Michigan Eye Health Screening with Telemedicine
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-11176676 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $750,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DP006826-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11176676 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals receiving primary care at participating Federally Qualified Health Centers in Michigan, particularly those from Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American communities, and those with lower incomes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who already receive regular eye care or do not attend participating FQHCs may not directly benefit from this specific screening program.
What this research studies
Many people with glaucoma don't know they have it, especially those in underserved communities. This project will bring eye health screenings directly to local Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) where patients already receive primary care. Instead of traveling to a university hospital, patients will have digital eye data captured by local technicians. Eye doctors at the FQHCs will then use telemedicine to review this data and guide patients to the right follow-up care, making it easier to get diagnosed and treated early.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and other eye diseases for high-risk populations, preventing vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Telemedicine protocols have shown success in identifying eye diseases in high-risk communities when managed by academic medical centers, and this project adapts that approach for local health centers.
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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MI-SIGHT: Telemedicine Screening and Care for Glaucoma in High-Risk Communities
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.