Improving transportation access for patients with diabetic retinopathy
Official title: Using implementation science to adapt a targeted transportation intervention for patients with diabetic retinopathy (PRONTO-EYE)
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11010017 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make it easier for people with diabetic retinopathy to get to their eye doctor appointments by improving a ride-share program, so they can keep their vision healthy and avoid preventable blindness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,780 |
| NIH project number | 5K23EY034602-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010017 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with diabetic retinopathy who have Medicaid insurance and face transportation barriers to accessing ophthalmology care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have diabetic retinopathy or those who do not face transportation challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing transportation challenges faced by patients with diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly. The project aims to adapt an existing ride-share program to help patients attend their ophthalmology appointments more consistently. By using implementation science and human-centered design, the team will co-design and pilot test this transportation intervention, known as PRONTO-EYE, specifically for patients with Medicaid insurance. The goal is to enhance appointment adherence and ultimately reduce preventable blindness in underserved communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to eye care for patients with diabetic retinopathy, leading to better health outcomes and reduced vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using transportation interventions to improve healthcare access, making this approach promising for addressing similar challenges.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scanzera, Angelica — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Scanzera, Angelica
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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.