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Take part in research

We’re passionate about supporting clinicians and scientists to carry out cutting edge research into glaucoma detection, care and treatment. But we don’t just help by funding research. We also help researchers recruit people to take part in their projects. Is there an opportunity for you?

You can find all the latest opportunities to volunteer in research studies below. If you are a researcher and want to list your project on this webpage, please see the list your project section below.

Why take part in glaucoma research?

There might be lots of reasons for taking part in research. You could make a difference by helping to improve treatments and quality of life for people with glaucoma, now and in the future. You could access new treatments, or perhaps you’ll just feel you’re taking a more active role in your own glaucoma care. Data from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) shows that 91% of people who took part in research would consider taking part again, and 91% felt valued by researchers for taking part.

Projects you can take part in

Investigating whether a new method for measuring the ‘visual field’ can better detect glaucoma in short-sighted individuals

Description of the project:

This study will investigate different methods of measuring the ‘visual field’ to allow the research and development of new tests that may be better at detecting glaucoma and differentiating the disease from changes that can occur in healthy eyes, such as those related to the eye becoming short-sighted (myopic).

Who is eligible to take part?

Individuals aged 35-90 years with open-angle or normal-tension glaucoma (excluding glaucoma related to eye trauma) in one or both eyes.

Where and how will the research take place?

If you agree to take part, you will be invited to undergo some tests of vision lasting approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. This can be completed at the Centre for Optometry and Vision Science at the Ulster University Coleraine Campus, or the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network Vision Suite within the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (Royal Victoria Hospital site) depending on your preference.

These tests may be undertaken in one visit or split into two depending on preference. For the experimental tests, we will ask you to view different spots of light presented on a screen and measure the number and function of your eye’s retinal nerve cells. Before doing any experiments, we will perform some screening tests to ensure that you are eligible to participate. These screening tests will likely be familiar to you from a previous visit to your optometrist or the hospital eye service.

If you would like to take part or hear more about the research, please get in contact with Ms Caitlín Campbell via email at campbell-c118@ulster.ac.uk.

Projects seeking patient input to help shape the study

Patient & public event on AI and eye care

Description of the project:

Do you or someone you know have experience of eye disease, like glaucoma? Please take part in an event on 18 September 2026 about research, led by Newcastle and Durham University, in collaboration with Newcastle RVI hospital and Sunderland eye hospital, using AI to diagnose eye and brain disease from eye images.

Who is eligible to take part?

Anyone with an eye disease or family history of eye disease, including glaucoma and suspect glaucoma.

Where and how will the research take place?

The event will take place in person on 18 September 2026, from 10.00am – 12.00pm at Newcastle City Library, 33 New Bridge Street West, NE1 8AX. Speakers include Dr Anya Hurlbert, Professor of Visual Neuroscience at Newcastle University; Dr Rahele Kafieh, Assistant Professor in Bioengineering at Durham University and Dr Salman Sadiq, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Newcastle RVI Hospital.

Patient and public involvement and engagement: Understanding why some people get glaucoma detection later than others – Help us shape our study

Description of the project:

Glaucoma is usually detected by chance during routine eye tests performed by optometrists. While many patients with suspected glaucoma are initially detected and referred for specialist care at an appropriate stage, a significant number of people, especially those living in deprived areas, are diagnosed with glaucoma at a late stage, when significant damage has already occurred. We are conducting a research study to understand the reasons for delayed glaucoma detection and the practical and social factors that may affect early detection and referral. We hope the findings of this study help eye care professionals and policymakers improve current care and early detection of glaucoma and ensure equal access to care for everyone. We are seeking adults living with glaucoma to join our research team as part of patient and public involvement and help us shape this study. We would value your help and advice on the questions we plan to ask people in future interviews and on patient information.

Who is eligible to take part?

We are looking for individuals aged 18 or older who live with glaucoma to join us as pre-study patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) contributors, rather than as research participants, to help us shape the study. We encourage people with all types of glaucoma at any stage of the condition, from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds, to get involved if they are interested in sharing their views and able to communicate with the research team. You do not need prior research experience or knowledge to get involved.

Where and how will the research take place?

The discussion will take place remotely via Microsoft Teams, so you can join us from anywhere using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It can also be conducted by telephone if you prefer. We expect the discussion to last about 40 minutes. We will send you the documents we would like your feedback on in advance, giving you enough time to review them before the discussion. These include the interview questions, the patient information sheet, and the consent form. If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, please contact our research team at hanan.alqahtani@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk. We would be happy to provide additional information, answer any questions you may have, and arrange the discussion.

Shape the Future of Eye Care

Description of the project:

Eye conditions such as cataract, glaucoma and age‑related macular degeneration are among the leading causes of vision loss in the UK. We are developing better ways to detect and manage these conditions using NHS data and new technologies, and we want to ensure this work is shaped by the people it aims to help. We are looking for adults of all ages to join our team and share their views. By getting involved, you will help influence how NHS data and technology are used to improve eye care, diagnosis, and treatment in the future.

Who is eligible to take part?

Anyone with an interest in eye health – whether you have lived experience yourself or support someone who does.

Where and how will the research take place?

This will take place in Bristol via an in-person one day workshop for a minimum of 8 hours. To show an interest, please contact the University of Bristol by emailing mme-study@bristol.ac.uk.

Patient and public involvement and engagement: Shaping a study on personal data and glaucoma treatment decisions

Description of the project:

We are looking for people with glaucoma to help us design a future research study. We want to understand what information people would be comfortable sharing in a computer program that could help doctors and patients choose the most appropriate glaucoma treatment. This is a patient and public involvement (PPIE) activity, not a research study. We are seeking your views to improve the design of future research, including which types of personal information should be considered, how information should be accessed and used, and what treatment information patients would find most helpful when making decisions. Participants will take part in a small online group discussion lasting around 60–90 minutes. We are interested in hearing a range of experiences and opinions. There are no right or wrong answers, and you do not need any technical knowledge to take part.

Who is eligible to take part?

We are looking for adults (aged 18 years or over) who have been diagnosed with glaucoma. We welcome people with all types of glaucoma. In particular, we are keen to include at least one discussion group specifically for people with primary angle-closure glaucoma (or other forms of angle-closure glaucoma), as their experiences may differ from those with other glaucoma types. No previous research experience is required.

Where and how will the research take place?

The discussions will take place online via Microsoft Teams (or Zoom), so you can join from home using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Each session will last approximately 60-90 minutes. If you are interested in taking part, please contact the research team to register your interest: bethany.higgins.2@city.ac.uk. We will then provide further information about the discussion group, available dates, and how to join.

Can’t find a research project to get involved in?

Our newsletter

Hear more from Glaucoma UK by signing up to our email newsletter, Focus, to receive updates about new research projects.

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Explore the NIHR

You can also explore the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR)’s Be Part of Research website which lists the vast majority of clinical trials and other big health and social care research projects across the UK. There are options to search for research based on the condition and/or location, and sign up to hear more.

Learn more

Local hospital research

You might be able to take part in other research through your local hospital. You could find out more by visiting the clinic or hospital’s website, or asking someone at your next appointment. Some of the larger eye hospitals such as Moorfields have their own portals to sign up to take part in research.

Find out more

Research FAQs

No, it is always voluntary to take part in any research.

Sometimes. Most of the projects listed above are completely independent of Glaucoma UK, and we have no control over the scope of the project. Where the project is funded by Glaucoma UK, we have made this clear.

We only promote projects where the researcher has demonstrated they have obtained ethical approval, or if ethical approval is not needed.

The lead researcher or another point of contact is provided for each project. Please contact the researcher directly if you would like to know more.

List your project here 

If you are recruiting people for your research into glaucoma, vision or a related topic, you can list your project here. Please complete this form and we will get back to you as soon as we can. If you have any questions, email research@glaucoma.uk.

If approved, your request will be published on our website within two weeks, inclusion in our relevant newsletter will need up to an 8-week lead time. We will also endeavour to post opportunities on our social media channels as appropriate.

Research into visual impairments  

Please note, although glaucoma is a sight-threatening disease, most people with glaucoma experience good sight for life. If you are a researcher looking at experiences of people with visual impairments, we are happy to share your project. However, you might not receive that many responses.  

Help us fund more cutting-edge research 

Can you help us fund more glaucoma research? We are entirely reliant on the generosity of our supporters, and receive no government funding. Please consider donating to help us change the outlook for people with glaucoma and make glaucoma sight loss a thing of the past.

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