Improving diabetic eye care with imaging and health data
Health Evaluation and Access to Leverage Technology for Improved DR Outcomes (HEAL-DR)
This project uses eye scans and health records to better find and predict sight‑threatening diabetic eye disease in adults with diabetes, especially people at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11381229 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have diabetes, this project combines eye imaging (OCT, fundus photos, angiography) with clinical measures like hemoglobin A1c and blood pressure plus social and health determinants to build better predictions of who will develop vision‑threatening diabetic retinopathy. Researchers will analyze clinical images and electronic health data from academic medical centers and focus recruitment on groups underrepresented in past trials. The team will pay special attention to central macular thickness and disease stage alongside health factors to refine who needs earlier screening or treatment. Findings will be used to help shape screening and follow‑up guidelines so higher‑risk patients get timely care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (18 years and older) with diabetes or existing diabetic retinopathy, particularly those receiving care at academic medical centers or who are from groups at higher risk, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without diabetes, children under 18, or individuals with long‑standing irreversible vision loss are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help detect dangerous diabetic eye disease earlier and target screening and treatment to people most likely to lose vision.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show imaging and clinical measures can predict progression of diabetic retinopathy, but combining large imaging datasets with social and health determinants to improve screening for high‑risk groups is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: French, Dustin D. — Northwestern University
- 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 below.