Clinical Studies at the Kellogg Eye Center

Our expanded Clinical Research Center offers patients the opportunity to participate in the evaluation of promising new treatments for eye disease.

At the Kellogg Eye Center, clinical studies are conducted at the Kellogg Clinical Research Center (KCRC), a 5,000 square foot research unit located on the 5th floor of the Kellogg Tower at the Kellogg Eye Center in Ann Arbor. The KCRC provides infrastructure, services for investigators who conduct research, and resources to support patient-oriented research studies in the areas of retina, cornea, glaucoma, pediatrics, thyroid eye disease, ocular oncology, oculoplastics, and telemedicine.

Clinical studies are research trials designed to test the safety and effectiveness of new treatments or compare existing treatments. They involve patient volunteers who may receive new treatments, standard treatments, or a placebo, and are supervised by doctors and research professionals. These studies help determine if treatments are safe and effective and contribute to advancing medical knowledge.

Before a study begins, years of research ensure the treatment is likely to benefit patients with minimal risks. Participants are fully informed of potential risks and benefits before enrolling, and studies follow strict protocols to ensure accuracy and safety. Clinical studies are funded by organizations like the NIH or private companies and proceed through three phases:

• Phase I focuses on safety with a small group of healthy participants.

• Phase II monitors safety while evaluating effectiveness with a larger group.

• Phase III compares new treatments to standard ones, requiring a large group of participants to ensure accurate results.