Research for Global Blindness Prevention:
Introduction and News
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Research Agenda for Global Blindness Prevention:
- About the Research Agenda
- Preface
- General Introduction
- 1. Cataract
- 2. Trachoma
- 3. Onchocerciasis
- 4. Xerophthalmia
- 5. The Glaucomas
- 6. Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- 7. Refractive Error
- Closing Considerations
- Appendix 1:
Distinguishing Characteristics of Persistent Ocular Diseases
- Appendix 2:
Research Goals: Prioritization and the Means to Move Forward
- PDF file of complete Research Agenda (176 Kb)
Research news headlines:
- Major international research meetings scheduled
- Research and Resources in the July (09) Leader Letter
- Clinical Research: A Primer for Ophthalmologists (Free download)
- Epidemiology and Statistics for the Ophthalmologist (Free download)
- ICO emphasizes ethics of research
- ICO seeks comments on Research Agenda
- Research Agenda available as PDF
(Also see more news of research)
Major international research meetings scheduled
- Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology (ARVO): May 2 - 10, 2010, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
- International Congress of Eye Research (ICER): July 18–23, 2010, Montreal, Canada
- European Association for Vision and Eye Research (EVER): October 6–9, 2010, Crete, Greece
Research and Resources in the July (09) Leader Letter
Basic and clinical research are critical to improving treatment of eye disease and to prevention of visual loss. Epidemiologic and operational research are also essential, particularly in developing countries. Yet the training of ophthalmology residents in how to conduct research varies widely around the world.
The ICO Research Committee has a new research "Primer" and other organizations, including ICO Members the European Association for Vision and Eye Research (EVER) and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), are also offering courses and other resources. A list of research resources and research news is available in the July (09) ICO Leader Letter.
Clinical Research: A Primer for Ophthalmologists
The ICO Research Committee has developed this new free publication to assist beginning ophthalmic researchers. It is a simple outline or “Primer,” to provide guidance to the essential components of clinical research.
“I hope that this Primer can be a useful resource to introduce the basics of research for ophthalmologists all over the world. It will be particularly helpful for those who have not had formal training in research.” –Alfred Sommer, MD, ICO Research Director
Clinical Research: A Primer for Ophthalmologists is available for download here: archive.icoph.org/pdf/PrimerClinicalResearch.pdf (PDF 174 KB).
Epidemiology and Statistics for the Ophthalmologist
Written by ICO Research Director Alfred Sommer, MD, this book is a simple, clear presentation of epidemiologic and statistical techniques relevant to conducting, interpreting, and assimilating common types of clinical research.
The text is divided into two parts. The first deals with epidemiologic concepts and their application, and the second is devoted to the selection and use of relevant statistical manipulations. It contains illustrations and many examples.
“The intention of the book is to provide a simple, straightforward introduction to the subject for clinical ophthalmologists. While the case studies might be dated, the principles are not. It is now available free to download.” –Alfred Sommer, MD, ICO Research Director
Download Epidemiology and Statistics for the Ophthalmologist here: archive.icoph.org/pdf/EpidemiologyStatistics.pdf (PDF 4 MB).
Epidemiology and Statistics for the Ophthalmologist, Alfred Sommer, New York : Oxford University Press, 1980. ISBN: 019502656X.
ICO emphasizes ethics of research
The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) is asking ophthalmologic societies and ophthalmic training programs to incorporate ethical considerations into their research programs and encourage others to do the same.
At its June 2008 meeting in Hong Kong, the ICO reviewed a report on "Regulations and Ethical Considerations Related to Research, Particularly When Investigations Involve Human Subjects" prepared by Professor Nancy Kass of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the U.S.
Dr. Kass's report, which recounts the history of regulation of research and offers links to many key documents, is now available on the ICO Web site and can also be downloaded as a PDF file - 100 KB.
"We encourage ophthalmologic societies to distribute the report widely and hope that the principles will be intergrated into all research programs," said ICO Director for Research Al Sommer, MD.
ICO seeks comments on Research Agenda
The ICO is requesting comments on the report and research opportunities, priorities and progress.
Research Agenda available as PDF
The full Research Agenda can be downloaded from the ICO Web site as a PDF file (176 Kb). To read or print it, you will need Adobe Reader, which is a free download.
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Also see: Table of Contents of the Research Agenda for Global Blindness Prevention