MI-SIGHT: Telemedicine Screening and Care for Glaucoma in High-Risk Communities
Official title: DP24-081 Michigan Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and Eye Health through Telemedicine (MI-SIGHT) Program: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11358975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pragmatic telemedicine trial tests whether using digital eye data reviewed by local eye doctors at community clinics can better screen for glaucoma and get people into care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $750,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DP006826-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults receiving care at Federally Qualified Health Centers who are at high risk for glaucoma and may benefit from telemedicine-based screening and triage.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with no access barriers to standard eye care or those not at elevated risk may see limited or no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This program tests a telemedicine approach in Federally Qualified Health Centers to screen high-risk populations for glaucoma using data collected by local technicians and reviewed by eye doctors on a telemedicine platform. If a patient screens positive, they are triaged to in-person care, a brief wellness visit, or a more detailed follow-up, all within a community setting. The goal is to increase diagnosis rates and connect patients to timely treatment in populations disproportionately affected by vision loss. The study is designed to be pragmatic and cost-conscious to reflect real-world clinic workflows and resource constraints.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to earlier glaucoma detection and better access to care for underserved communities, potentially reducing vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Prior telemedicine approaches in high-risk populations have shown improved screening rates and access to care in similar settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newman-Casey, Paula Anne — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Newman-Casey, Paula Anne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Michigan Eye Health Screening with Telemedicine
This project aims to help more people, especially those from minority groups and with lower incomes, get screened for glaucoma and other eye conditions using telemedicine at local health centers.
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Using telemedicine to improve glaucoma screening and care in underserved communities
This study is looking to improve glaucoma care for people in underserved communities by using telemedicine, where eye doctors can check eye health data collected by local technicians, making it easier for those at higher risk, especially in minority and low-income groups, to get the help they need.
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IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk
This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.
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Improving after-hours pediatric care with a telemedicine and medicine-delivery tool using smart technology
A pediatric telemedicine and medication delivery service is being improved with smart tools to help kids get quick after-hours care, especially when a clinic is closed.
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Comparing tube positions in glaucoma implants to protect corneal cells
This trial compares two tube placements for glaucoma drainage implants to see which better protects corneal cells and controls eye pressure in people with uncontrolled glaucoma.
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Automated topographic test for glaucoma detection and progression
A new automated method uses topographic structure-function mapping to help diagnose glaucoma earlier and track its progression in patients.
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.