Examining healthcare disparities in eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma
Official title: Health Disparities in Utilization, Quality, and Outcomes for Three Common Ocular Conditions (HealthDOC)
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11046528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how things like income, education, and where you live can impact the quality and availability of eye care for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, with the goal of finding ways to make sure everyone gets the care they need, no matter their background.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $459,090 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034444-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds who are experiencing cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any of the targeted ocular conditions or those who are not from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social determinants of health affect the quality and accessibility of care for common eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. By analyzing data from electronic health records, the study aims to identify disparities in treatment and outcomes among different racial and ethnic groups. The approach includes evaluating existing healthcare quality measures and their effectiveness in addressing these disparities. Patients may benefit from improved understanding and potential changes in healthcare practices that promote equitable access to eye care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare practices that ensure all patients receive equitable treatment for eye conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing healthcare disparities can lead to improved patient outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: French, Dustin D. — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: French, Dustin D.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.