Using telemedicine to improve glaucoma screening and care in underserved 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-11025059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $750,000 |
| NIH project number | 1U01DP006826-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11025059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from minority backgrounds or those with lower incomes who are at higher risk for glaucoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to Federally Qualified Health Centers or those who are not at risk for glaucoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance glaucoma screening and treatment for underserved populations by utilizing telemedicine. It focuses on Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) where eye doctors will use advanced technology to review ophthalmic data collected by local technicians. This approach allows for better identification and management of glaucoma in high-risk communities, particularly among minority and low-income individuals. The study will evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these telemedicine protocols in improving patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of glaucoma, significantly reducing visual impairment in high-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that telemedicine can effectively improve screening rates for glaucoma and other eye diseases in underserved communities.
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.
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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.
-
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.
-
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.