Care and outcomes for cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease

Health Differences in Utilization, Quality, and Outcomes for Three Common Ocular Conditions (HealthDOC)

NIH-funded research Northwestern University · NIH-11307066

This project compares care, quality scores, and health outcomes for people with cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease using linked electronic health records.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11307066 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project uses linked electronic health records from multiple health systems to see how care and outcomes differ for people with cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. Researchers will measure how care matches National Quality Forum (NQF) quality measures and clinically meaningful vision outcomes while looking at disease severity and other health conditions. The study uses the SOURCE database to combine clinical details typically not available in claims alone and to examine how social and health-related factors influence results. Findings aim to show where quality improvement could reduce vision loss and health disparities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with cataract, glaucoma, or diabetic eye disease whose care is documented in participating health systems' electronic records, especially those with diverse insurance and demographic backgrounds.

Not a fit: People without these eye conditions, those whose care is not recorded in the linked systems, or those seeking individual clinical treatment rather than contributing data are unlikely to benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal care gaps and guide changes to improve vision outcomes and reduce disparities in eye care.

How similar studies have performed: Health-services research using quality measures has improved care in other areas, but applying NQF ophthalmology measures across linked electronic records for these three eye diseases is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.