Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies designed to assess whether a new treatment or intervention is safe and effective. In the field of inherited retinal diseases (IRD) and other retinal conditions, clinical trials play a vital role in advancing research and improving future treatment options.
If you are living with vision loss, you may have questions about what clinical trials involve, how they work, and where to find reliable information. This page provides a clear overview and trusted resources to help you understand the process.
What Is a Clinical Trial?
What Is a Clinical Trial?
Before a new treatment is tested in people, early research is conducted in laboratories and animal models to establish safety and “proof of principle.” If those early stages are successful, funding and regulatory approval are sought to begin human clinical trials.
Clinical trials are registered and regulated by official authorities, including:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [External Link]
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) [External Link]
- The South African Department of Health [External Link]
Most clinical trials progress through structured phases:
Phase 1 – Focuses primarily on safety, usually involving a small group of participants.
Phase 2 – Examines safety, dosage, and early effectiveness.
Phase 3 – Larger studies, often across multiple centres, to confirm effectiveness before potential registration.
Each phase is carefully reviewed by independent ethics and safety boards before progressing.
It is important to understand that a clinical trial is not a cure. These studies are designed to test new approaches and generate evidence.
Become a Retina South Africa Member
Membership of Retina South Africa provides access to trusted information, guidance, support services, and updates on global vision loss research, clinical trials, and emerging treatments.
Clinical Trials Pipeline: Where to Find Current Research
Clinical Trials Pipeline: Where to Find Current Research
Research into inherited retinal diseases and other retinal conditions is progressing globally. Because clinical trial data changes frequently, Retina South Africa does not maintain a comprehensive list of active trials on this website.
Instead, we recommend consulting trusted, regularly updated sources:
- Foundation Fighting Blindness – Clinical Trials Pipeline [External Link]
- ClinicalTrials.gov [External Link]
- EU Clinical Trials Register [External Link]
These platforms allow you to search by condition, treatment type, trial phase, and location.
Clinical Trial Participation in South Africa
Clinical Trial Participation in South Africa
Participants for clinical trials in South Africa are normally sourced from Retina South Africa’s confidential patient registry.
For more information about clinical trial participation or the patient registry, please contact Retina South Africa directly.
Important Considerations
Important Considerations
- Participation in a clinical trial is voluntary.
- Eligibility criteria vary depending on the study.
- All trials must follow strict ethical and safety guidelines.
- Research timelines and outcomes can vary.
- Clinical trials are free. If you are being charged it is NOT a clinical trial.
If you are unsure whether participation in a clinical trial may be appropriate for you, speak with your healthcare provider and contact Retina South Africa for further information.
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Have Questions About Clinical Trials?
Have Questions About Clinical Trials?
If you would like guidance about clinical trial participation, the patient registry, or research updates, Retina South Africa can help.
You can contact us for support and further information:
- Helpline: 010 497 9489
- Email: contact@retinasa.org.za