In partnership with Retina Consultants San Diego, The San Diego Retina Research Foundation (SDRRF) is dedicated to fighting blindness. By participating in dozens of cutting-edge clinical trials, the SDRRF provides our patients access to these cutting-edge treatments years before they are available to the general public. In some cases these trials provide treatment for otherwise untreatable conditions. Our team of physicians, clinician-scientists, photographers, technicians, and clinical trial coordinators are dedicated to this passion. We typically participate in several clinical trials for each of the main disease states at any time, giving our patients several options to choose from, in addition to standard of care treatments. We explain all of the options in detail to our patients, including the pros and cons of being a research participant. In most cases the benefits outweigh any risks, but all information is presented.
There is no charge to either the patient nor any insurance company for trial participants. All costs are covered by the study Sponsor. In most cases transportation and a small patient stipend are provided. We recently opened a new state-of-the-art suite dedicated to clinical trial studies. We are a leading global center for retinal research, with top of the line diagnostic modalities. Commonly, we are one of a select group of research sites to participate in the most exciting studies, including gene therapy, stem cells, and pioneering surgical techniques. Through our participation in research, our physicians commonly participate in the design of upcoming trials, synthesis of findings, and presentation of trial results at national meetings and in peer-reviewed publications.
The team of doctors, photographers, clinical trial coordinators, and technicians are all certified for clinical trials, with rigorous ethical and professional standards. Our research focuses on blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, retinal venous occlusive diseases and diabetic retinopathy, vitreomacular adhesions, macular holes, and retinal detachments. While most trials are targeted toward newly-diagnosed patients, several are available for patients being actively treated.
Please feel free to reach out to our study team to see if there are any trials available to you or your family members.