Ophthalmic – Trials Australia

Welcome to

Ophthalmic Trials
Australia

MISSION STATEMENT:

Ocular health is invaluable. Our aim is to improve quality of life through the ethical and safe trialing of new and innovative products/devices produced from bio-tech/pharmacutical companies. Assisting them in their fight against ocular diseases.

WHO WE ARE:

Ophthalmic Trials Australia has grown from more than 20 years in optometry with a clinical focus on anterior eye disease within Mark Hinds Optometrists and with a collaboration with ophthalmology our portfolio brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. The ever-growing sub-categorized database of over 35 000 patients over years of professional networking sees patients referred from a broad range of age, ethnic, genetic, and lifestyle backgrounds. Our collaboration with both private and public ophthalmology facilitates the opportunity to delve into extensive resources and patient base. Our drive to conduct trials for targeted research to save sight and improve the quality of life for many is our passion and focus. The driving factor is to facilitate and expedite a safe, ethical and effective pathway for investigational therapeutic, non-therapeutic, and ophthalmic products/devices for sponsors to the open market. Our clinical history with ongoing working relationships with industry, institutions, collaborators, and subsequent presentations and publications is a testament to OTA’s research team. Over the years, we have developed a network of wonderful and valued partnerships, and we welcome more.

WHAT WE DO & RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Our clinical trial program facilitates the new and leading treatments for patients to improve clinical outcomes and patient quality of life.
Evidenced based medicine requires diligent and safe assessment of findings through Clinical Trials. Ophthalmic Trials Australia’s research is intent on improving the current treatments (or lack their of) for ophthalmic diseases. With a focus on the anterior segment of the eye, we specialise in Clinical trials that focus on Dry Eye Disease, Chronic Ocular Surface Pain & Ocular Graft-Versus-Hosts Disease (etc.). Dr Mark Hinds and his team has developed Ophthalmic Trials Australia to push for innovative treatments and raise awareness of such diseases.

Meet one of our lead investigators.

Dr Mark Hinds
BScApp(Optom) (Queensland University of Technology)
GradCertOcTher (Queensland University of Technology)
BScApp(HMS) (University of Queensland)
P/G BscHons – Exercise Physiology (University of Queensland)
FBCLA (Manchester) FIAOMC (NZ)
CASA Credentialed Optometrist

ORCID ID: 0009-0004-1484-9563

WHAT IS A CLINICAL TRIAL?

An Ophthalmic Clinical Trial is a research study designed to evaluate new treatments, medications, or medical devices for eye diseases and vision disorders. These trials are essential for advancing eye care by testing the safety, effectiveness, and potential side effects of new interventions. Participants help researchers determine how well a new treatment works compared to existing options or placebos, ultimately contributing to better outcomes in eye health.

PHASES OF CLINICAL TRIALS

Our clinical trials through Ophthalmic Trials Australia are Phase 1 through to Phase 4 clinical trials where after ethics approvals we conduct a series of tests on a smaller populations on early Phase trials (10-20) and larger populations on later Phase trials (50+). We have completed therapeutic, non therapeutic and investigational device clinical trials. As a rule, most pharmacological and biomedical interventions for clinical trials follow from Phase 1 to Phase 4 as per:

Phase I Clinical Trial

Tests a new drug or treatment in a small group of healthy volunteers or patients with eye conditions to evaluate safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.

Phase II Clinical Trial

Involves a larger group of participants with the targeted eye condition to assess how well the treatment works and to further evaluate its safety.

Phase III Clinical Trial

Conducted on a much larger group to confirm effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare with standard treatments, and gather data to support regulatory approval.

Phase IV Clinical Trial

Takes place after the treatment has been approved and marketed. It collects ongoing safety data, monitors long-term effects, and may explore additional uses.

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CLINICAL TRIAL PROTOCOLS

Clinical trials follow a plan, or set of rules, known as a protocol to ensure that they are as safe as possible, that they measure the right things in the right way and that the results are meaningful. For example, a protocol describes:

Who is eligible to take part in the trial?
The research methods, tests and procedures that will be used?
The interventions that will be used and how they will be delivered?
The length of the study, what information will be collected and any follow up?

WHY PARTICIPATE IN A CLINICAL TRIAL?

There are many reasons why people choose to join a clinical trial. Some join a trial because the treatments they have tried for their health problem did not work. Others participate because there is no treatment for their health problem. By being part of a clinical trial, participants may find out about new treatments before they are widely available. Some studies are designed for, or include, people who are healthy but want to help find ways to prevent a disease, such as one that may be common in their family.

QUESTIONS TO BRING WITH YOU TO OUR CLINICAL TRIALS

Clinical Trials can often be confusing, it is accepted and encouraged for you to bring any questions you may have. if you would like to, please email us at tracey@ot-au.com to express interest and any questions you may have. A list of commonly asked questions are (Click read more to find out the answers):

What is this study trying to find out?
What treatment or tests will I have? Will they hurt? Will you give me the test or lab results?
What are the chances I will get the experimental treatment or the placebo?
What are the possible risks, side effects, and benefits of the study treatment compared with my current treatment?
How will I know if the treatment is working?
How long will the clinical trial last?
Where will the study take place? Will I have to stay in the hospital?
Will you provide a way for me to get to the study site if I need it, such as a rideshare service?
Can I do any part of the trial with my regular doctor? Is there a closer clinical trial to me?
How will the study affect my everyday life?
What steps ensure my privacy?

How will you protect my health while I am in the study?
What happens if my health problem gets worse during the study?
Can I take my regular medicines while in the trial?
Who will be in charge of my care while I am in the study? Will I be able to see my own doctor?
How will you keep my doctor informed about my participation in the trial?
If I withdraw, will this affect my normal care?

Costs and Reimbursement

Will being in the study cost me anything? If so, will I be reimbursed for expenses such as travel, parking, or lodging?
Will my insurance pay for costs not covered by the research trial, or will I need to pay out of pocket? If I don’t have insurance, am I still eligible to participate?
Will I need a study partner? If so, how long will he or she need to participate? Will my study partner be compensated for his or her time?

Will you follow up on my health after the end of the study?
Will you tell me the results of the study?
Whom do I call if I have more questions?