exploring:

She also emphasized the importance of networking and mentorship within the clinical research community.

Clinical trials in optometry continue to create opportunities for eye care professionals to shape the future of patient care while expanding access to innovation. Whether through dry eye therapeutics, myopia control, AI integration, or personalized medicine, research participation is becoming increasingly important within the profession.

For practices considering involvement, one of the best first steps is identifying ongoing studies in your region and connecting with experienced research teams. Even starting as a sub-investigator can provide valuable exposure and open doors for future leadership opportunities in research.

Looking to stay ahead in eye care, leadership, patient experience, and innovation? Follow Defocus Media, the #1 optometry podcast network, for conversations designed to help eye care professionals grow clinically, professionally, and personally.