Clinical trials

Hyperspectral retinal imaging is a non-invasive imaging modality in which a series of images of the retina are captured using light of different wavelengths. The resulting "hypercube" of data provides a wealth of information about the retinal structure. Our group has developed evidence supporting a role for this technology in the detection of retinal amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease. We are undertaking further studies to establish the role of this method in the assessment of people with dementia, or those at risk of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, we wish to test whether the approach may have value in other forms of dementia or neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy-Body dementia or vascular dementia.

This study evaluates hyperspectral retinal imaging as a novel, non-invasive imaging technique to characterise retinal and optic nerve structures in healthy individuals and patients with eye disease. Hyperspectral imaging captures retinal data across multiple wavelengths to generate detailed spectral information that may reveal features not visible with conventional retinal photography. Approximately 1000 participants will undergo multi-modal ophthalmic imaging in Melbourne, Australia, including hyperspectral imaging, OCT, fundus photography, and related tests. The study aims to compare hyperspectral imaging with standard imaging methods and assess its ability to identify retinal biomarkers associated with diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

Retinal detachment occurs when fluid separates the retina (a thin, light sensing tissue) from its usual attachment at the back of the eye. If detached, these retinal cells lose their normal blood supply and begin to die, which is the primary cause of vision loss in retinal detachment. The 'macula' refers to the very centre of the retina, with the highest density of retinal cells, most responsible for vision. Significant vision loss occurs when this part of the retina becomes separated (termed a 'macula-off retinal detachment'). Typically, surgery is required to repair the retinal detachment. Supporting the health of retinal cells at the macula may prolong their survival after detachment and their recovery postoperatively. Recent evidence has shown that boosting our nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels may improve the health of these cells and prolong their survival if detached. Oral Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is converted into NAD+, and while not studied for macula-off retinal detachments, has been safely used in a range of other conditions. This study is designed to help evaluate the safety and tolerability of NR to help preserve vision in people diagnosed with macula-off retinal detachment. This study drug is given as an oral supplement (tablet) at the time of retinal detachment diagnosis, and daily for 20 weeks thereafter. The drug aims to prolong survival of cells in the retina (and macula) and their recovery after surgery. The long-term goal of this treatment is to reduce loss of vision after retinal detachment. The researchers will compare NR to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if NR has a positive effect on photoreceptor survival and quality of vision postoperatively. NR has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia for many purposes but has not been approved for use in retinal detachment treatment.

The aim of the research project is to validate the use of a novel functional assessment tool designed to document how participants with a vision impairment complete activities of daily living in a real world environment.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, and nearly two million Australians have some signs of AMD. This proposed project is a prospective, observational study that seeks to to understand the underlying aetiology of AMD, factors associated with differences between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) phenotypes or severities, or between AMD and healthy individuals. It also seeks to understand the natural history of AMD progression and the factors associated with the rate of progression. In this project, the disease phenotype, genotype and severity and rate of progression will be determined based on non-invasive clinical imaging or functional assessment of the retina, from obtaining biological samples from the participants, or from patient-reported outcomes.