We are committed to improving patient care and medical outcomes for our patients and for patients world wide through participation in clinical trials.
What is a Clinical Trial?
Clinical trials are scientific research protocols performed in clinics with patient volunteers. They are how doctors learn to treat diseases better and improve patient outcomes. Clinical trials are critical to improving medicine.
Why Participate in a Clinical Trial?
Patients in a clinical trial can receive new treatments for diseases that are not available any other way. This can mean a treatment for an untreatable condition, or a better treatment for a treatable condition. Unfortunately, if a treatment is in a clinical trial it means it has not been proven to be superior to the standard of care, even if the standard of care (or alternative treatment) is no treatment at all. While patients in a clinical trial are volunteers, and are generally not compensated for they’re participation, patients may receive a small compensation for their time. Patients in a clinical trial can rest assured that they are receiving the best care possible as determined by world experts and that risks to their health will be minimized by multiple levels of reviews for patient safety. Finally, clinical trials are how we learn to best treat patients in the future. Patients today benefit from clinical trials in the past, and participating in a clinical trial today, will help patients in the future receive better care.
Associations
Below are some of the most recognized professional associations in the fields of ophthalmology and optometrics.
American Society of Retina Specialists
The American Society of Retina Specialists is the largest national membership association of fellowhsip trained retina specialists. The website provides an in-depth look at eye care health, while providing their membership with ongoing learning and support.
American Board of Ophthalmology
The ABO is an independent, non profit organization founded in 1916. This organization is responsible for the certification and continual learning for ophthalmic practices across the country. While board certification is not required to practice medicine, you should make sure all your doctors are board certified in their specialty. Failure to pass the exams required to become board certified indicates a lack of knowledge and expertise. Dr. Leder was first certified by the ABO in 2008, and successfully re-certified in 2019. He participates in continuing medical education to maintain his certification.
Like certification, MOC is not required to practice medicine, but all ophthalmologists certified after 1992 must participate in the program as a condition of their certification. Older ophthalmologist (certified before 1992) are not required to maintain their certification, and may not stay current with changes in medical practice.
National Institutes of Health
An A-Z index of NIH health resources, clinical trials, health hotlines, MEDLINEplus, drug information, and more.
National Eye Institute
The National Eye Institute (NEI) was established by Congress in 1968 to protect and prolong the vision of the American people. Their main purpose is to develop public and professional education programs to help prevent blindness, reduce visual impairment, and increase awareness of services and devices that are available for people with low vision.
American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the largest national membership association of Eye MDs with over 7,000 members internationally. The website provides an in-depth look at eye care health, while providing their membership with ongoing learning and support.
Eye and Vision Health
The following links provide some good general information on eye care and vision health.
All About Vision
A guide to eye care, LASIK laser eye surgery, eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision, eye exams, computer vision syndrome, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems and diseases. Contains eye doctor Q&A’s, frequently asked questions, and much more.
HealthCentral.com
Healthcentral.com.com is one of the most trusted sources of medical information and up to date news and contains a doctor-approved health encyclopedia of diseases and conditions, the ability to find symptoms and treatments. Also drug information with side effects and interactions.
HealthFinder
Features daily health news on a variety of useful topics. Includes some health information sorted by gender, age, and race.
WebMD
The world’s leading source for trustworthy and timely health and medical news and information. Provides credible health information, supportive community, and educational services by blending award-winning expertise in content, community services, expert commentary, and medical review.