Facilities
The Vision Science Core Facility has a strong track-record in the delivery of leading commercial and non-commercial translational research. This includes multicentre randomised controlled clinical trials, and medical device trials, in addition to basic studies of vision in health and disease. Our capacity for research delivery is underpinned by internationally recognised research staff and key investment in state-of-the-art clinical and research equipment.
Our research facilities include
- Advanced ophthalmic imaging suite
- Bespoke experimental visual psychophysics suites
- Ocular biometry suite
- Eye-tracking suite
- Clinical testing suites.
We also have access to a newly refurbished £1.1million on-site Eye Clinic and a mobile clinic unit, thereby supporting the delivery of vision research aligned with the CFDD. All our research and clinic spaces are fully accessible and can be setup to accommodate protocol specifications as required.
Services
Our research services include:
- Advanced ophthalmic imaging: We offer state-of-the-art retinal and anterior eye Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans and OCT-angiography, together with wide-angle and small-angle (photoreceptor) retinal imaging. We host a range of desktop and handheld retinal cameras for standard retinal imaging and have the facility to undertake corneal topography. All devices have DICOM compatibility and select devices have RAW data export functionality for research.
- Experimental visual psychophysics: Work in this area is supported by a range of high-end visual displays including CRT, OLED, and LCD monitors, together with control computers (Windows, Mac OS, Ubuntu) hosting high-end graphics processors and peripheral stimulus generators. We have handheld and desktop-based electrophysiology devices that are capable of ISCEV standard assessments and custom test protocols. We have equipment and bespoke space for the measurement of rod-mediated dark adaptation. Device calibration needs are supported by a range of advanced spectrophotometers available within the vision science core facility.
- Eye-tracking: A number of high-frequency eye-trackers capable of the non-invasive tracking of eye movements up to a frequency of 1000 Hz are available for use. These devices can be desktop based or head mounted and can be applied in studies both in lab and ‘real-world’ settings.
- Advanced ocular biometry: We undertake ocular biometry with a range of state-of-the-art, non-contact devices.
- Visual Function Measurement: Our facilities incorporate measures of visual function such as visual acuity, perimetry, colour vision, and stereopsis many of which are accepted endpoints in regulated clinical trials. Our visual acuity testing facility also incorporates backlit and electronic test charts.
- Measurement of refractive error: This can be performed objectively using a range of closed and open-field autorefractors. Our centre is also supported by several qualified optometrists to undertake formal measures of refraction on 3m and 6m testing lanes with and without cycloplegia.
- Eye health assessment: Multiple clinical suites in the vision science core facility incorporate a slit lamp biomicroscope, together with head mounted indirect and direct ophthalmoscopes for the assessment of ocular health.
- Community based research delivery: Our mobile clinical research suite can be used to deliver research in community settings across the island of Ireland. This enables individuals in hard-to-reach settings to engage with clinical research delivery.
Industrial applications
We have a proven record of delivering industry‑focused research, this being made possible by leading specialist expertise and state of the art equipment. Our centre is equipped with full suites of imaging and visual function assessments, measures with which are often mandated by regulatory agencies as endpoints within interventional clinical trials.
Our range of advanced imaging tools and visual psychophysics measures may also be applied in studies of systemic diseases with known ocular changes (oculomics) including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. This capacity will also support engagement in the trial of novel therapeutic agents for select systemic diseases where ocular measures may act as a surrogate for disease state changes in other regions of the body.
Furthermore, the strong and proven links developed by group members with eye care professionals in primary care settings across the UK and Ireland will support effective engagement with studies that wish to undertake recruitment and/or data collection in primary care. Research delivery in hard-to-reach settings is also supported by our access to a fully equipped mobile clinic unit.
Benefits to industry
We have the necessary staff expertise and research infrastructure to successfully deliver industry supported research in a range of care settings. We also have a proven track record in the delivery of regulated interventional trials to time and target in collaboration with industry partners.
Through engagement with community partners and use of a mobile clinic unit we also have the capacity to engage hard-to-reach populations in research, this aligning with national governmental initiatives to expand the capacity for the delivery of clinical research and trials.
Advanced instrumentation offered by the centre will also enable industry partners to apply ocular measures in studies investigating interventions for systemic diseases where the eye and visual system are affected.
