Expansion of a genetic and data repository for rare eye diseases

National Ophthalmic Genotyping and Phenotyping Network, Stage 3 - Expansion of DNA and Data Repositories for Rare Inherited Ophthalmic Diseases

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT06491615

This study is collecting genetic and health information from people with rare eye diseases like Aniridia and Best disease, along with their family members, to help improve understanding and treatment options for these conditions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations2 sites (Bethesda, Maryland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06491615 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The eyeGENE program aims to collect genetic and phenotypic data from individuals with inherited eye diseases to enhance understanding and treatment options. This observational study will expand the existing data repository by recruiting participants with specific eye conditions, including Aniridia and Best disease, as well as their close relatives. The study will also facilitate the establishment of genotype-phenotype correlations and improve recruitment for future clinical trials. By gathering DNA samples and clinical information, researchers hope to advance the field of inherited ophthalmic diseases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with specific inherited eye conditions or their close relatives.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of the specified eye diseases or those unable to provide a saliva sample may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients with rare inherited eye diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on genetic data collection for rare diseases have shown promise, indicating that this approach could be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

The participant must present with characteristics consistent with one of the following diagnoses:

* Aniridia
* Best disease
* Blue-cone monochromacy
* Corneal dystrophy
* Other hypopigmentation disorder affecting vision (e.g., Oculocutaneous and ocular albinism, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, Chediak-Higashi syndrome)

OR

The participant must be a direct, close relative of an affected participant.

OR

A participant who also participated in the eyeGENE Stage 1 protocol who may benefit from further genetic testing.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

* Those with impaired decision-making capability who do not have a legally-authorized representative.
* Those unable to provide a saliva sample OR have any disease or condition that makes it unsafe for a subject to provide a suitable blood sample of at least 5 mL to yield more than 50 micrograms of DNA.

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in the optional retinal imaging:

* Those with a history of epilepsy.
* Children under the age of 18.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Inherited Ophthalmic DiseasesHypopigmentation DisorderCorneal DystrophyBlue-cone MonochromacyBest DiseaseAniridiaAlbinismeyeGENE
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.