We are inviting people aged over 40 with good vision in one or both eyes, who don’t have an eye condition and no direct relatives diagnosed with glaucoma, to take part in a study aimed at finding better ways to detect visual field loss.
We are investigating new methods to detect glaucoma earlier and improve eye health care for patients, in a new study led by Cardiff University, together with Ulster University and UCL. NIHR Moorfields Clinical Research Facility is designated as one of three UK sites for the study.
The study aims to investigate better ways of identifying changes in vision by comparing how people with and without glaucoma respond to shapes presented on a computer screen.
By developing and refining a new test, we hope to address some of the drawbacks of the current methods used to investigate glaucoma. This could lead to quicker and more accurate testing for patients, which is more cost-efficient for the NHS, and which could provide more accessible eye care to people in developing countries.
To help us develop the new test, we are inviting people with no eye conditions to come for some visual field tests. We are looking for participants who are aged over 40 years.
Why is this study important?
Perimetry, also known as a visual field test, is the main method for identifying glaucoma, but has largely remained unchanged since its inception over 40 years ago. The new study, called REVAMP (short for Research and Evaluation of area Modulation Perimetry) is trialling a more sensitive method of testing called Area Modulation Perimetry (AMP), which could spot changes in peripheral (side) vision earlier—even before glaucoma is formally diagnosed.
Traditional visual field tests for glaucoma focus on detecting damage that has already happened. But often, by the time vision changes are noticeable, it is too late to fully prevent further loss. Earlier detection means doctors could start treatment sooner and slow the progression of the disease—potentially saving the sight of millions worldwide.
Recent studies have already shown that AMP may outperform traditional tests at detecting visual field changes in people with established glaucoma. Now, researchers are expanding this work to include people without glaucoma to better understand how healthy vision responds during testing.
Who can take part?
We are looking for a number of volunteers who do not have any eye conditions (though you may still be eligible if you wear spectacles for long/short-sightedness or for reading). To be eligible, you must have no direct relatives diagnosed with glaucoma.
This group will serve as a control group—helping researchers understand what “normal” looks like when using the new testing method.
How does it work?
The study visit takes place on one day. You will be asked to complete a series of simple, non-invasive vision tests that involve watching a computer screen and pressing a button each time you see a small light flash in your side vision.
Before beginning, a few routine screening tests (similar to what you would have at the optometrist) will be carried out to confirm you’re eligible.
Participants will receive £20 compensation, which includes travel expenses.
Please consider sharing this with friends or family who may also be eligible.
How to join
If you are interested—or unsure whether you qualify—you can get in touch with the study team, who will be happy to help:
Contact: Nadine Abdelgalil
Telephone: 020 7253 3411 ext 4451