Clinical trials

The aim of this study is to apply a diagnostic test called 'metagenomic sequencing' to identify the involvement of potential infections in patients with ocular inflammation, where this hasn't been detected by currently available standard testing. For many people with ocular inflammation, no cause is ever found for their disease. In some cases, an infection or infectious trigger is suspected, but currently available tests are inadequate. Metagenomic sequencing can identify almost every globally known infection (bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites) in a sample. Therefore, it has the potential to identify an infection that has caused or triggered ocular inflammation, and as a consequence may help to identify specific treatments. It has the potential to improve our understanding of how to diagnose and treat people with this problem. This study will allow us to test the technique that has been previously optimised for brain infections, on ocular fluids. Participants will be 18 years of age or over and have active ocular inflammation which is suspected to be due to an infection, or an autoimmune process which has been triggered by an infection, but identification of this infection has not been possible using the investigations available as part of standard NHS care. Participants will be identified by the treating clinical team as requiring a sample of fluid from inside of the eye, and some of this fluid will be sent for metagenomic sequencing alongside standard testing. This study will be conducted at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London and will last for approximately a year. Participants will undergo additional non-invasive ocular imaging on the day of their clinic visit, but will not have to attend any additional research visits.

This research focuses on enhancing the informed process for patients before undergoing cataract surgery. Currently, this process involves verbal discussions and written materials that may not fully address patients' understanding of the surgery, its risks, and benefits. This study aims to introduce an innovative approach using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate informative videos tailored to patients' needs, accounting for education level, ethnicity, and language barriers. Why is this important? Informed consent is not just a legal requirement; but it's a fundamental patient right. Ensuring patients truly understand their treatment options leads to better satisfaction, both from the patient and clinician's perspective. This study compares the effectiveness of AI-generated videos against traditional information delivery methods (information brochures). Patients scheduled for cataract surgery will experience either the new AI video approach or the standard process. The goal is to see if the videos lead to better understanding of the procedure and overall satisfaction. The investigators will be running the study in two parallel cohorts - with Cohort A involving an English speaking population, and Cohort B a Bengali speaking population with all patient facing materials translated into Bengali. This research is crucial for patients seeking clarity about cataract surgery, for doctors aiming to improve patient care, and for researchers exploring patient education innovations. Funded by the Medical Protection Society (MPS), the investigators hope this intervention has broader effects such as reducing the number of complaints and litigations, improving the efficiency of consenting for surgery and delivering information, and improving theatre utilisation by reducing last minute cancellations.