Identifying patients for cone optogenetics vision restoration

Qualification for Cone-Optogenetics (EyeConic)

Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel · NCT05294978

This study is trying to find out how many people with inherited vision problems have cone cells that could be revived to help restore their sight, using special eye imaging techniques.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorInstitute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (other)
Locations9 sites (San Francisco, California and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05294978 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to prepare for the first-in-human clinical trial of cone optogenetics for vision restoration in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies. It focuses on identifying eligible patients by estimating the proportion of low vision patients who have dormant, non-functional cone cells that can potentially be resensitized. The study utilizes optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the retinal structure of participants. By conducting this multicenter ocular imaging study, researchers hope to gather critical data for future therapeutic interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with generalized inherited retinal dystrophies who have low vision.

Not a fit: Patients with other significant eye diseases or extraocular conditions affecting retinal structure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to innovative treatments that restore vision in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in estimating the proportion of patients with dormant cones, similar optogenetic strategies have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (patients):

* Diagnosis of generalized IRD
* Low vision as defined as visual acuity worse or equal to 0.05 (or 20/400) in the study eye
* Availability of macular optical coherence tomography (OCT)

Inclusion Criteria (controls):

* Normal ophthalmic findings
* Availability of macular optical coherence tomography (OCT)

Exclusion Criteria (all):

* Other eye diseases with a significant effect on vision or retinal structure
* Extraocular disease affecting retinal structure such as neurodegenerative diseases

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California and 8 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Retinal Dystrophies, Cone-Optogenetics, Rod-cone Dystrophy, Cone-rod Dystrophy, Generalized retinal dystrophies, Inherited retinal disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.